An automatically self-adjusting variable permeability providing (AVPP) layer is provided over and in operative interaction with a wound site containing a wound to the integumentary system of a living creature such as the skin of a human patient. The AVPP layer has the capability of automatically changing in respective fluid permeability characteristics provided by respective subregions of the AVPP layer where the changes are in reaction to extant or changed conditions in corresponding micro-zones of the wound site. The automatic self-adjusting behaviors of the respective subregions of the AVPP layer can include providing a faster rate of vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too wet and providing a slower rate of vapor removal or essentially no vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too dry.

An article of manufacture for a bony prominence under casts, splints and or other devices utilized to hold the limb in a fixed position for an extended period of time. The article consists of a pressure relieving pad from a base substrate with a predetermined design formed from a gel material with an adhesive quality. In another embodiment, the article consists of a pressure relieving pad formed from a gel material base substrate combined with a fibrous substrate with a predetermined design of the pressure relieving pad. Each article includes at least one ventilation channel cut through the base substrate and/or fibrous substrate, e.g. the ventilation channel may have a single or multiple cut incision. The ventilation channel functioning to increase the padding around the base of the prominence thereby providing extended comfort and fitting of a rigid splint, cast or other fixing device.

A dressing for treating a tissue site with negative pressure, having an integrated sensor comprising a force or load measurement sensor. The sensor may telemeter to a therapy system the deformation of the dressing as the dressing is pushed into the tissue site during the application of negative pressure to the tissue site. The sensor may measure the force that is applied to the dressing. Measurements of the force applied to the dressing may be taken using the sensor on a periodic basis during negative-pressure therapy to enable monitoring of the fill level of the tissue site as granulation tissue fills the tissue site. Monitoring of the force applied to the tissue site over the course of negative-pressure therapy may assist a clinician in making decisions on how to manage and treat the patient, as well as providing confirmatory data about the efficacy of the therapy.