Five-layer foam dressing for pressure ulcer prevention and management of heel wounds

Mepilex^® Border Heel features proprietary Deep Defense^® technology, providing an optimal balance of strength and flexibility. Each of the unique five layers serves a specific purpose in pressure ulcer prevention adding to the dressing's strength, durability and absorbency. ¹  No other dressing on the market exhibits these same properties – or the published, peer-reviewed results – in pressure ulcer prevention. ²

Only Mepilex Border dressings have over 80 evidence pieces to support their effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcers. ²  The effectiveness of Mepilex Border Heel is supported by several clinical studies, including a study of critically ill patients by Santamaria et al that showed zero pressure ulcers among the intervention cohort of 150 patients receiving Mepilex Border Heel dressings vs. 19 heel pressure ulcers for patients with no heel dressings.³ 

When used for management of wounds, Mepilex Border Heel effectively absorbs and retains exudate ⁴  and maintains a moist wound environment. The Safetac technology layer seals the wound edges, prevents exudate leakage onto the surrounding skin, thus minimizing the risk of maceration. ⁵  The Safetac technology layer allows the dressing to be changed without damaging the wound or surrounding skin, ⁵  or exposing the patient to additional pain. ⁶ 

• Mepilex Border dressings proven to prevent pressure ulcers – by up to 88% – when used with other standard prevention protocols  ⁷ 
• Proprietary Deep Defense Technology™ addresses the key factors responsible for pressure ulcers, protecting against the extrinsic forces of pressure, shear and friction and managing microclimate ⁸ 
• Safetac technology reduces the risk of maceration ⁵  and minimizes pain during dressing changes ⁹ 
• Excellent fluid-handling capacity and retention ¹⁰ 

The Mepilex Border Heel Foam Dressing is an advanced, all-in-one dressing designed to provide superior protection and healing for wounds located on the heel. Its unique anatomical shape ensures a secure and comfortable fit around the heel, reducing the risk of slippage while maximizing coverage.

Constructed with Safetac® technology, this dressing gently adheres to the skin without damaging fragile tissue during removal, minimizing pain and trauma. The multi-layered foam structure absorbs and retains exudate effectively, helping to maintain a moist wound-healing environment while reducing the risk of maceration.

Ideal for the prevention and management of pressure injuries, ulcers, traumatic wounds, and post-surgical sites, the Mepilex Border Heel Foam Dressing combines comfort, protection, and efficiency for both patients and healthcare providers.

When to use Mepilex Border Heel

Prophylactic dressings used as part of a pressure ulcer prevention protocol have been shown to offer significant benefits and are supported by international guidelines. ¹¹  Mepilex Dressings is the only 5-layer foam prevention dressing with 5 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrating the isolated effect of the dressing in preventing pressure ulcers. ^{7  12  13  14  15} The dressing can be applied prophylactically in emergency departments, intensive care units, the OR and at other points along the care continuum when the patient is determined to be at risk.

When looking at the risk factors for pressure ulcers, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors must be considered. General health, nutritional status, skin moisture, age and history of previous pressure ulcers are some of the key intrinsic components that affect the risk for a patient developing pressure ulcers. Extrinsic factors include pressure, friction, shear, and microclimate.

*Note: the use of dressings as part of a prophylactic therapy does not preclude the need to continue to develop and follow a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention protocol.

Wound Management

Use Mepilex Border Dressings for medium-to-high exuding wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, heel ulcers, traumatic wounds and other secondary healing wounds. The dressing maintains a moist wound environment, which supports debridement, so you might see an initial increase in the wound size. This is normal and to be expected.

How to use Mepilex Border Heel

Watch how to easily apply Mepilex Border Heel to help you achieve the best result for your patient.

Step-by-step instructions - initial application

Step-by-step instructions - skin checks

Role of dressings in pressure ulcer prevention

'References'

1. Alten. Finite element analysis studying the effect of different prevention dressings on protecting soft tissues from high stresses and deformation. Ref No. 001. Data on file. 2017.
2. Mölnlycke Health Care report: GMCS/2017/102/v8. Dressings for pressure ulcer prevention: a review of the pre-clinical, clinical and economic evidence (April 2018). Data on file.
3. Santamaria N, et al. Clinical effectiveness of a silicone foam dressing for the prevention of heel pressure ulcers in critically ill patients: Border II Trial. J Wound Care. 2015;24(8):340-345.
4. Meaume S, et al. A study to compare a new self-adherent soft silicone dressing with a self-adherent polymer dressing in stage II pressure ulcers. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2003;49(9):44-51.
5. Wiberg AB, et al. Preventing maceration with a soft silicone dressing: in-vitro evaluations. Poster presented at the 3rd Congress of WUWHS, Toronto, Canada. 4-8 June 2008.
6. White R. Evidence for atraumatic soft silicone wound dressing use. Wounds UK. 2005;1(3):104-109.
7. Kalowes P, et al. Five-layered soft silicone foam dressing to prevent pressure ulcers in the intensive care unit. Am J Crit Care. 2016;25(6):e108-e119.
8. ALTEN Finite Element Modelling simulation. Laboratory report no. PD-525422.
9. White R. A multinational survey of the assessment of pain when removing dressings. Wounds UK. 4 (1). 2008.
10. Feili F, et al. Retention capacity. Poster presentation at EWMA Conference, Lisbon, Portugal, 14-16 May 2008.
11. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Consensus Document: Role of dressings in pressure ulcer prevention. London, UK: Wounds Int; 2016.
12. Qiuli, B., Qiongyu, J. Observation on effect of Mepilex on the prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Chinese Journal of Medical Nursing 2010.
13. Aloweni F, et al. A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the incremental effectiveness of a prophylactic dressing and fatty acids oil in the prevention of pressure injuries. Wound Practice and Research 2017;25(1):24-34.
14. Santamaria N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of soft silicone foam multi-layer dressings in the prevention of sacral and heel pressure ulcers in trauma and critically ill patients: the border trial. Int Wound J 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12101.
15. Santamaria N, et al. A randomised controlled trial of the clinical effectiveness of multi-layer silicone foam dressings for the prevention of pressure injuries in high-risk aged care residents: The Border III Trial. International Wound Journal 2018 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12891.