About Foam Dressings
Foam dressings are absorbent pads, usually polyurethane, designed for wounds with light to heavy exudate. They cushion the area and hold fluid within the foam layer. This collection includes bordered and non-bordered foam from Smith & Nephew, Coloplast, Mölnlycke and other manufacturers, and is part of Wound Care Supplies, alongside hydrocolloid, alginate, gauze and antimicrobial dressings.
The choice usually comes down to three attributes. Size should allow the foam pad to extend beyond the wound edge, and shaped versions exist for heels and the sacrum. Border decides whether the dressing stays put on its own: bordered foams have an adhesive edge, while non-bordered foams need tape or a secondary wrap to hold them. Adhesive type matters for fragile skin, where a silicone contact layer is often chosen because it can be lifted with less pull than acrylic adhesive. Product selection and change frequency are normally as specified by your clinician.
When reordering, note both the overall dressing size and, for bordered foams, the pad size inside the border. The REF number on the box captures both, along with the count per box, which makes it the quickest way to match your current dressing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between bordered and non-bordered foam?
Bordered foam has an adhesive edge and can be used without tape, which suits areas with few skin folds. Non-bordered foam can be cut to size and needs a retainer, tape or wrap to hold it. Choose the size so the pad extends past the wound edge, and follow your clinician's direction on the type.
Are foam dressings covered by insurance?
Foam dressings have HCPCS codes, such as those in the A6209 to A6215 range, based on pad size and whether there is an adhesive border. Those codes are shown for reference only. Coverage, allowed quantities and documentation requirements depend on your payer and plan, and a prescription is usually needed.
How do I reorder the same foam dressing?
Look for the REF number on the box or individual dressing wrapper and search for it on our site. It specifies the size, border and adhesive type. Listings show the count per box and case, so you can match the pack size you normally use.