An absorbent article that includes an outer covering made of two liquid-permeable cover layers that are joined together to form a pocket, and an inner layer that is initially freely movable within the pocket. The inner layer includes a mixture of particles of a superabsorbent polymer and substances that are osmotically comparatively weaker than the particles. When the absorbent article is applied to a human or animal skin surface to cover a wound, the absorbent article exerts an osmotic pressure via which endogenous wound exudate is removed from the wound. Thus, the absorbent article assists, both in a surface region and in a tissue depth, a normal interstitial hydration of the tissue by directing the wound fluids in a direction of flow to the skin surface and into the absorbent article, and by keeping the wound fluids that flow to the skin surface in the absorbent article.

The present invention provides a device and method for preventing or curing pressure ulcers or chronic wounds. A multilayer dressing comprises a soft silicone jell layer of a suitable thickness which is placed in the multilayer dressing, above an absorbent layer. The matrix of the silicone jell layer is populated with a plurality of silicone beads of suitable size. The beads are connected to each other, and to the silicone jell layer. Breathing of wound and substantial supply of oxygen to the wound is duly insured for all layers of the multiple layer dressing. The beads play a pivotal role in promoting the effectiveness and performance of the multilayer dressing by acting as the plurality of effective cushions, as they absorb and uniformly redistribute a patient's body weight across the entire applied dressing area. The low adhering adhesive coating of about 5 mm in width is applied to the peripheral edges of all the layers. Unlike the multilayer dressing already available in the market, skipping the application of low adhering adhesive coatings on the entire top and bottom surfaces of the layers helps in promoting overall breathability and consequently, the efficiency of the multilayer dressing of the present invention.

A medical dressing for prevention of pressure ulcers is described. The dressing has a backing layer, a pad, and a body contact layer, wherein the pad is arranged between the backing layer and the body contact layer. The body contact layer has an adhesive skin contact layer and an anisotropic layer having a first (x) direction and a second (y) direction perpendicular to the first (x) direction. The anisotropic layer is stiffer in the second (y) direction than in the first (x) direction. The dressing reduces shear and compression forces on the skin and in the underlying soft tissue layers and prevents the onset of pressure ulcers.

A method of producing a hydrophilic polyurethane foam structure containing inert activated carbon particles, includes the steps of: (a) providing a water phase containing a surfactant and dispersed inert particles; (b) providing a isocyanate-terminated polyether having functionality of more than 2; (c) mixing the water phase and the isocyanate-terminated polyether, immediately transferring the resulting mixture to a mold or a continuous web, whereby a foam structure is obtained; and (d) drying the foam structure until it has a moisture content of at most 10% (wt). A foam structure produced by the method and a wound dressing containing the foam structure are also disclosed.

The knee pillow provides sufficient padding above the knee to provide leg spacing and provides padding at the knee to prevent discomforting contact between the medial epicondyle bones and to provide leg alignment for proper posture. The knee cushion is shaped to prevent discomforting displacement of the knee caps (patella).

A water resistant light compression and/or retention bandage for retaining an orthopedic splint, padding or medical device against a body part, includes a knitted fabric formed of synthetic yarns having a moisture vapor transmission rate from an inner face of the bandage to an outer face of the bandage of at least 500 g/m.sup.2 per 24 hours.

A dressing or device to distribute pressure for the purpose of prevention and treatment of wounds and intact skin is provided. The pressure distributing properties are achieved by a closed cell foam material that is in direct contact with the intact skin or wound and that can also have the ability to manage and absorb moisture. These unique characteristics creates a flexible, and easy to use dressing that can be cut to size and applied to any desired location on a patient.

A compression foot garment is integrally knit of a body yarn, and adapted for wear on a foot of a user. The foot garment incorporates first and second high compression zones, and a compression release zone between the high compression zones. The first high compression zone is adapted for applying substantially circumferential compression to the foot below the plantar fascia between the calcaneus and metatarso-phalangeal joints and generally around the midfoot. The second high compression zone is adapted for applying substantially circumferential compression to the foot above the calcaneus and generally around an ankle of the user. The first and second high compression zones may comprise elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn. The compression release zone is adapted for applying reduced compression to the foot in an area between the first and second high compression zones.

A therapeutic cushioning boot including a body at least partially fiber filled, the body including a first sidewall panel, a second sidewall panel, and a rear panel; the boot also including at least one boundary portion disposed between the panels, and a fiber filled foot gate attached to the body portion between the panels.

The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.