DRESSING WITH IMPROVED EDGE ADHESION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/537,714 filed September 11, 2023 and entitled DRESSING WITH IMPROVED EDGE ADHESION, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present application relates to an absorbent foam dressing or bandage that provides improved adhesion around the edges of the dressing or bandage.
Related Art
[0003] Modern foam silicone dressings have revolutionized the industry in that they allow for the easy application of absorbent dressings and minimize trauma and scarring by providing an ideal moist environment for healing.
[0004] Conventional foam silicone dressings, however, suffer from a common problem in that they have a tendency to fall off because of lifting at the edges of the bandage over time. This lifting is caused by tension on the top film, typically a polyurethane film that is used in conjunction with a bottom, patient-facing film that includes a silicone adhesive to form the outside of the bandage. A conventional dressing is illustrated in FIG 1, with a top film 1 and bottom film 2 typically having identical dimensions except that the bottom film includes openings to allow moisture to move from the patient’s skin or wound into an absorbent core 3 that is sandwiched between the top film 1 and the bottom film 2. The edges of the top film 1 and bottom film 2 extend beyond the edge of the absorbent core 3 and form a border to protect the wound which is positioned under the absorbent core. The middle portion of the bottom film 2 is positioned over the wound and provides limited adhesion since the adhesive is hydrophobic and designed not to adhere to wounds. As a result, substantially all of the adhesion to the user’s skin is provided around the edge of the bandage. The top film 1, however, is stretched over the absorbent core 3 such that it provides upward tension around the edge of the bandage, which encourages lift. Further, as the absorbent core 3 absorbs exudate from the wound, it will swell and get heavier which increases this upward lift force, and often results in the edges of the bandage lifting away from the user’s skin.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide an absorbent bandage or dressing that avoids these and other problems.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an absorbent bandage or dressing including a top film and a bottom skin contacting film with an absorbent core sandwiched between them that has improved adhesion along the periphery to prevent edge lifting.
[0007] A multiple layer bandage in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top film; an absorbent layer provided adjacent the top film; and a bottom layer provided adjacent the absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer is provided between the bottom layer and the top film, the bottom layer including a plurality of openings extending from a bottom surface thereof to a top surface thereof to allow exudate to pass through the bottom layer and into the absorbent layer, wherein the bottom layer includes a central portion including the plurality of openings and a peripheral area extending around an outer edge of the bottom layer with no openings formed therein, wherein the top film has a first length and a first width longer than a second length and a second width associated with the absorbent layer and less than a third length and a third width associated with the bottom layer. [0008] In embodiments, the top film includes polyurethane.
[0009] In embodiments, the multiple layer bandage includes an adhesive layer connecting the top film and the absorbent layer.
[0010] In embodiments, the absorbent layer includes more than one layer of absorbent material.
[0011] In embodiments, the absorbent layer includes hydrogel.
[0012] In embodiments, the first length and the first width of the top film is less than the third length and the third width of the bottom layer.
[0013] In embodiments, an edge of the top film is connected to the bottom layer in the peripheral area.
[0014] In embodiments, the peripheral area extends beyond the edge of the top film.
[0015] In embodiments, an edge of the bottom layer and the edge of the top film provide a stepped edge of the bandage that resists curling up of the edge of the bandage.
[0016] In embodiments, a bottom surface of the bottom layer includes adhesive.
[0017] In embodiments, a multiple layer bandage in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a top film; an absorbent layer provided adjacent the top film; and a bottom layer provided adjacent the absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer is provided between the bottom layer and the top film, the bottom layer including a plurality of openings extending from a bottom surface thereof to a top surface thereof to allow exudate to pass through the bottom layer and into the absorbent layer, wherein the bottom layer includes a central portion including the plurality of openings and a peripheral area extending around an outer edge of the bottom layer with no openings formed therein, wherein the top film is larger than the absorbent layer and smaller than the bottom layer. [0018] In embodiments, the top film includes polyurethane.
[0019] In embodiments, the multiple layer bandage includes an adhesive layer connecting the top film and the absorbent layer.
[0020] In embodiments, the absorbent layer includes more than one layer of absorbent material.
[0021] In embodiments, the absorbent layer includes hydrogel.
[0022] In embodiments, the top film is smaller than the bottom layer.
[0023] In embodiments, an edge of the top film is connected to the bottom layer in the peripheral area.
[0024] In embodiments, the peripheral area extends beyond the edge of the top film.
[0025] In embodiments, an edge of the bottom layer and the edge of the top film provide a stepped edge of the bandage that resists lifting of the edge of the bandage.
[0026] In embodiments, a bottom surface of the bottom layer includes adhesive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above and related objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following, detailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiment of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional absorbent dressing;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary dressing with improved edge adhesion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the dressing of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] A bandage 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the bandage 10 may include a top film 12. In embodiments, this top film 12 may be made of polyurethane, however, the film 12 is not limited to this material and may be made of any suitable material. In embodiments, the top film 12 may be transparent or substantially transparent such that the skin under the bandage 10 may be visible. In embodiments, the top film 12 need not be transparent or translucent. While the present specification refers to a bandage 10, it is noted that the term bandage and dressing may be used interchangeably herein.
[0032] In embodiments, a lower layer 16 is provided opposite the top film 12 and in contact with the user’s skin when the bandage 10 is in place. In embodiments, an absorbent core or layer 14 (see FIG. 3) is sandwiched between the top film 12 and the lower layer 16. In embodiments, the lower layer 16 is perforated with a plurality of openings 16a (see FIG. 3) to allow fluid from the wound to pass through it and into the bandage 10. In embodiments, the lower layer 16 may be or may include a silicone gel adhesive that secures the bandage 10 to the user’s skin. In embodiments, the lower layer 16 may be a polyurethane film with a silicone-based adhesive provided thereon to secure the bandage to the user’s skin. In embodiments, an acrylic based adhesive may be provided on the upper surface of the lower layer 16 to secure it to the absorbent core 14, however, any other adhesive may be used. In embodiments, the adhesive or material in contact with the user’s skin is silicone based. In embodiments, the silicone adhesive on the lower surface of the adhesive lower layer 16 adheres to the user’s skin around the wound while avoiding a strong bond with the wound in a center of the lower layer. In embodiments, other materials may be used to make the lower layer 16, provided that the adhesive that faces the user’s skin is silicone based or otherwise suitable for contact with human skin. [0033] In embodiments, the lower layer 16 includes perforations 16a (see FIG. 3) that extend therethrough to allow fluid to pass into the absorbent core 14 from the user’s skin. In embodiments, a periphery 16b of the lower layer 16 does not include any perforations 16a but does include the silicone adhesive such that a strong bond to the user’s skin is provided around the periphery of the bandage 10. In embodiments, the periphery 16b may be provided in an area about half the distance between the edge of the absorbent core 14 and the edge of the lower layer 16. In embodiments, the periphery 16b may be provided in an area that is less than half the distance between the edge of the absorbent core 14 and the edge of the lower layer 16.
[0034] In embodiments, the lower layer 16 may be transparent to allow a wound covered by the bandage 10 to be viewed through the bandage. In embodiments, the lower layer 16 may be translucent to allow at least partial vision of the skin under the bandage 10. In embodiments, the lower layer 16 need not be transparent or translucent.
[0035] In embodiments, the top film 12 is smaller than the lower layer 16 such that the edge of the lower layer extends beyond the edge of the top film 12 such that a portion of the top surface of the periphery 16b is visible as can be seen in FIG. 2, for example. In embodiments, the edge of the top film 12 is provided such that it terminates at about the half-way point of the periphery 16b. In embodiments, the edge of the top film 12 may terminate about 25% into the periphery 16b. In embodiments, the edge of the top film 12 may terminate more than 25% into the periphery 16b. In embodiments, the edge of the top film 12 may terminate less than 25% into the periphery 16b. In embodiments, since the top film 12 does not extend to the edge of the lower layer 16, the upward lifting force does not lift the edge of the adhesive lower layer 16 and improves adhesion of the bandage 10. Further, the stepped profile provided around the edge of the bandage 10 reduces the friction load on the bandage 10 caused by clothing brushing against the bandage which further reduces the likelihood of edge lifting. The lack of openings 16a formed in the periphery 16b also increases adhesion along the periphery, including at the edge and reduces the chance of edge lift. [0036] In embodiments, an adhesive layer 14a may be provided adjacent to the top film 12 and may be part of or connected to the absorbent core 14. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a secures the top film 12 to the bandage 10, and more specifically to the absorbent core 14, which prevents buckling of the bandage. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a may be a layer of adhesive provided as a coating on a body facing surface of the top film 12. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a may be a separate layer of material or may be part of the absorbent core 14. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a may be or use an acrylic adhesive, however, any suitable adhesive may be used. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a may be transparent to allow a wound covered by the bandage 10 to be viewed through the bandage. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a may be translucent to allow at least partial vision of the skin under the bandage 10. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 14a need not be transparent or translucent.
[0037] In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may be or include a hydrogel and absorbs moisture from the ulcer or wound to which the bandage 10 is applied. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 is sufficiently absorbent to absorb substantial fluid from the ulcer or wound without requiring replacement, since frequent removal of the bandage 10 increases the risk of infection. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may be sufficiently absorbent to remain in place on the patient for extended periods of time. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14, including the hydrogel material, may be transparent to allow a wound covered by the bandage 10 to be viewed through the bandage. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may be translucent to allow at least partial vision of the skin under the bandage 10. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 need not be transparent or translucent. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may include multiple layers of absorbent material as is generally illustrated in FIG. 3. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may include any desired absorbent material and is not limited to hydrogel. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 is sandwiched between the top film 12 and the lower layer 16 and sealed therein. In embodiments, the absorbent core 14 is smaller in size than both the top film 12 and the lower layer 16 and is positioned to be over the wound to absorb exudate. [0038] In embodiments, the bandage 10 may be provided in other shapes, for example a circular shape, butterfly shape, oval shape, rectangular shape to name a few. In embodiments, regardless of the shape, the top film 12 is larger than the absorbent core 14 and smaller than the bottom layer 16, such that the top film connects to the bottom layer 16 in the periphery 16b and does not extend to the edge of the bottom layer 16.
[0039] In embodiments, one or more protective liners (not shown) may cover the silicone adhesive provided on the patient contacting surface of the lower layer 16 until the bandage 10 is applied to the user’s skin. In embodiments, the liners may be made of polyethylene, however, any other suitable material may be used provided that the liners are removable from the lower layer 18 without damaging the adhesive.
[0040] In embodiments, a packaging element, or elements, (not shown) may be provided to store the bandage 10 before use.
[0041] The bandage 10 provides advantages in that the reduced size of the top film 12 reduces tension at the edge of the bandage 10, and thus reduces the likelihood of edge lift. Further, the elimination of openings around the periphery 16b of the lower layer 16 provides better adhesion at the edge of the bandage 10 and this also reduces the chance of an edge lift. The stepped edge formed by the top film 12 and bottom layer 16 above the periphery 16b also reduces the amount of pulling at the edge provided by user’s clothing when in use.
[0042] Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.