ALLEVYN LIFE◊
Silicone Foam Dressing
ALLEVYN LIFE is a highly absorbent dressing which is suitable for use on fragile or sensitive skin1,2.
Hyper-absorbent foam dressing with change indicator
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Features and Benefits
Sizes
| Size | Dressings per pack |
| Small: 10.3cm x 10.3cm | 2 dressings |
| Medium: 12.9cm x 12.9cm | 2 dressings |
| Large: 15.4cm x 15.4cm | 10 dressings |
| Extra Large: 21cm x 21cm | 10 dressings |
If you are unsure, please ask your pharmacist before purchase.
Only use the dressing following Healthcare Professional advice for chronic wounds.
Instructions for Use
Step 2. Prepare and clean the skin surrounding the wound area by removing excess moisture. Any excess hair close to the wound should be clipped.
Step 3. Open the pouch by peeling apart the flaps on the pouch paper. Remove the ALLEVYN LIFE Silicone Dressing. Remove one side of the backing sheet from the dressing. Place the adhesive side of the dressing to the skin. Smooth the dressing over the wound ensuring there are no creases.
Step 4. Remove the remaining backing sheet and smooth the dressing over the remainder of the wound without stretching the dressing. The silicone gel adhesive must be adhered across the entire surface of the wound.
At 75%, it’s time to change your dressing.

Precautions for Use
Precautions
- Do not cut the absorbent pad as internal dressing components may contaminate the wound leading to delayed healing.
- Do not immerse the dressing in water.
- Do not use with oxidising agents such as hypochlorite solutions (e.g. EUSOL) or hydrogen peroxide as these can reduce the absorbency of the dressing.
- If reddening or sensitisation occurs discontinue use.
- The use of ALLEVYN LIFE as part of a prophylactic pressure injury prevention therapy, does not preclude the need to continue to develop and follow a comprehensive pressure injury prevention protocol (e.g. regular turning, appropriate mattress and skin care).
- Single use only, if used on more than one patient cross contamination or infection may occur.
- Once opened, do not retain unused dressings for application at a later date.
- If used on infected wounds, the infection should be inspected and treated as per local clinical protocol.
References
1. Joy H, Bielby A, Searle R. A collaborative project to enhance efficiency through dressing change practice. J Wound Care. 2015;24(7):312, 314 – 317.
2. Forni C, D’alessandro F, Gallerani P, et al. Effectiveness of using a new polyurethane foam multi-layer dressing in the sacral area to prevent the onset of pressure ulcer in the elderly with hip fractures: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Int Wound J. 2018;15(3):1 - 8.
3. Smith+Nephew 2012.Simulated Wound Model Testing of ALLEVYN Life and Mepilex Border. Internal Report. DS/12/130/DOF.
4. Rossington A, Drysdale K, Winter R. Clinical performance and positive impact on patient wellbeing of ALLEVYN Life. Wounds UK. 2013;9(4):91 - 95.
5. Simon D, Biel A. A structured collaborative approach to appraise the clinical performance of a new product. Wounds UK. 2014;10(3):80 - 87.
6. Smith+Nephew 2016.New ALLEVYN Life Gen2 wcl - Physical Testing. Internal Report. DS/15/025/R.
7. Viamontes L, Jones AM. Evaluation study of the properties of two adhesive foam dressings. Br J Nurs (Tissue Viability Supplement). 2003;12(11):S43 - S49.
8.Stephen-Haynes J, Bielby A, Searle R. The clinical performance of a silicone foam in an NHS community trust. Journal of Community Nursing. 2013;27(5):50 - 59.
9. Smith+Nephew 2016.Wound Model Testing of New ALLEVYN Life Gen2 wcl Dressing using Horse Serum at a Flow Rate Modelling that of a Moderately Exuding Wound. DS/14/303/R.
10. Smith+Nephew 2016.Product Performance of Next Generation ALLEVYN Life Internal Report. (HVT080) GMCA-DOF/08.
11. Lisco C. Evaluation of a new silicone gel-adhesive hydrocellular foam dressing as part of a pressure ulcer prevention plan for ICU patients. Paper presented at: WOCN; 2013.
12. Clarke R. Positive patient outcomes: The use of a new silicone adhesive foam dressing for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Paper presented at: CAET; 2013.
13. Smith+Nephew 20 June 2016.A Randomised Cross-Over Clinical Evaluation to Compare Performance of ALLEVYN™ Life and Mepilex® Border Dressings on Patient Wellbeing-Related Endpoints. Internal Report. CE/047/ALF.
14. Smith+Nephew 14 June 2012.Odour reducing properties of ALLEVYN Life. Internal Report. DS/12/127/DOF.
15. Smith+Nephew 2018.Use of Moisture Vapour Permeability* (MVP) and Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate** (MVTR) data to support product claims referring to moist wound healing. Internal Report. EO.AWM.PCSgen.001.v2.
16. Smith+Nephew June 2016.Bacterial Barrier properties of New ALLEVYN™ LIFE Gen 2 WCL against Serratia marcescens. Internal Report. DOF 1606005
17.Smith+Nephew February 2016 2016.Subjective comparison of masking ability of the New ALLEVYN LIFE versus Current ALLEVYN LIFE by Healthcare Professionals. Internal Report. DS/16/061/R.