General Information
Technical Information
Clinical Information
Handling Information
General Information
What is Mepilex Lite?
Mepilex Lite is an absorbent soft silicone dressing. It consists of:
- a soft silicone wound-contact layer (Safetac®)
- a thin flexible absorbent pad of polyurethane foam and
- an outer film which is vapor permeable and waterproof.
When is Mepilex Lite indicated?
Mepilex Lite is designed for the management of a wide range of non to low exuding wounds, such as leg and foot ulcers, radiation skin reactions, pressure ulcers, partial thickness burns and Epidermolysis Bullosa. Mepilex Lite can also be used as protection of compromised and/or fragile skin.
How does Mepilex Lite work?
Mepilex Lite is a highly conformable dressing that absorbs exudate and maintains a moist wound environment. The Safetac layer seals around the wound edges, preventing the exudate from leaking onto the surrounding skin, thus minimizing the risk for maceration. The Safetac layer ensures atraumatic removals. Mepilex Lite can be cut to suit various wound shapes and locations. Mepilex Lite can be used under compression bandaging. Mepilex Lite can be used in combination with gels.
Technical Information
How can Mepilex Lite be lifted and adjusted without loss of adherent properties?
Mepilex Lite features Safetac® technology. Safetac is a patented soft silicone adhesive technology. The soft silicone moves into the uneven area of the skin and adheres over a large area on the skin. On removal, no stripping of epidermal cells occurs. The soft silicone layer is therefore intact and still adherent. This in contrast to dressings with “traditional adhesives” where epidermal cells are being stripped of on removal blocks the adhesiveness.
Are there any sensitizing compounds in Mepilex Lite?
Silicone is chemically inert and adverse effects are very rare.
How should Mepilex Lite be stored?
Mepilex Lite should be stored in dry conditions below 95°F (35°C).
What happens if Mepilex Lite is stored above 95°F (35°C)?
It becomes slightly yellow after a while. The discoloration will not affect the dressing’s properties.
Does Mepilex Lite influence the wound pH?
Mepilex Lite is neutral and is assumed not to change the pH of the wound.
Does ozone depleting compounds exist in the foam manufacturing process?
No.
Should Mepilex Lite be used together with oxidizing agents?
Do not use Mepilex Lite together with oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite solutions or hydrogen peroxide.
Why does Mepilex Lite have a wrinkled film backing?
The film backing is intentionally wrinkled to increase both flexibility and evaporation area.
Clinical Information
Does Mepilex Lite clean the wound?
No, it does not contain any active cleansing agents. It does however absorb a small amount of exudate and act as cleansing in that way.
Can Mepilex Lite be used on infected wounds?
Yes, but always under supervision of a health care professional and if appropriate infection treatment is initiated.
Is there a risk that Mepilex Lite dries out the wound?
No, once the foam has started to absorb it takes a long time for it to dry out. The backing film also supports to keep the wound moist.
Will Mepilex Lite cause any wound maceration?
Mepilex Lite minimizes the risk of maceration as the Safetac layer seals around the wound, forcing the exudate to pass into the dressing and thereby preventing the exudate from leaking onto the surrounding skin. However, if Mepilex Lite is left on a wound with a high exudate level for a longer period of time there might be maceration issues.
Can Mepilex Lite be used on dry wounds?
Yes, depending on the condition of the wound bed. It should then be used in combination with a gel.
Does Mepilex Lite work in combination with gels?
Yes.
How does Mepilex Lite perform under compression bandages?
Mepilex Lite can be used in combination with compression bandages. The product absorbs exudate into a secondary absorbent dressing when 40 mm Hg is applied.
Can Mepilex Lite be used on deep wounds?
If a wound filler is used in the cavity, Mepilex Lite can be used on top of that.
Can Mepilex Lite be used on black wounds?
Yes, but only as a passive protection layer. There are other dressings more suitable for black wounds.
Is Mepilex Lite bacteria proof?
Mepilex Lite is semi occlusive. The backing film is impermeable for microorganisms, however, the edges of the dressing are unprotected.
Is Mepilex Lite viral proof?
No. See answer above.
Handling Information
When should Mepilex Lite be changed?
According to wound status and clinical practice.
How do you remove Mepilex Lite?
Lift one corner and peel back the dressing along the surface of the dressing (roll it off).
Why should you remove Mepilex Lite slowly?
This is the nature of soft silicone. The more slowly you peel off the dressing, the less force is required.
Is Mepilex Lite shower proof?
No, because the edges are not sealed. However, the backing film is waterproof.
Can Mepilex Lite be cut to size?
Yes, as Mepilex Lite is borderless, the product can be cut to size.
How is Mepilex Lite fixated?
Again, this depends on the wounds status and body site. Tapes, bandages and retention garments can be used.
How much does Mepilex Lite absorb?
See lab tests.