The application of foam dressings.

Foam dressings are used for their absorbency and ability to conform to a wound. The way they handle fluid varies between brands. Simple foam dressings allow fluid to pass straight through while maintaining non-adherent contact with the wound. Other foams absorb fluid within the structure of the dressing and have horizontal wicking which spreads the fluid throughout the dressing, allowing greater absorbency (Thomas, 1990).