| Product Name: | Mepilex AG |
| Classification Name: | Soft silicone faced polyurethane foam dressing with silver |
| Manufacturer: | Mölnlycke Health Care |
Mepilex Ag is an absorbent, atraumatic dressing made from polyurethane foam. The outer surface of the foam is bonded to a vapour-permeable polyurethane membrane, which acts as a barrier to liquid and microorganisms including viruses. 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 foam contains a silver salt that provides an antimicrobial action, inactivating pathogens taken up by the dressing. This effect is initially detectable within 30 minutes and lasts for up to 7 days
The wound contact surface of Mepilex Ag 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 Ag is suitable for dressing many types of exuding wounds including leg and pressure ulcers, and traumatic wounds resulting in skin loss. It may also be used under compression bandaging. The dressing absorbs exudate and maintains a moist wound-healing environment whilst minimising the risk of maceration.
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. A dressing should be selected that overlaps the wound margin by at least two centimetres. If required Mepilex Ag may be cut to size or shape 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 Ag 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.
Mepilex Ag should not be used during radiation treatment or examinations, e.g. X-ray, ultrasound, diathermy or magnetic resonance imaging. The dressing should also not be used together with oxidising agents such as hypochlorite solutions or hydrogen peroxide.
Mepilex Ag is supplied individually wrapped in paper/plastic laminated peel pouches, sterilised by ethylene oxide.
1. 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
products is available on the
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| Revision Author | Dr S. Thomas |
| Revision No | 1.2 |
| Revision date | 2009/05/26 |
This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.