The physical effects of an adhesive dressing top layer on burn wound dressings

Three hydrogels were assessed in respect of water-vapour transmission and conformability. These materials were tested alone and as part of a bilaminate dressing which incorporates an adhesive top layer. The adhesive layer used in this study was a compliant adhesive bandage, marketed under the name Mefix. It was observed that this layer reduced the normally high water-vapour transmission rates of the hydrogels to much lower, clinically more acceptable, levels. Mechanically, the Mefix layer protects the underlying hydrogel, prevents tearing and puncturing but decreases conformability by elastic restraint.