Polymem Non-Adhesive Dressings

PolyMem is a sterile, non-adhesive multifunctional polymeric membrane wound dressing designed to combine cleansing, moisture management and absorption within a single dressing.

The dressing consists of a hydrophilic polyurethane membrane containing a mild wound cleanser, glycerin moisturiser and superabsorbent material, with a semi-permeable film backing. Together these components help maintain an appropriately moist wound environment while absorbing excess exudate and supporting autolytic cleansing of the wound.

PolyMem Non-Adhesive can be used as a primary and secondary dressing combined, or as a secondary dressing where clinically appropriate.

Key features:

• Multifunctional polymeric membrane wound dressing
• Non-adhesive
• Hydrophilic polyurethane matrix
• Contains a mild, tissue-friendly wound cleanser
• Contains glycerin moisturiser
• Contains superabsorbent material
• Semi-permeable polyurethane film backing
• Helps cleanse the wound
• Supports autolytic debridement
• Absorbs wound exudate
• Helps maintain an appropriately moist wound environment
• Helps reduce adherence to the wound bed
• Conformable and cushioning
• Can be used as:
  • A primary dressing
  • A secondary dressing
  • A combined primary and secondary dressing
• Can be cut to the required size or shape
• Suitable for a wide range of acute and chronic wounds
• Requires suitable fixation because it has no adhesive border
• Maximum wear time of up to 7 days, depending on exudate and wound condition
• Sterile
• Single use
• Latex-free
• Medical device

How PolyMem works:

PolyMem combines several wound-management functions in one dressing.

Cleansing

The dressing contains a mild wound cleanser that is activated by moisture.

This supports continuous cleansing of the wound bed and may reduce the amount of additional cleansing required during dressing changes.

The cleansing action also supports autolytic debridement, helping loosen and remove non-viable tissue.

Moisture management

PolyMem contains glycerin, which attracts moisture and helps maintain an appropriately moist wound environment.

This can help:

• Prevent the wound bed from becoming excessively dry
• Reduce adherence of the dressing to the wound
• Protect newly forming tissue
• Support comfortable dressing removal

Absorption

Superabsorbent material within the polyurethane membrane absorbs excess wound fluid and draws exudate and non-viable material into the dressing.

The dressing may initially attract an increased amount of wound fluid, particularly during the first few days of treatment.

This can be a normal feature of PolyMem's fluid-management action.

Protection

The semi-permeable film backing:

• Allows moisture vapour transmission
• Helps regulate the wound environment
• Provides a barrier against external contamination
• Helps protect and cushion the wound from further trauma

Suitable wound types include:

Under appropriate clinical supervision, PolyMem Non-Adhesive Dressings may be used for wounds including:

• Pressure ulcers / pressure injuries
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Venous leg ulcers
• Arterial or vascular ulcers where appropriately assessed
• Other leg ulcers
• Skin tears
• Surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
• Donor sites
• Graft sites
• Dermatological wounds
• Superficial and partial-thickness burns
• Other partial- and full-thickness wounds

More complex, chronic or serious wounds should be assessed and managed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.

How to use:

Prepare the wound according to the prescribed wound-care protocol.

1. Clean or prepare the wound as clinically required.
2. Dry the surrounding skin.
3. Select a PolyMem dressing large enough to cover the wound and surrounding affected area.
4. The dressing pad should generally extend approximately 0.6cm to 5cm beyond the wound margins, depending on the wound.
5. If necessary, cut the dressing to the required shape or size.
6. For a dry wound, the dressing may be lightly moistened with sterile water or saline if clinically appropriate.
7. Apply PolyMem with the film side facing outward, so that the printed side is visible.
8. Ensure the membrane is in contact with the wound.
9. Secure the dressing using an appropriate:
   • Medical tape
   • Retention bandage
   • Tubular bandage
   • Netting
   • Other suitable fixation system

Do not apply the dressing under excessive tension.

Dressing changes:

Monitor the dressing regularly.

Wound fluid becomes visible through the upper surface of the dressing as it is absorbed.

Change PolyMem:

• Before exudate reaches the edge of the dressing
• If the dressing becomes saturated
• If significant strike-through occurs
• If the dressing becomes contaminated or displaced
• Whenever clinical assessment indicates
• After a maximum of 7 days

More frequent dressing changes may be required where there is:

• Heavy exudate
• Infection
• Diabetes
• Hypergranulation
• Maceration
• Compromised immunity
• Significant non-viable tissue requiring removal

During the first few days of treatment there may be an increase in wound fluid as PolyMem attracts moisture and exudate into the dressing.

Removal:

PolyMem is designed to minimise adherence to the wound.

To remove:

1. Gently lift the dressing away from the wound.
2. If dried exudate or blood has caused adherence, moisten the dressing with a small amount of sterile saline or water.
3. Allow the material to soften before gently removing the dressing.

In many cases, extensive cleansing of the wound during every dressing change may not be necessary because PolyMem provides continuous cleansing while in place.

However, infected or contaminated wounds should be cleansed and managed according to the appropriate clinical protocol.

Important information:

PolyMem Non-Adhesive Dressing is for external use only.

Do not use:

• For heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• As a surgical sponge
• In patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to any component of the dressing

PolyMem is not compatible with oxidising agents, including:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hypochlorite solutions

Avoid simultaneous contact with:

• Electrotherapy electrodes
• Conductive gels
• Electrical current

Do not use if the sterile packaging is damaged or previously opened.

Do not:

• Reuse
• Re-sterilise
• Use after the expiry date

Infection:

Standard PolyMem Non-Adhesive is not a silver antimicrobial dressing.

If a wound is infected or there is a clinical requirement for an antimicrobial dressing, the wound should be assessed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.

A separate PolyMem Silver range is available where an antimicrobial PolyMem dressing is clinically indicated.

Product type: Polymeric Membrane Wound Dressing

Format: Non-Adhesive Pad / Roll

Matrix: Hydrophilic polyurethane

Contains: Wound cleanser, glycerin moisturiser and superabsorbent

Backing: Semi-permeable polyurethane film

Adhesive border: No

Can be cut: Yes

Secondary fixation required: Yes

Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days

Sterile: Yes

Single use: Yes

Manufacturer: Ferris Mfg. Corp.

UK distributor: Mediq Healthcare UK Ltd

Current UK sizes and codes:

• 8cm × 8cm
  • Pack size: 15 dressings
  • Product code: 5033
  • PIP code: 326-9511
  • NHS code: ELA301
• 10cm × 10cm
  • Pack size: 15 dressings
  • Product code: 5044
  • PIP code: 326-9503
  • NHS code: ELA303
• 13cm × 13cm
  • Pack size: 15 dressings
  • Product code: 5055
  • PIP code: 326-9552
  • NHS code: ELA305
• 17cm × 19cm
  • Pack size: 15 dressings
  • Product code: 5077
  • PIP code: 326-9529
  • NHS code: ELA306
• 10cm × 61cm Roll
  • Pack size: 4 rolls
  • Product code: 5244
  • PIP code: 326-9545
  • NHS code: ELA321
• 20cm × 60cm Roll
  • Pack size: 2 rolls
  • Product code: 5824
  • PIP code: 363-2510
  • NHS code: ELA407

PolyMem Non-Adhesive Dressings should be selected according to wound type, wound size, exudate level and the overall wound-management plan. Chronic, infected, deteriorating or otherwise complex wounds should be assessed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.