The sorptivity and durability of gelling fibre dressings tested in a simulated sacral pressure ulcer system

Abstract

Wound-dressing performances are affected by exudate viscosity, resistance to flow because of gravity, and bodyweight loads, the level of which is related to the body position. Here, we focussed on two dressing properties: (a) Sorptivity-the ability of dressings to transfer exudate away from the wound bed by capillary action-and (b) Durability-the capacity of dressings to maintain their integrity over time and during their removal. Both properties are critically important for avoiding further tissue damage but require the development of new laboratory tests for their measurement. A computer-controlled phantom of an exuding sacral pressure ulcer has therefore been developed and used to compare..