ALLEVYN^◊

Good Things Happen when You Put People First.

ALLEVYN Dressings were designed with the human body in mind. They provide the versatility needed to manage a variety of wound types, sizes and severity. From chronic, high-exuding wounds, to fragile skin tears and prevention for pressure ulcers, you are certain to find an ALLEVYN Dressing for every patient need.

Since introducing ALLEVYN, we've innovated and enhanced with silicones, shapes and silvers. ALLEVYN Life, with its unique quadrilobe shape, is the latest addition to the range, and conforms to the natural folds and contours of the human body.

Every one of those improvements started from the same place – a deep understanding of human tissue and what it means to live with a wound.

We find that good things happen when you put people first: improved wellbeing, greater concordance and all the system efficiencies that derive from that.⁷

References

1. Smith & Nephew data on file report 0601004 – comparison of the permeability of ALLEVYN Non-adhesive standard and new ALLEVYN Non-adhesive. David Foster and Ana Rial. February 2006
2. Data on file report 0601003. Comparison of the permeability of the old ALLEVYN Adhesive and the new modified ALLEVYN Adhesive. D. Foster. March 2006.
3. Technical justification summary AGB007. N Patrick, October 2010 
4. Development Services report ref. DS/07/187/R1v2. Initial point testing for final stability for project Colombo. S. Carpenter and D. Foster. November 2007 
5. Development Services report ref. DS/08/043/R1. Stability testing on ALLEVYN Gentle Border with wacker silicone adhesive.  S. Carpenter and D. Foster. June 2008 
6. Technical Justification Summary AG0011. Gill Keane, November 2007 
7. International consensus. Optimising wellbeing in people living with a wound. An expert working group review. London: Wounds International, 2012. 
8. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 020 An open, prospective, randomised, comparative volunteer trial to compare the performance of silicone adhesive dressings. Mepilex ^TM Border. 
9. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 041 An open, prospective, comparative volunteer trial to assess the retention qualities of ALLEVYN Life and Biatain ^TM Silicone. 
10. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/130/DOF Simulated wound model testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border 
11. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/185/DOF Impact protection properties of ALLEVYN Life, Mepilex Border and Biatain Silicone 
12. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/127/DOF Odour reducing properties of ALLEVYN Life 
13. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/129/DOF Simulated wound model testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border 
14. Stephen-Haynes et al., An appraisal of the clinical performance and economic benefits of a silicone foam in a large UK primary care organisation. Journal of Community Nursing November 2013 
15. Denyer J. Wound Management for children with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Dermatol Clin. 28(2): 257-64, 2010. 
16. Data on File: 0711086
17. Stephen-Haynes J, Greenwood M (2011). Clinical evaluation of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite within one health trust. Br J Nurs 20(20):S36, S38-42.

Designed for people, Designed for life.

The next generation of silicone foam dressings was designed following a global patient ethnographic study.

The unique quadrilobe shape was designed to fit the contours of the human body.^8,9  The dressings also provide peace of mind leakage prevention¹⁰ and absorb common wound odor.¹¹* The cushioning layer provides maximum protection,¹² while the masking layer minimizes the visual impact of strikethrough¹³and the change indicator optimizes dressing change frequency to help minimizes waste.¹⁴

*When tested in vitro on representative compounds

Click here to find out more about ALLEVYN Life

References

1. Smith & Nephew data on file report 0601004 – comparison of the permeability of ALLEVYN Non-adhesive standard and new ALLEVYN Non-adhesive. David Foster and Ana Rial. February 2006
2. Data on file report 0601003. Comparison of the permeability of the old ALLEVYN Adhesive and the new modified ALLEVYN Adhesive. D. Foster. March 2006.
3. Technical justification summary AGB007. N Patrick, October 2010 
4. Development Services report ref. DS/07/187/R1v2. Initial point testing for final stability for project Colombo. S. Carpenter and D. Foster. November 2007 
5. Development Services report ref. DS/08/043/R1. Stability testing on ALLEVYN Gentle Border with wacker silicone adhesive.  S. Carpenter and D. Foster. June 2008 
6. Technical Justification Summary AG0011. Gill Keane, November 2007 
7. International consensus. Optimising wellbeing in people living with a wound. An expert working group review. London: Wounds International, 2012. 
8. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 020 An open, prospective, randomised, comparative volunteer trial to compare the performance of silicone adhesive dressings. Mepilex ^TM Border. 
9. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 041 An open, prospective, comparative volunteer trial to assess the retention qualities of ALLEVYN Life and Biatain ^TM Silicone. 
10. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/130/DOF Simulated wound model testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border 
11. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/185/DOF Impact protection properties of ALLEVYN Life, Mepilex Border and Biatain Silicone 
12. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/127/DOF Odour reducing properties of ALLEVYN Life 
13. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/129/DOF Simulated wound model testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border 
14. Stephen-Haynes et al., An appraisal of the clinical performance and economic benefits of a silicone foam in a large UK primary care organisation. Journal of Community Nursing November 2013 
15. Denyer J. Wound Management for children with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Dermatol Clin. 28(2): 257-64, 2010. 
16. Data on File: 0711086
17. Stephen-Haynes J, Greenwood M (2011). Clinical evaluation of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite within one health trust. Br J Nurs 20(20):S36, S38-42.

Designed for Individuals and Versatility

From the beginning, ALLEVYN Dressings were designed to respond to the human body: a range of sizes, shapes and formats, responsive triple layer technology for optimal fluid handling^1-6 and Ag options when an antimicrobial is needed. 

The ALLEVYN Classic Range

ALLEVYN Adhesive

With a secure adhesive for when security is paramount and dressing retention is key

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive

A versatile dressing range ideal for compromised skin¹⁵

ALLEVYN Gentle

With a low tack, soft gel adhesive for gentle application¹⁶

ALLEVYN Gentle Border

A gentle silicone adhesive dressing available in a range of shapes and sizes for challenging areas

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite

A soft, light, flexible¹⁷ silicone adhesive dressing for lightly exuding wounds

ALLEVYN Ag

All the benefits of ALLEVYN with added silver for when an antimicrobial is required
 

References

1. Smith & Nephew data on file report 0601004 – comparison of the permeability of ALLEVYN Non-adhesive standard and new ALLEVYN Non-adhesive. David Foster and Ana Rial. February 2006
2. Data on file report 0601003. Comparison of the permeability of the old ALLEVYN Adhesive and the new modified ALLEVYN Adhesive. D. Foster. March 2006.
3. Technical justification summary AGB007. N Patrick, October 2010
4. Development Services report ref. DS/07/187/R1v2. Initial point testing for final stability for project Colombo. S. Carpenter and D. Foster. November 2007
5. Development Services report ref. DS/08/043/R1. Stability testing on ALLEVYN Gentle Border with wacker silicone adhesive.  S. Carpenter and D. Foster. June 2008
6. Technical Justification Summary AG0011. Gill Keane, November 2007
7. International consensus. Optimising wellbeing in people living with a wound. An expert working group review. London: Wounds International, 2012.
8. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 020 An open, prospective, randomised, comparative volunteer trial to compare the performance of silicone adhesive dressings. Mepilex ^TM Border.
9. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 041 An open, prospective, comparative volunteer trial to assess the retention qualities of ALLEVYN Life and Biatain ^TM Silicone.
10. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/130/DOF Simulated wound model testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border
11. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/185/DOF Impact protection properties of ALLEVYN Life, Mepilex Border and Biatain Silicone
12. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/127/DOF Odour reducing properties of ALLEVYN Life
13. Smith & Nephew data on file report DS/12/129/DOF Simulated wound model testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border
14. Stephen-Haynes et al., An appraisal of the clinical performance and economic benefits of a silicone foam in a large UK primary care organisation. Journal of Community Nursing November 2013
15. Denyer J. Wound Management for children with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Dermatol Clin. 28(2): 257-64, 2010.
16. Data on File: 0711086
17. Stephen-Haynes J, Greenwood M (2011). Clinical evaluation of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite within one health trust. Br J Nurs 20(20):S36, S38-42.

What is the ALLEVYN Range of Dressings?

The ALLEVYN range from Smith & Nephew is a comprehensive family of absorbent foam dressings. Trusted with over 25 years of clinical use, the ALLEVYN range has a history of innovation and putting people first, with a true understanding of the human body and the experience of living with a wound.

The ALLEVYN portfolio is divided into ALLEVYN Classic products, a complete range of clinically proven,^1-5 quality foam dressings designed to provide for diverse wound care requirements, and ALLEVYN Life, an advanced layered dressing designed to give your patients an optimal wound care experience.

ALLEVYN Life

What is ALLEVYN Life?

ALLEVYN Life Dressings have an advanced layered construction, which combines a composite hydrocellular foam pad, a perforated silicone gel adhesive wound contact layer, a highly permeable waterproof outer film, a hyper-absorber lock away core and a unique masking layer to help shield the visibility of exudate.

How does ALLEVYN Life work?

The advanced layered construction of ALLEVYN Life facilitates dynamic fluid management⁶ to maintain an optimal moist wound environment⁷ which may help reduce the risk of maceration.^6,7 The wound contact layer of ALLEVYN Life is coated with a gentle silicone adhesive that minimizes trauma to the wound and pain to the patient during dressing changes.²

What is the intended use of ALLEVYN Life Dressings?

ALLEVYN Life is used to dress exuding wounds including pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, infected wounds, malignant wounds, surgical wounds, first and second degree burns, donor sites, fungating ulcers and skin tears. ALLEVYN Life can also be used as part of a pressure ulcer prevention protocol to help redistribute pressure and reduce the risk of skin breakdown.

How long can ALLEVYN Life be left in place?

ALLEVYN Life can be left in place for up to 7 days, except the sacral area where dressings can be left in place for up to 5 days.

When should I change the ALLEVYN Life Dressing?

Dressing change depends on the condition of the wound and surrounding skin, in consideration of local clinical protocols. However, the dressing should be changed when strikethrough of exudate is visible on 75% of the border coverage. 

How should I remove ALLEVYN Life?

To remove ALLEVYN Life, lift the edge of the dressing and slowly peel back until completely removed from the wound.

Is ALLEVYN Life showerproof?

Yes, it is showerproof.^8,9 The film is waterproof and bacteria proof.¹⁰

Does ALLEVYN Life have any odor?

No, the dressing does not have a smell. The dressing locks away odor so it is retained within the dressing.

Is there a risk ALLEVYN Life will dry out the wound?

No, as ALLEVYN Life is designed to maintain a moist wound wound environment.⁷

Can ALLEVYN Life be cut?

No, the dressing cannot be cut, as internal dressing components may contaminate the wound and lead to delayed healing. The bacterial barrier properties of the dressing will also be compromised which may lead to infection.

Does ALLEVYN Life work in combination with gels?

ALLEVYN Life can be used in conjunction with INTRASITE^◊ Gel for necrotic or sloughy wounds.

Can ALLEVYN Life be used with oxidizing agents? 

Do not use ALLEVYN Life Dressings with oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite solutions (e.g. EUSOL) or hydrogen peroxide as these can break down the absorbent polyurethane component of the dressing.

Can ALLEVYN Life be repositioned?

ALLEVYN Life can be lifted and repositioned without losing its adherent properties,^11,12 but ensure no creasing or stretching of the dressing occurs when applying.

How should ALLEVYN Life be stored?

ALLEVYN Life should be stored in a dry place below 77°F/ 25°C, away from sunlight.

Can an ALLEVYN Life Dressing be used more than once?

No, ALLEVYN Life is a single use only product. If used on more than one patient, cross contamination or infection may occur. Opening the dressing pouch compromises the sterile barrier, therefore any unused dressing should not be retained for application at a later date.

ALLEVYN Classics

What products are in the ALLEVYN Classic range?

The ALLEVYN Classic range consists of ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive, ALLEVYN Heel, ALLEVYN Adhesive, ALLEVYN Gentle, ALLEVYN Gentle Border and ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite.

Why are there several different products within the ALLEVYN Classic range?

The products in the ALLEVYN Classic range provide appropriate choices for the wide variety of wound management needs that patients have. From those requiring a more secure adhesive, to those needing a suitable dressing under compression, or to those with fragile skin or lightly exuding wounds, there is an ALLEVYN Dressing to cover the need.

How do the dressings in the ALLEVYN Classic range work?

All of the dressings in the ALLEVYN Classic range utilize the unique triple action technology which consists of a non-adherent wound contact layer,^13-16 an absorbent foam core^5,14,17-19 and a highly breathable top film.^14,19,20-22 This technology is designed to maintain  a moist wound environment to keep the wound at the optimal moisture level.^23-28

What type of adhesive is used on the dressings in the ALLEVYN Classics range?

There is a range of adhesion qualities used on ALLEVYN Classic Dressings. ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive has a non-adherent wound contact layer for when no adhesion is required. ALLEVYN Gentle has a low-tack soft gel adhesive designed to provide a gentle helping hand during application of the secondary retention. ALLEVYN Gentle Border and ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite both have a gentle silicone adhesive across the wound contact layer and border for gentle adhesion with no need for secondary retention. Finally, ALLEVYN Adhesive provides a secure adhesive for when dressing retention is paramount.

What are the intended uses for the ALLEVYN Classic range of dressings?

ALLEVYN Dressings have a wide range of intended uses. Click through to the individual product variant pages for specific usage information.

ALLEVYN Adhesive

ALLEVYN Non Adhesive

ALLEVYN Gentle

ALLEVYN Gentle Border

ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite

How long can the dressings in the ALLEVYN Classic range be left in place for?

ALLEVYN Dressings can be left in place for up to 7 days, except the sacral area where dressings can be left in place for up to 5 days

Which dressings in the ALLEVYN Classic range can be used under compression?

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive, ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive, ALLEVYN Gentle and ALLEVYN Ag Gentle can all be used under compression

Do the dressings in the ALLEVYN Classic range work in combination with gels?

ALLEVYN Dressings can be used in conjunction with INTRASITE^◊ Gel for necrotic or sloughy wounds.

Can the dressings in the ALLEVYN Classic range be used with oxidizing agents? 

Do not use ALLEVYN Life Dressings with oxidizing agents such as hypochlorite solutions (e.g. EUSOL) or hydrogen peroxide, as these can break down the absorbent polyurethane component of the dressing.

What is the silver source in ALLEVYN Ag?

ALLEVYN Ag contains silver sulfadiazine (SSD) within the foam pad.

Is silver safe?

SSD has a long history of use in wound care, with the cumulative history of approved clinical use of over 35 years as a medicinal product. Post-marketing surveillance data collected for SSD shows that SSD is both safe and effective in preventing and treating infections in burns and other wounds. Patients should, however, be advised to be alert to any signs of allergic reactions. Just like any other medical product, please refer to the product leaflet for precautions and contraindications.²⁹

How should ALLEVYN Dressings be stored?

ALLEVYN Dressings should be stored in a dry place below 77°F/ 25°C, away from sunlight.

Can an ALLEVYN Dressing be used more than once?

No, ALLEVYN Dressings are single use only products. If used on more than one patient, cross contamination or infection may occur. Opening the dressing pouch compromises the sterile barrier, therefore any unused dressing should not be retained for application at a later date. 

References

1. K. Leak, A. Jones and S. Brown. Non-comparative in-market evaluation of ALLEVYN Gentle. Wounds UK: 6(1): 41-54. 2010
2. T. Hurd et al. A multicentre in-market evaluation of ALLEVYN Gentle Border. Wounds UK, Vol 5. No 3. 2009
3. J. Stephen-Haynes, M. Greenwood. Clinical evaluation of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Lite within one health trust. British Journal of Nursing 20(20):S36, S38-42. 2011
4. K.G. Harding, S. Bales. A randomised clinical study to evaluate and compare the performance of ALLEVYN Adhesive and TielleTM dressings in the management of exuding wounds in the community.1999
5. P.A. Kurring et al. Evaluation of a hydrocellular dressing in the management of exuding wounds in the community. British Journal of Nursing 3(20) 1049-1053. 1994
6. Fluid Handling Properties of ALLEVYN Life. Smith & Nephew Data on File Report DS.12.124.
7. A. Rossington et al. Clinical performance and positive impact on patient wellbeing of ALLEVYN Life. Wounds UK. Vol 9, No 4. 2013
8. S. Palmer, H. Dharma. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 020. An open, prospective, randomised, comparative volunteer trial to compare the performance of silicone adhesive dressings. MepilexTM Border. November 2011
9. S. Palmer, H. Dharma. An open, prospective, randomised, comparative volunteer trial to compare the performance of silicone adhesive dressings. BiatainTM Silicone. Smith & Nephew data on file report OR-DOF 021. November 2011
10. M. Mell. Data on File Report 1205002. May 2012
11. S. Palmer, G. Smith. Results from an open, prospective, randomised, within volunteer comparison of ALLEVYN Gentle Border and Mepilex Border. Smith & Nephew Data on File Report OR-DOF 001. November 2008
12. S. Roberts. Data on File Report DS/12/123/DOF. June 2012
13. N.R. Baker, J. Creevy. A randomised comparative pilot study to evaluate ALLEVYN hydrocellular dressings and Sorbsan Calcium alginate dressings in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Presented at the 6th Annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, San Diego, California,1993
14. S. Bale, D. Squires et al. A comparison of two dressings in pressure sore management. Journal of Wound Care. 1997
15. S. Palmer, C. Mistry. An open, prospective, randomized, comparative study to compare the performance of ALLEVYN Gentle Border Multisite with an alternative silicone adhesive dressing. Data on File: OR/DOF 017. May 2011
16. G. Walton. ALLEVYN Gentle - a 17 day wound healing study in full thickness wounds in minipigs. Product Safety Statement PSS088. November 2007
17. L. Tompkins. Data on File: 0709060. September 2007
18. L. Tompkins. Data on File: 0711080. November 2007
19. L. Tomkins. Data on File: DS/10/100/R1. August 2010
20. D. Foster, A. Rial. Data on File: 0601003. February 2006
21. L. Daubney. Data on File: DS/09/013/R2. May 2009
22. D. Foster, A. Rial, Data on File DS/09/013/R2. Feb 2006
23. D. Foster, A. Rial. Data on File: 0601004. February 2006
24. D. Foster, A. Rial. Data on File: 0601003. February 2006
25. Technical Justification: AGB007. October 2010
26. S. Carpenter. Data on File: DS/07/187/R1v2. November 2007
27. S. Carpenter. Data on File: DS/08/043/R1. June 2008
28. S. Carpenter. Technical Justification AG0011. November 2007
29. Smith & Nephew Pharmaceuticals. Clinical Expert Report, Flamazine, February 2001