| abstract |
The invention provides a layered wound dressing material comprising: a wound facing hydrogel layer (9) and a barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer comprises a pH-sensitive material that is substantially insoluble in water at 25°C under acidic conditions, but substantially soluble in water at 25°C under neutral or alkaline conditions. In use, the hydrogel layer (9) absorbs and is gradually neutralized by wound exudate until its pH rises to a level that causes dissolution of the barrier layer, thereby allowing excess exudate to flow out from the hydrogen layer. The invention further provides wound dressings comprising such barrier layers and methods of use of such dressings. |