Options for Pressure Injury Dressings

Shallow (stage 2)

Dry with minimal exudate

Create or retain moisture

Protect from infection

Transparent films or hydrogels

Cover with: Transparent film, thin hydrocolloid, or thin polyurethane foam

Wrap with: Nonadherent gauze dressing

Wet with moderate-to-extensive exudate

Absorb exudate

Facilitate autolysis

Maintain moisture

Protect from infection

Foam, alginate, or hydrofiber dressings

Cover with: Alginates (if extensive exudate), polyurethane foam or hydrofibers

Wrap with: Nonadherent gauze dressing or absorptive contact layer

Deep (stages 3 and 4)

Dry with minimal exudate

Fill cavities

Create or maintain moisture

Protect from infection

Hydrocolloid, hydrogel, or foam dressings

Fill with: Copolymer starch, hydrogel, or damp gauze

Cover with: Transparent thin film, polyurethane foam, or gauze pad

Wet with moderate-to-extensive exudate

Fill cavities

Absorb exudate

Maintain moisture

Protect from infection

Alginate, hydrofiber, or foam dressings

Fill with: Copolymer starch, dextranomer beads, calcium alginates, hydrofibers, or hydrocellular gauze or foam

Cover with: Transparent thin film or polyurethane foam