ALLEVYN LIFE

Managing exudate effectively while keeping the wound surface in a consistent moist environment is one of the core challenges of foam dressing design. ALLEVYN Life is a four-layer advanced foam dressing from Smith+Nephew with an integrated acrylic adhesive border. Its four-layer construction includes a fluid lock layer designed to retain absorbed exudate within the dressing and prevent it from being returned to the wound surface under pressure or during patient movement. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agent. Available in four sizes. No prescription is required.

ALLEVYN Life is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew. It is a four-layer self-adhesive foam dressing with an acrylic adhesive border. The four-layer construction and the fluid lock mechanism within the dressing are the defining clinical features that distinguish ALLEVYN Life from the standard three-layer ALLEVYN Adhesive.

The four layers each perform a distinct function. The innermost layer is a non-adherent wound contact layer that allows exudate to pass through into the absorbent layers above while minimising wound bed adherence. Above this is a highly absorbent foam layer that draws exudate upward from the wound contact surface. The third layer is a fluid lock layer that captures the absorbed exudate and retains it within the dressing structure, preventing it from being redistributed back toward the wound surface when the dressing is compressed, for example when a patient sits or lies on the dressing. The outer layer is a moisture vapour permeable film backing with an integrated acrylic adhesive border.

ALLEVYN Life contains no silver and no antimicrobial agent. It is a purely physical dressing for exudate management and moist wound healing. It is suited to moderate to heavily exuding wounds where consistent fluid management and resistance to rewetting are the clinical priorities.

ALLEVYN Life is indicated for use on pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, post-operative wounds, and other moderately to heavily exuding chronic and acute wounds where the dressing will be subject to pressure or movement during the wear period.

ALLEVYN Life contains no antimicrobial agent. It is not suitable for infected wounds as a sole dressing. If the wound shows signs of infection, increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, offensive odour, or a wound that is not healing, seek clinical assessment. An antimicrobial dressing may be more appropriate.

Layer 1: Non Adherent Wound Contact Surface

The innermost layer sits directly on the wound surface. It is non adherent, allowing exudate to pass through into the absorbent layers above while minimising the risk of the dressing adhering to the wound bed. This reduces trauma and pain at dressing removal and helps preserve any new tissue forming at the wound surface.

Layer 2: Absorbent Foam Core

The second layer is a highly absorbent polyurethane foam that draws wound exudate upward from the wound contact surface through a wicking action. The foam holds a large volume of exudate away from the wound surface and prevents pooling at the wound bed, which can cause maceration of the periwound skin and impair healing.

Layer 3: Fluid Lock Layer

The third layer is the defining feature of ALLEVYN Life compared with standard three layer foam dressings. This fluid lock layer captures exudate that has been absorbed by the foam core and retains it within the dressing structure. When the dressing is subjected to pressure or compression, such as when a patient with a sacral pressure ulcer sits against a chair back, or when a dressing on the lower leg is covered by a compression bandage, a standard foam dressing may allow absorbed fluid to be squeezed back toward the wound surface. The fluid lock layer in ALLEVYN Life significantly reduces this rewetting effect, helping to maintain the wound in a consistently managed state throughout the wear period.

Layer 4: Moisture Vapour Permeable Film with Acrylic Adhesive Border

The outer film layer allows moisture vapour from the absorbed exudate to evaporate through the dressing, maintaining absorbent capacity throughout the wear period. The film is waterproof to external fluids, allowing patients to shower with the dressing in place. The integrated acrylic adhesive border holds the dressing firmly in position without requiring a separate secondary dressing.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the periwound skin thoroughly. The acrylic adhesive border requires dry intact periwound skin for effective adhesion.
• Do not apply creams, lotions, or oil-based products to the area where the border will contact the skin.

Application

• Choose the appropriate size so the foam pad covers the entire wound and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides.
• Remove the release liner from the border and apply the dressing progressively to avoid air being trapped under the border.
• Press the border firmly onto the surrounding skin to ensure a secure seal.
• No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations.

Wear Time and Removal

• ALLEVYN Life can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels.
• Change the dressing when exudate is visible approaching the edge of the foam pad, when the border lifts, or at the scheduled change time.
• To remove, lift one corner of the adhesive border and peel slowly back parallel to the skin surface. Support the periwound skin with the other hand, particularly for patients with fragile skin.
• For patients with fragile periwound skin who experience difficulty with acrylic adhesive borders, consider ALLEVYN Gentle Border, which uses a soft silicone adhesive border.
• Patients can shower while wearing ALLEVYN Life. The film backing is waterproof to external fluids. Avoid prolonged immersion. Pat the dressing dry after showering.

ALLEVYN Life 10.3cm x 10.3cm

The smallest size, suitable for localised pressure ulcers, smaller wound sites, and locations where a compact self-adhesive foam dressing with fluid lock properties is needed.

ALLEVYN Life 12.9cm x 12.9cm

A medium-small size suitable for moderate-sized pressure ulcers, smaller venous leg ulcer areas, and post-operative sites where the fluid lock layer provides additional security against rewetting during patient movement.

ALLEVYN Life 15.4cm x 15.4cm

A medium-large size suitable for larger pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and wound sites requiring broader foam pad coverage. A commonly used size in community and hospital wound care settings for pressure ulcer management.

ALLEVYN Life 21cm x 21cm

The largest size, suitable for extensive wound areas including large pressure ulcers and significant chronic wound areas. Provides a broad foam pad with an adequately sized adhesive border margin. Primarily for clinical use or for patients managing large wounds under clinical supervision.

When selecting a size, ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides. The border should not overlap onto the wound surface.

Do Not Use ALLEVYN Life If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to acrylic adhesive or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is actively infected, ALLEVYN Life contains no antimicrobial agent.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding - an absorbent foam may desiccate a dry wound.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Life is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply a used dressing.
• Use with caution on fragile periwound skin where acrylic adhesive borders may cause trauma at removal. Consider ALLEVYN Gentle Border (silicone adhesive border) as an alternative.
• Do not stretch the dressing during application as this can cause pressure injury to the periwound skin under the border.
• Reassess at each change. If signs of infection develop, consider an antimicrobial dressing.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity, irritation, or contact dermatitis at the acrylic adhesive border. Discontinue if persistent.
• Skin stripping from the acrylic border on removal from fragile periwound skin. Use an adhesive remover or consider ALLEVYN Gentle Border as an alternative.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls and the dressing is not reviewed.

ALLEVYN Life Is Suitable For

• Patients with moderate to heavily exuding pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, or diabetic foot ulcers where resistance to rewetting under pressure or compression is a clinical priority
• Wounds where the dressing will be regularly compressed during the wear period, including sacral pressure ulcers in patients who spend time seated, leg ulcers under compression bandaging, and wounds in areas subject to patient weight during rest
• Post operative wounds with moderate to heavy exudate during the active healing phase
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

Both products are three or four layer self-adhesive foam dressings with an acrylic adhesive border. The key difference is the fluid lock layer in ALLEVYN Life. ALLEVYN Adhesive is a standard three layer foam. ALLEVYN Life adds a fourth layer specifically designed to resist rewetting under compression. For wounds where the dressing will not be regularly compressed, ALLEVYN Adhesive provides equivalent exudate management. For wounds subject to regular pressure or compression during wear, the fluid lock layer of ALLEVYN Life provides additional protection against rewetting.

The key difference between these products is the adhesive border type. ALLEVYN Life uses an acrylic adhesive border. ALLEVYN Gentle Border uses a soft silicone adhesive border that is gentler on fragile periwound skin and allows repositioning. ALLEVYN Life also includes a fluid lock layer not present in ALLEVYN Gentle Border. For patients with fragile periwound skin who also need fluid lock protection, seek clinical guidance on the most appropriate choice.

ALLEVYN Life is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation. It is available in four sizes: 10.3cm x 10.3cm, 12.9cm x 12.9cm, 15.4cm x 15.4cm, and 21cm x 21cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks the full ALLEVYN range including ALLEVYN Life, ALLEVYN Adhesive, ALLEVYN Gentle Border, and the full ALLEVYN Ag range alongside a comprehensive selection of wound care products. Our pharmacists can advise on which ALLEVYN format is most appropriate for a specific wound.

For complex wounds or wounds that are not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in the original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Each dressing is individually sterile packed. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or compromised.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use after the expiry date.
• Once opened, apply immediately.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy providing access to the full ALLEVYN range including ALLEVYN Life in all four available sizes. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on whether ALLEVYN Life, ALLEVYN Adhesive, or ALLEVYN Gentle Border is most appropriate for a specific wound type and patient, and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ALLEVYN Life Wound Dressing — Instructions for Use. Smith+Nephew Medical Ltd. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pressure ulcers: prevention and management (CG179). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg179. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.