The challenge

Pressure ulcers associated with medical devices including, restrictive dressings, tracheostomy and ventilators may account for up to one third of pressure ulcers in hospitalised adult patients  ¹  and more than half of pressure ulcers in hospitalised children  ² . In addtion, the occiput (bony prominence at the back of the head) is also at risk.

The solution

The Mölnlycke Z-Flo^™ Fluidised positioner can help protect the patient by redistributing pressure to the neck and shoulders. They can also be moulded away from delicate areas of anatomy such as the ears.

The challenge

This is where pressure ulcers most frequently occur  ³ . Not only because the sacrum is a bony prominence often exposed to shear, friction and pressure but also because the skin tends to accumulate moisture.

The solution

We offer clinically proven dressings that are specially designed to protect the sacral area, Mepilex® Border Sacrum is the only dressing backed by three randomised control trials  ^{4  5  6}   and several peer-reviewed articles  ⁷. 

Its unique construction is scientifically proven to help minimise the effect of extrinsic risk factors  ^{8  9}, complemented by our new Mölnlycke^® Tortoise™ Turning and positioning system and Mölnlycke Z-Flo™ Fluidised positioner which can be placed under the gluteal fold to offload the sacrum. 

The challenge

After the sacrum, the heel is the second most common site for pressure ulcers  ¹⁰ . Its vulnerability is due to the large amount of avascular tissue and low blood supply as well as exposure to friction, shear and pressure.

The solution

Our solution includes Mepilex® Border Heel, clinically proven to protect the skin from damage caused by pressure, shear and friction^{*,  11}  as well as Mölnlycke Z-Flex™ Heel boot and Mölnlycke Z-Flo™ Fluidised positioner for offloading.

NICE Medtech Innovation Briefing

In October 2017 the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB) on the Mölnlycke Mepilex® Border dressings for preventing pressure ulcers.  ¹²   This is the first and only MIB to be published by NICE on a dressing for pressure ulcer prevention.

NICE Medtech Innovation Briefings (MIBs) are designed to support NHS and social care commissioners and staff who are considering using new medical devices and other medical or diagnostic technologies. The information provided includes a description of the technology, how it is used and its potential role in the care pathway.  ¹³ 

MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics.  NICE is scheduled to review their ‘Pressure Ulcers: prevention and management guidance’ in 2018.  ¹⁴