Mepilex Border Ag

Mepilex Border Ag is a sterile, self-adherent antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing containing silver sulphate, designed for the management of exuding wounds where antimicrobial action is clinically indicated.

The all-in-one dressing combines Mölnlycke's Safetac® soft silicone wound-contact layer with an absorbent polyurethane foam pad containing silver sulphate, a superabsorbent layer and a breathable waterproof outer film.

When wound fluid enters the dressing, silver ions are released to provide an antimicrobial effect against a broad range of wound-related bacteria and fungi. The dressing simultaneously absorbs and retains exudate while maintaining a moist wound-healing environment.

Key features:

• Self-adherent antimicrobial foam dressing
• Contains silver sulphate
• Silver content equivalent to approximately 1.2mg silver/cm²
• Provides an effective antimicrobial barrier
• Demonstrated in vitro activity against a broad range of:
  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
• Antimicrobial activity demonstrated in vitro for up to 7 days
• May help reduce wound odour by reducing microorganisms
• Safetac® soft silicone wound-contact layer
• Designed to minimise pain and trauma during dressing changes
• Absorbent polyurethane foam
• Superabsorbent fibres
• Activated carbon within the wound pad
• Absorbs and retains wound exudate
• Helps reduce leakage
• Helps minimise periwound maceration
• Maintains a moist wound-healing environment
• Self-adherent silicone border
• All-in-one dressing
• Breathable
• Waterproof outer film
• Can be used beneath compression bandaging
• Maximum wear time up to 7 days
• Intended for short-term antimicrobial use of up to 4 weeks before clinical reassessment
• Sterile
• Single use
• Medical device

Dressing construction

Mepilex Border Ag consists of:

• Safetac soft silicone wound-contact layer
• Absorbent polyurethane foam pad
• Silver sulphate
• Activated carbon
• Superabsorbent polyacrylate fibres
• Non-woven layer
• Breathable waterproof outer film

The wound pad contains approximately:

1.2mg silver/cm²

Safetac Technology

Safetac is Mölnlycke's soft silicone adhesive technology.

It is designed to:

• Adhere gently to dry surrounding skin
• Minimise adherence to the moist wound surface
• Seal the wound margins
• Help prevent exudate spreading onto surrounding skin
• Reduce the risk of maceration
• Minimise trauma to the wound and surrounding skin during removal
• Reduce dressing-change discomfort

Antimicrobial action

When Mepilex Border Ag comes into contact with wound fluid, the silver sulphate releases silver ions.

These provide an antimicrobial effect and have been shown in vitro to inactivate a broad range of wound-related:

• Gram-positive bacteria
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Fungi

for up to 7 days.

By helping reduce the number of microorganisms within the dressing and wound environment, Mepilex Border Ag may also help reduce wound malodour.

The antimicrobial effect is an adjunct to appropriate wound management and does not replace treatment of a clinical infection.

Suitable wound types

Mepilex Border Ag is intended for exuding wounds, particularly where antimicrobial activity is clinically required.

Suitable wounds may include:

• Leg ulcers
• Foot ulcers
• Pressure ulcers / pressure injuries
• Traumatic wounds
• Surgical wounds
• Superficial burns
• Partial-thickness burns
• Other appropriate exuding wounds where bacterial burden is a concern

It may also be used on appropriately assessed infected wounds as part of an overall treatment programme under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Exudate level

Mepilex Border Ag is particularly suited to:

• Moderately exuding wounds
• Highly exuding wounds

The multilayer absorbent construction helps absorb and retain wound fluid while reducing the risk of leakage and maceration.

How to use

Mepilex Border Ag should be used by, or under the supervision of, an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

1. Cleanse the wound with saline solution or water according to standard clinical practice.
2. Dry the surrounding skin thoroughly.
3. Select an appropriate dressing size.
4. Remove the protective release films.
5. Apply the Safetac adhesive side directly towards the wound.
6. Ensure the absorbent wound pad adequately covers the wound.
7. Smooth the adhesive border gently onto the surrounding intact skin.
8. Do not stretch the dressing during application.

No separate fixation dressing is normally required because Mepilex Border Ag has an integrated adhesive silicone border.

Use under compression

Mepilex Border Ag can be used beneath compression bandaging where compression therapy is clinically indicated.

For example, appropriate compression may form part of the treatment of a venous leg ulcer following suitable vascular assessment.

Mepilex Border Ag itself does not provide compression therapy.

Dressing changes

Each Mepilex Border Ag dressing may remain in place for up to:

7 days

depending on:

• Wound condition
• Exudate level
• Condition of the surrounding skin
• Infection status
• Clinical judgement

More frequent dressing changes may initially be necessary, particularly where treatment changes lead to increased wound exudate.

Change sooner if:

• The dressing becomes saturated
• Leakage occurs
• The dressing becomes loose or displaced
• The surrounding skin deteriorates
• The wound requires reassessment
• Signs of infection worsen

Duration of silver treatment

Mepilex Border Ag is intended for short-term use for up to 4 weeks.

If antimicrobial treatment is required beyond four weeks, the wound and continued need for a silver dressing should be reassessed by a physician or other appropriately qualified clinician.

Silver-containing dressings should not simply be continued indefinitely without reassessment.

Clinical infection

Mepilex Border Ag has antimicrobial properties, but it does not replace appropriate treatment of clinical wound infection.

If clinical infection is present, additional treatment may be required, including systemic antimicrobial therapy where clinically indicated.

Seek clinical assessment if there is:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Heat
• Increasing pain
• Purulent discharge
• Offensive odour
• Fever
• Spreading inflammation
• Rapid wound deterioration

Contraindications

Do not use Mepilex Border Ag in a patient with known hypersensitivity to:

• Silver
• Silicone
• Any other component of the dressing

Silver-specific precautions

Healthcare professionals should be aware that there are limited data on prolonged or repeated use of silver-containing dressings, particularly in:

• Children
• Neonates

Frequent or prolonged use of silver-containing dressings may result in:

• Temporary skin discolouration
• In some cases, permanent skin discolouration

The continued need for antimicrobial silver treatment should therefore be regularly reviewed.

Radiation therapy

If Mepilex Border Ag is positioned within an area that is to receive radiation therapy, remove the dressing before treatment.

A new dressing may be applied following radiation treatment.

Electrodes and conductive gels

Avoid contact between Mepilex Border Ag and:

• ECG electrodes
• EEG electrodes
• Conductive gels used during electronic measurements

unless appropriate compatibility has been established.

Cleansing agents

Do not use Mepilex Border Ag together with oxidising agents, including:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hypochlorite solutions

The interaction of the dressing with wound-cleansing agents other than:

• Saline solution
• Water

has not been established.

Compatibility with other topical wound treatments has also not been established.

Important information

Mepilex Border Ag is for external use only.

Do not:

• Reuse
• Re-sterilise
• Use if the sterile barrier has been damaged or opened
• Use beyond the stated expiry date

Reuse can result in deterioration of product performance and cross-contamination.

Storage

• Store in dry conditions
• Store below 25°C
• Protect from direct sunlight
• Keep in the original packaging until required

Product type: Antimicrobial Bordered Foam Wound Dressing

Wound-contact technology: Safetac soft silicone

Antimicrobial component: Silver sulphate

Silver content: Approximately 1.2mg/cm²

Absorbent layer: Polyurethane foam with superabsorbent fibres

Contains activated carbon: Yes

Adhesive border: Yes – soft silicone

Exudate level: Moderate to high

Antimicrobial: Yes

Suitable under compression: Yes

Maximum dressing wear time: Up to 7 days

Recommended antimicrobial treatment period: Up to 4 weeks before reassessment

Sterile: Yes

Single use: Yes

Current UK sizes and codes

Mepilex Border Ag – 7cm × 7.5cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395260
• PIP code: 362-3824
• NHS / NPC code: ELA516

Mepilex Border Ag – 10cm × 12.5cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395360
• PIP code: 362-3873
• NHS / NPC code: ELA517

Mepilex Border Ag – 15cm × 17.5cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395460
• PIP code: 362-3840
• NHS / NPC code: ELA518

Mepilex Border Ag – 17cm × 20cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395660
• PIP code: 362-3832
• NHS / NPC code: ELA830

Mepilex Border Ag – 10cm × 25cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395700
• PIP code: 362-3865
• NHS / NPC code: Not currently listed by Mölnlycke

Mepilex Border Ag – 10cm × 20cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395800
• PIP code: 362-3881
• NHS / NPC code: ELA520

Mepilex Border Ag – 10cm × 30cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Mölnlycke REF: 395900
• PIP code: 362-3857
• NHS / NPC code: ELY873

Manufacturer: Mölnlycke Health Care

Mepilex Border Ag should be selected according to wound type, exudate level and the clinical need for antimicrobial treatment. Infected, diabetic, vascular, burn or otherwise complex wounds should be assessed and monitored by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Product Information Leaflet