| Product Name: | Mepilex Heel |
| Classification Name: | Soft silicone faced polyurethane foam dressing |
| Manufacturer: | Mölnlycke Health Care |
Mepilex Heel is an absorbent, atraumatic dressing made from polyurethane foam that is shaped like two ovals joined side by side at one edge along their longer axis. The outer surface of the foam is bonded to a vapour-permeable polyurethane membrane, which acts as a barrier to liquid and microorganisms. The membrane, which has a wrinkled appearance, is applied in this way to accommodate the slight swelling that occurs as the dressing absorbs exudate. The wound contact surface of Mepilex is coated with a layer of soft silicone that does not stick to the surface of a wound or cause trauma to delicate new tissue upon removal.
This soft silicone layer is also slightly tacky, which facilitates application and retention of the dressing to intact skin, but does not cause epidermal stripping or pain on removal. This gentle adhesion also tends to prevent maceration by inhibiting the lateral movement of exudate from the wound on to the surrounding skin.
Mepilex Heel is designed specifically for dressing awkward areas such as the heel or elbow in the treatment of pressure ulcers or traumatic wounds resulting in skin loss. The dressing absorbs exudate and maintains a moist wound-healing environment whilst minimising the risk of maceration.
The manufacturers have identified no absolute contra-indications to the use of Mepilex Heel.
The wound contact surface of the dressing is protected by a divided plastic film that must be removed before use. If clinically indicated, the wound should be cleaned and the surrounding skin thoroughly dried. If required Mepilex Heel may be further cut or shaped before removal of the protective film. Once in position the dressing may be held in place with a bandage or other suitable retention aid. Additional absorbent pads are not usually required, as the plastic membrane on the outer surface of the dressing will prevent the passage of exudate from the Mepilex to the secondary absorbent layer.
The interval between changes will normally be determined by the degree of exudate produced but the dressing may be left undisturbed for several days on clean lightly exuding wounds.
The presence of clinical infection does not preclude the use of Mepilex Heel provided that appropriate antimicrobial therapy is also provided. Sloughy wounds dressed with Mepilex Heel may initially appear to increase in size due to autolytic debridement promoted by the moist conditions produced beneath the dressing. This is normal and to be expected. Mepilex Heel should be stored in dry conditions below 35°C (95F).
Mepilex Heel is supplied individually wrapped in paper/plastic laminated peel pouches, sterilised by ethylene oxide.
Mepilex Heel is available in a single size of 13 x 20 cm.
Dykes, P. J., Heggie, R., Hill, S. A. Effects of adhesive dressings on the stratum corneum of the skin. J. Wound Care 2001; 10(2): 7-10.
Further information on obtaining Mölnlycke Health Care
products is available on the
Mölnlycke Health Care
web site.
| Revision Author | Dr S. Thomas |
| Revision No | 1.1 |
| Revision date | 2009/05/21 |
This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.