Why Non-Adhesive Foam Dressings for Fragile Skin

Wounds surrounded by fragile, compromised, or damaged skin pose a significant challenge: the wound requires high-absorbency dressing to manage exudate, yet adhesive borders cause pain, skin tears, or further damage during removal. Elderly patients, those on steroids or anticoagulants, radiation therapy recipients, and individuals with epidermolysis bullosa or other skin fragility conditions cannot tolerate adhesive trauma. Non-adhesive foam dressings solve this dilemma by providing robust absorption capacity without any adhesive contact with skin—the foam pad sits directly on the wound and surrounding area, held in place by secondary fixation like bandages, netting, or foam wraps. The high-capacity polyurethane foam absorbs and locks in moderate to heavy exudate, wicking fluid away from the wound bed to prevent maceration while the breathable backing prevents external moisture contamination. For wounds requiring frequent assessment, fragile skin conditions, or situations where adhesive use is contraindicated, non-adhesive foam provides maximum absorption with minimal trauma.

Key Features

• 6″ × 6″ size: large coverage for extensive wounds or generous overlap
• Non-adhesive design: no adhesive contact with skin—ideal for fragile or damaged peri-wound areas
• High absorbency: handles moderate to heavy exudate effectively
• Polyurethane foam core: vertical wicking draws exudate away from wound bed
• Water-repellent outer backing: breathable film protects against external moisture
• Wound contact layer: allows exudate migration while reducing pooling
• Edge design: helps contain fluid and minimize peri-wound maceration
• Moist wound environment: maintains optimal humidity for healing
• Suitable for deep wounds: effective in undermined wounds or sinus tracts
• Latex-free construction: safe for latex-sensitive patients
• Sterile single-use: individually packaged for infection control

Benefits

• Manages high exudate volumes in deeper or larger wounds effectively
• Eliminates adhesive trauma on removal—critical for fragile skin
• Large size reduces dressing change frequency, saving time and materials
• Protects peri-wound skin from maceration with excellent fluid handling
• Versatile fixation options accommodate various anatomical sites
• Suitable for frequent dressing changes without skin damage
• Cost-effective for moderate-to-heavy exudate management

Clinical Applications

✓ Fragile skin wounds: elderly patients, steroid users, radiation therapy recipients
✓ Leg ulcers: venous, arterial, or mixed etiology with moderate-to-heavy drainage
✓ Pressure injuries: Stage III-IV pressure ulcers with significant exudate
✓ Diabetic foot ulcers: deep wounds with moderate-to-heavy drainage
✓ Post-operative wounds: surgical sites with high exudate output
✓ Donor sites: skin graft harvest areas with heavy drainage
✓ Traumatic wounds: lacerations, abrasions with significant exudate
✓ Undermined wounds: cavities or sinus tracts requiring packing or filling
✓ Frequent dressing changes: wounds requiring daily assessment without skin trauma

Usage & Application

For healthcare professionals and trained caregivers managing moderate-to-heavy exudate wounds with fragile peri-wound skin or when adhesive use is contraindicated.

Wound assessment: Biatain Non-Adhesive Foam is designed for wounds with moderate to heavy exudate. For wounds with light drainage, consider a thinner foam or other low-absorbency dressing.

To apply:

1. Cleanse the wound per facility protocol using appropriate wound cleanser
2. Pat peri-wound skin completely dry
3. Assess wound size and select dressing size that provides at least 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) overlap of intact skin on all sides
4. Remove the dressing from sterile packaging
5. For standard application:
   • Place the foam pad directly over the wound with the foam side facing the wound bed
   • Ensure the water-repellent backing (outer layer) faces away from the wound
   • Do not stretch or apply tension to the dressing
   • Ensure adequate overlap onto intact peri-wound skin
6. For deep wounds, undermining, or cavities:
   • The non-adhesive foam can be gently tucked into cavities or undermined areas
   • Avoid overpacking—foam should fill space loosely without excessive pressure
7. Secure with secondary fixation (required—dressing has no adhesive):
   • Elastic bandage or gauze wrap
   • Tubular retention netting
   • Foam fixation tape around dressing edges
   • Self-adherent wraps
   • Choose fixation method appropriate for anatomical site and patient mobility

Wear time and monitoring:

• Inspect dressing regularly through bandage or fixation if possible
• Change dressing when:
  • Exudate is visible at dressing edges (indicates saturation)
  • Leakage or strike-through occurs
  • Secondary fixation fails
  • Dressing becomes soiled from external sources
  • Per routine dressing change schedule (typically every 3-7 days depending on exudate level)
• Moderate exudate wounds: change every 3-5 days typically
• Heavy exudate wounds: may require daily or every-other-day changes initially
• Do not leave in place longer than 7 days even if not saturated

To remove:

1. Remove secondary fixation (bandage, wrap, or tape)
2. Gently lift the foam pad from the wound
3. Because there is no adhesive, removal should be pain-free and atraumatic
4. If foam has adhered to wound bed due to dried exudate, moisten gently with saline before removal
5. Cleanse wound and surrounding skin as needed

Secondary fixation considerations:

• Limbs: Elastic bandages or tubular netting work well
• Trunk/torso: Medical tape around dressing perimeter or self-adherent wraps
• Irregular surfaces: Foam fixation tapes conform better than rigid tape
• Mobile patients: Ensure fixation is secure but not constrictive
• Fragile skin: Use silicone-based tapes on skin or secure fixation to dressing only

Important notes:

• This dressing REQUIRES secondary fixation—it will not stay in place on its own
• Monitor peri-wound skin for maceration—if present, change dressing more frequently
• Not suitable for dry wounds or wounds with minimal exudate
• Not for use on third-degree burns or wounds with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle without appropriate cover
• Can be used under compression therapy for venous leg ulcers

Technical Specifications

• Product type: Non-adhesive foam dressing
• Overall size: 6 inches × 6 inches (15 cm × 15 cm)
• Thickness: Standard foam profile (approximately 5-7 mm)
• Exudate level: Moderate to heavy exudate management
• Foam type: Polyurethane foam with vertical wicking properties
• Absorbency: High capacity—locks exudate within foam structure
• Adhesive: None—requires secondary fixation
• Backing: Water-repellent, breathable polyurethane film
• Moisture vapor transmission: High breathability while repelling external water
• Wound contact layer: Open-cell foam allows exudate migration
• Edge design: Fluid containment to reduce maceration risk
• Flexibility: Conforms to body contours and anatomical irregularities
• Suitable for: Undermined wounds, cavities, deep wounds, sinus tracts
• Latex status: Not made with natural rubber latex
• Sterility: Sterile, single-use
• Packaging: Individually wrapped in sterile pouches
• Recommended wear time: Up to 7 days depending on exudate level
• Brand: Biatain (Coloplast)