Comparative evaluation of the functional properties of superabsorbent dressings and their effect on exudate management.

A range of wound dressings currently available in the UK and elsewhere, each claiming to possess different performance characteristics, can make dressing selection difficult. This report concentrates on the superabsorbent polymer dressings (SAPs) - which are designed to absorb medium to high levels of exudate and to maintain an 'ideal moist wound healing environment'. What do these dressings achieve, what are they suitable/not suitable for, and are all super-absorbent dressings equal in terms of performance and quality? When assessing the key performance characteristics of absorbency, moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR), strikethrough and structural integrity, results show that SAPs are not all the same-in fact each of them varies considerably and may lend themselves to different wound aetiologies and usage conditions. While performance data is often presented from non-standard tests or modifications, it is proposed that to provide clarity over dressing selection, all SAPs were measured using International Standards for the key performance characteristics. This will aid clinical staff in selecting the most appropriate dressing for each wound.