Multilayered silicone foam dressings potentially used for preventing recurrence of pressure injuries: A bench-to-clinical bedside study

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the use of multilayered silicone foam dressings for preventing pressure injury recurrence by reducing friction, pressure, and shear force at skin sites where previous pressure injuries closed. Methods: A bench-to-clinical bedside investigation was conducted. In the bench, three multilayered silicone foam dressings were assessed. The simulated skin-shearing test consisted of a weight, a polyurethane-based skin model containing a three-axis tactile sensor, dressings, a table covered with bedsheets, and a mechanical tester. The mechanical tester simultaneously measured the interface friction force and internal shear force and pressure continuously during skin model movements. No-dressing was used as a negative control. In clinical bedside assessments, a multilayered silicone foam dressing with lower friction and shear force was applied to two bedridden patients. Photographs and ultrasound images were used to assess the recurrence of pressure injury. Results: The dressings significantly reduced friction, pressure, and shear force compared with these parameters in the negative control. No significant differences in the shear forces between the dressings were observed. One clinical case did not develop a new pressure injury reaching the dermis. However, the second case developed a new pressure injury within one month after the first pressure injury closed. Conclusion: Our bench-to-clinical bedside study revealed that multilayered silicone foam dressings can potentially prevent pressure injury recurrence.