PolyMem Shapes Silver Dressing

How do PolyMem Silver Dressings Work?

• Offer antimicrobial protection: High purity small silver particles are uniformly distributed throughout and bound into the PolyMem formulated membrane for maximum surface area and effectiveness. When PolyMem Shapes silver dressing is used on a wound, moisture and fluids in the wound bed are absorbed into the dressing, releasing silver ions, which protect the dressing from microbial contamination.
• Provide continuous wound bed cleansing: In addition to silver, the PolyMem Silver membrane contains a clinically proven nonionic, nontoxic, tissue-friendly cleansing agent that helps loosen necrotic tissue, slough, and other debris.
• Offer impressive wound wicking power: The hydrophilic polyurethane membrane matrix, containing a starch copolymer, draws fluid and debris from the wound bed and swells into a non-adherent gel while providing the super absorbance of fluids. As the exudate is being absorbed, the membrane matrix expands to fill and conform to wounds.
• Encourage wound comfort and improved healing: Additionally, glycerol (also known as glycerin) help ensure non-adherence to the wound bed so that the dressing or filler can be removed without disturbing the wound bed. Glycerol also helps control odor while softening the non-viable tissue.
• Provide both a liquid barrier and gas exchange: Except for the cavity filler, the membrane is also covered by a semi-permeable continuous film backing which is optimized for oxygen and moisture vapor permeability and as a barrier to liquids.

How To Use PolyMem Shapes Dressings?

Initial Dressing Application:

1. Prepare the wound according to the protocol or as directed by a physician or other ordering clinician.
2. Select a PolyMem Shapes silver oval dressing for wounds on elbows, knees and other contoured areas. For the sacral area, use PolyMem Shapes silver sacral dressing.
3. Size should be such that the membrane is approximately 1/4" - 2" (0.6 – 5 cm) larger than the wound.
4. Apply the dressing film side out and/or printed side out.
5. The dramatic increase in wound fluid may be observed during the first few days. This is not uncommon and indicates that the dressing is working. Helpful Hint: Outlining the wound size on the outside of the dressing helps in determining when a dressing change is needed.
6. Keep the dressing dry and in place when bathing. Change the dressing if it gets wet.
7. Topical treatments are not recommended in conjunction with PolyMem dressings.

Dressing Change:

1. Change dressings before the wound fluid, visible through the dressing, reaches the wound margin. Change the dressing immediately if the wound fluid reaches the edge of the membrane pad. For mildly exudating wounds in otherwise healthy patients, dressing can be left on for a recommended maximum of seven days. As with other dressings, more frequent changes may be indicated if the patient has a compromised immune system, diabetes, or infection at the wound site.
2. Gently peel the adhesive film toward the center of the dressing.
3. Remove the dressing from the wound site. The PolyMem formulated pad will not adhere to the wound bed, usually assuring pain-free dressing changes.
4. Do not disturb the wound bed. Do not clean the wound bed or flush with saline or water unless the wound is infected or contaminated. PolyMem Shapes silver dressings contain a wound cleanser and leave no residue. Additional cleaning of the wound may injure regenerating tissue and delay wound healing. The intact skin around the wound may be cleansed while leaving the wound bed undisturbed.
5. Apply a new dressing.

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