When making clinical decisions, it is common practice to consider the available data according to the type of studies from which they emanate. In the hierarchy of evidence, the randomised controlled trial (RCT), in addition to systematic reviews and meta-analyses of data obtained from RCTs, are generally considered to the be ‘gold standards’ for judging the merits of interventions.3 However, it has been suggested that, regarding wound care, all available evidence should be explored to answer clinical questions.4
Safetac® technology is included in wound contact layers (Mepitel®, Mepitel® Ag, Mepitel® One), absorbent foam dressings with self-adhesive borders (Mepilex Border, Mepilex Border Ag, Mepilex Border Lite, Mepilex® Border Flex, Mepilex® Border Flex Lite, Mepilex® Border Heel, Mepilex® Border Sacrum), absorbent foam dressings without borders (Mepilex, Mepilex Ag, Mepilex Heel, Mepilex® Lite, Mepilex® Up, Mepilex® XT), exudate transfer dressings (Mepilex® Transfer, Mepilex® Transfer Ag), post-operative dressings (Mepilex® Border Post-Op, Mepilex® Border Post-op Ag), film dressings (Mepitel® Film), scar management dressings (Mepiform®), dressings for use in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems (Avance® Solo Border, Avance® Solo Adapt Film), and fixation tapes (Mepitac®).
References: 1. Cutting, K.F. (2008) Journal of Wound Care 17(4):157-162. 2. White, R. (2005) Wounds UK 1(3):104-109. 3. Ahuja, A.S. (2019) Integrative Medical Research 8(1):31-32. 4. Wounds UK. (2023) Best Practice Statement: Development of a wound care formulary using clinical evidence and ensuring effective change management.
What is the story behind the development of Safetac® technology?
Safetac® was invented by a young product designer at Mölnlycke called Tomas Fabo at a time when advanced wound care technology was in its infancy. Tomas had seen at first hand the pain patients can experience during dressing changes and became driven by the need to prevent this suffering. He began experimenting – even working at night in his own kitchen. Eventually he developed a type of silicone that was to become the key component of our early Mepitel range launched in 1989. Its promise was simple: it wouldn’t stick to the wound and it wouldn’t damage the skin and therefore, be less painful to remove.
The rest is history. Tomas achieved his aims and Safetac® continues to be at the heart of our advanced dressing ranges, including our most recent innovation, Mepilex® Up.