What are the benefits of silicone contact layers?

Modern, silicone contact layers offer a two-fold benefit. They protect the wound from trauma during dressing changes, and they allow exudate to pass freely through the contact layer to an absorbent secondary dressing. Moreover, studies have also shown that silicone contact layers are less painful to remove than other standard dressings.⁴

Silicone contact layers help:

1. to reduce the risk of maceration and exudate pooling. Choosing a contact layer that effectively transfers exudate to the secondary dressing can help reduce these risks;
2. to protect the wound bed and periwound skin;
3. you inspect the wound without changing the dressing, which allows for undisturbed wound healing;
4. to reduce the frequency of dressing changes. Contact layers don’t have to be changed every time you change the secondary dressing, and they can be left in place for several days;
5. to protect against ingrowth; and
6. to minimise pain during dressing changes.