General Information
Technical Information
Medical Information
Handling Information
General Information
What is Mepilex?
Mepilex is an absorbent soft silicone dressing. It consists of a flexible and absorbent polyurethane foam pad coated with a Safetac silicone contact layer and a vapor-permeable polyurethane film backing. The Safetac layer is covered with a polyethylene release film.
When is Mepilex indicated?
Mepilex is designed for a wide range of exuding shallow wounds such as leg and foot ulcers.
Mepilex can be used under compression bandages.
How does Mepilex work?
Mepilex absorbs excess exudate through the porous hydrophobic Safetac layer into the foam, keeping the exudate away from the sensitive peri-wound area. At the same time the foam and the film backing provides a moist environment with minimal risk for the wound to dry out. Thanks to Safetac technology, Mepilex can be lifted without losing its micro-adherent properties.
What are the benefits of Mepilex?
- no damage of vital tissues
- no pain at dressing change
- no residues of adhesive
- ease of handling
- comfort to the patient
How does Mepilex perform under compression bandages?
Mepilex can be used in combination with compression bandages though absorption capacity decreases when a 40 mm Hg pressure is applied. However, Mepilex has slightly better absorption capacity than Allevyn both at 0 mm Hg and at 40 mm Hg when measured after 24 hrs. Mepilex has better absorption capacity than DuoDerm both at 0 mm Hg and at 40 mm Hg when measured after 24 hrs.
Technical Information
How can Mepilex be lifted and adjusted without loss of adherent properties?
When a tape with a common pressure sensitive adhesive is removed, a few cell layers are removed from the skin. These skin cells cover the adhesive, which therefore is no longer adherent. Silicone adheres gently without removing any skin layers. The silicone layer is therefore intact and still adherent even after removal.
How should Mepilex be stored?
Mepilex should be stored in dry conditions below 95°F (35°C). If exposed to direct sunlight, Mepilex may discolor, although this will not adversely affect the dressing.
What happens if Mepilex is stored above 95°F (35°C)?
Nothing more than that it becomes slightly yellow after a while. This discoloration is harmless and does not affect the performance of the product.
Does anything happen when the product is aged?
There might be a slight decrease in adhesion to the peri wound skin. It turns slightly yellow. No other changes are expected.
Does Mepilex influence the wound pH?
Mepilex is neutral and is assumed not to change to wound pH.
Does Mepilex cause any bad smell?
No.
Do ozone depleting compounds exist in the foam manufacturing process?
No.
Does gravitation have any effect on the absorption performance?
Yes, to some extent. Mepilex could be positioned "off-center," slightly below the wound to compensate for gravitational effects.
Can Mepilex be sterilized by steam?
No.
Why does Mepilex have a wrinkled film backing?
The film backing is intentionally wrinkled to increase both flexibility and evaporation area.
Should Mepilex be used together with oxidizing agents?
No (hypochlorite solutions and hydrogen peroxide are examples of oxidizing agents).
Is the film backing waterproof?
No.
Medical Information
Does local trauma affect the healing rate of chronic wounds?
Yes, trauma to the wound means a high risk of disrupting newly formed tissue.
Does local pain decrease healing rate in a chronic wound?
Yes, pain results in increased production of catecholamines and cortisol. An increase of catecholamines leads to vasoconstriction of the small arterioles. Cortisol increases catabolism, which leads to the breakdown of vital nutrients that are needed by the cells during the wound healing.
Does Mepilex clean the wound?
No.
Should Mepilex be used on infected wounds?
Not without consulting a health care professional.
Does the exudate level change when changing from one dressing regimen to another?
It sometimes happens that the exudate level increases when treatment regimen is changed. This should however probably in most cases be regarded as something positive as it could be a sign of a start of a cleaning up process.
Is there a risk that the wound dries out?
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 cause any wound maceration?
No, normally not if Mepilex is changed in time before it is saturated.
When is Mepilex contraindicated?
A lot of case studies have been performed on a variety of wounds and indications. No contraindications have been discovered.
Does the wound seem to become bigger in the initial treatment phase?
Not normally; this depends on the healing stage the wound.
Is Mepilex recommended on arterial leg ulcers?
We have positive clinical experience though some care givers in some situations want to avoid occlusive treatment on this type of wound.
Handling Information
When should Mepilex be changed?
Mepilex may be left in place for up to 7 days, but should be changed before saturation or else as indicated by accepted clinical practice.
How should heavily exuding wounds be treated when leakage occur?
Change Mepilex more frequently.
If more frequent changes does not seem to be cost effective, change treatment to Mepilex Border or Mepitel plus absorptive dressing.
Is Mepilex shower proof?
No.
Can Mepilex be cut to the wound size?
Mepilex is intended to cover and protect both the wound and the peri-wound skin (with an overlap of at least 2 cm). If needed Mepilex can be cut to size with sterile scissors. Cut before removal of the release film.
How is Mepilex secured in place?
When necessary, secure Mepilex with Tubifast, Tubigrip, Mefix, Mepitac, or another fixation.
Depending on the wound location, Mepilex could also be supported by socks, stockings etc.
Will Mepilex work together with the 4-layer system?
Yes. Case studies have been performed with 4-layer system.
Should Mepilex be placed "off-center" on the wound to compensate for gravitational effects?
Especially if the patient is mobile, positioning Mepilex slightly below the center of the wound could avoid leakage.
Could zinc-oxide paste be avoided when using Mepilex?
Yes, but it can be used around wound edges if there is a great deal of macerated tissue.