Assessment of moisture management performance of multilayer compression bandages

Abstract

The moisture management property of compression bandages is a critical factor influencing the state of well-being and compliance of patients with venous and lymphatic disorders. The thermal resistance and water vapor transmission rate of compression bandages were assessed using a limb model, which allows bandage application under tension and provides valuable insight on moisture distribution across the entire ensemble under simulated wear conditions. The performance of eight commercially available two- and four-layer compression bandages was evaluated based on measurement of physical parameters, such as thickness and mass per area, moisture sorption, air permeability, water vapor permeability, and moisture distribution during the simulated wear test. The gravimetrically determined water vapor transmission of the different bandages varied from 279 to 341 g m⁻² h⁻¹. Low air permeability of padding or cohesive can indicate possible moisture barrier properties, which could cause undesirable moisture accumulation inside the bandage. Robust reproducibility of the test, along with rapidity and ease of manipulation, allows comparison between the individual products and could provide the basis of dressing performance standardization.