PROFORE 2 SOFFCREPE

Between the soft padding layer and the firm compression bandage layers of a multilayer compression system sits a conforming bandage whose purpose is often underappreciated. This layer binds the padding firmly to the limb, smooths any surface irregularities left by the padding application, and provides the compression layers above with a consistent, even surface to work against. Without it, the compression layers would be applied directly over a potentially uneven padded surface, leading to inconsistent pressure delivery. Profore 2 Soffcrepe is the layer 2 conforming bandage of the Profore four-layer compression system from Smith & Nephew. 10cm x 4.5m. Applied by trained clinical staff. No prescription required.

Profore 2 Soffcrepe is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is the second bandage layer in the Profore four-layer high compression system for venous leg ulcer management. A light, soft conforming bandage, it is applied over the Profore 1 Padding Bandage and before the compression bandage layers (Profore 3 and Profore 4). Its primary role is to hold the padding layer securely in position and to smooth the surface of the padded limb before compression is applied.

The Soffcrepe construction is a soft, crêpe-type bandage designed to conform easily to the contours of the lower limb. It does not apply significant compression in its own right. Instead, it wraps closely around the padded limb, binding the Profore 1 padding layer to the leg and compressing any minor surface variations left after the padding application into a more even, consistent surface. This smoothing and binding function prepares the padded limb for the compression layers that follow.

The length of Profore 2 Soffcrepe is 4.5m, which is 1m longer than the Profore 1 Padding Bandage. This additional length reflects the different application technique of a conforming bandage versus a padding bandage. The Soffcrepe needs to wrap more firmly and at closer intervals than the padding layer to achieve its smoothing and binding function, requiring more bandage material to complete the application from foot to below the knee.

Profore 2 Soffcrepe is used within the complete Profore system alongside Profore 1 (padding), Profore 3 (light elastic bandage), and Profore 4 (cohesive compression bandage) or their equivalents. Each layer contributes a specific function. Profore 2 prepares the padded limb surface so that the compression layers above can work effectively and consistently.

Profore 2 Soffcrepe is a conforming layer. It does not apply therapeutic compression. The compression in the Profore system is provided by the outer compression bandage layers. The clinical decisions about compression therapy, including ABPI assessment, apply to the complete Profore system and are made by the clinical team before the system is first applied. Profore 2 is applied by trained district or community nurses as part of the complete supervised system.

Securing and Binding the Padding Layer

After Profore 1 Padding Bandage is applied, the padded limb has a soft, conformable surface that is not firmly anchored to the limb beneath. A patient moving their limb or the calf muscle pump action during walking could cause the padding to shift or bunch if it were not held in place. Profore 2 Soffcrepe wraps over the padding layer, binding it to the limb and holding it in position throughout the dressing wear period. This prevents padding migration during wear, which would create uneven pressure areas under the outer compression layers.

Smoothing the Padded Surface

Even when Profore 1 is applied carefully, minor surface variations can remain between bandage turns or over complex limb contours. The Soffcrepe, applied over the padding with a conforming wrap, compresses and smooths these minor variations. The resulting surface over which Profore 3 and Profore 4 are applied is more even and consistent than the raw Profore 1 surface. An even surface allows the compression bandages to deliver more consistent pressure across the full limb circumference.

Conforming to Limb Shape

The crêpe-type construction of the Soffcrepe allows it to stretch and conform to the three-dimensional shape of the lower limb. The lower leg narrows toward the ankle and broadens toward the calf, with irregular contours around the malleoli and the Achilles tendon. The Soffcrepe adapts to these contours as it is wrapped, maintaining firm contact with the padded surface throughout its application length. This conforming property is essential for a bandage that needs to create a consistently smooth surface over a complex anatomical structure.

Interface Layer for Compression

By creating a smooth, firmly bound padded surface, Profore 2 Soffcrepe optimises the interface at which the compression bandage layers begin their work. The compression in the Profore system is generated primarily by layers 3 and 4 working against the padded, smoothed limb surface that Profore 1 and Profore 2 together create. The quality of the compression delivered by the outer layers is partly a function of the consistency of the padded surface beneath them.

Position in the Dressing System

• Apply the wound contact dressing to the ulcer surface first.
• Apply Profore 1 Padding Bandage as the first bandage layer.
• Apply Profore 2 Soffcrepe over the Profore 1 padding as the second bandage layer.
• Apply Profore 3 and Profore 4 over the Profore 2 to complete the compression system.

Application Technique

• Begin at the foot and apply in a spiral technique from foot to below the knee.
• Apply with gentle, consistent tension to achieve a smooth, even surface without wrinkles.
• Overlap each turn by approximately 50 percent to ensure consistent surface coverage.
• Work around the malleoli and over the lower leg smoothly without ridges or gaps.
• The finished Soffcrepe layer should feel firm and smooth to the touch with no obvious surface irregularities.

Completion

• Proceed directly to applying Profore 3 over the Soffcrepe layer.
• Then apply Profore 4 to complete the compression system.

Profore 2 Soffcrepe is applied by trained district or community nurses as part of the complete Profore compression dressing system. It is not for patient self-application. The complete Profore system, including the compression layers, is a clinical procedure requiring trained application.

Profore 2 Soffcrepe 10cm x 4.5m

Profore 2 Soffcrepe is supplied as a 10cm wide x 4.5m long soft conforming bandage. The 4.5m length is sufficient to apply one complete conforming layer from foot to below the knee using the standard 50 percent overlap spiral technique. One roll provides one complete layer 2 application for the Profore system.

Note on Compression Safety

Profore 2 Soffcrepe does not apply therapeutic compression. However, it is used as part of a complete high compression system. The ABPI assessment requirements and arterial disease contraindications for high compression therapy apply to the complete Profore system. These are managed by the clinical team before and during the course of treatment. Profore 2 is one component of that system.

Precautions

• Apply as part of the complete Profore four-layer system under clinical supervision.
• Apply with consistent even coverage and gentle tension.
• Ensure the finished surface is smooth before applying the compression layers.
• Not for patient self application.

Role in the Profore System

Profore 2 Soffcrepe is specifically designed as layer 2 of the Smith & Nephew Profore four-layer compression system. It is not a standalone product and is used as part of the complete four-layer system. The complete Profore system consists of: Profore 1 Padding Bandage (layer 1, padding and exudate absorption), Profore 2 Soffcrepe (layer 2, conforming and surface preparation), Profore 3 or Profore 3 Litepress (layer 3, light elastic), and Profore+ or Profore 4 Co-Plus (layer 4, outer compression). Each layer is available individually and can be purchased separately for clinicians who manage their own component stock.

Profore 2 vs Profore 1

Profore 1 and Profore 2 both serve preparatory roles before the compression layers are applied, but they perform distinct functions. Profore 1 is the thick, absorbent padding bandage that protects bony prominences and absorbs exudate. Profore 2 Soffcrepe is the lighter, conforming bandage that holds the padding in place and smooths the padded surface. Profore 1 is about bulk and absorption. Profore 2 is about conformity and surface preparation. Both are needed for the compression layers to work correctly.

Profore 2 Soffcrepe does not require a prescription. The 10cm x 4.5m bandage is available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on Profore 2 Soffcrepe and on the complete Profore system components available from Smith & Nephew.

Profore 2 is a clinical component used within a supervised compression system. The complete system is applied by trained district or community nurses.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original packaging until use.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Profore 2 Soffcrepe is a genuine Smith & Nephew product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Profore 2 Soffcrepe and on all components of the Profore four-layer compression system.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Profore 2 Soffcrepe — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic wounds: advanced wound dressings and antimicrobial dressings. NICE Evidence Review. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. NHS. Venous leg ulcer: treatment and compression therapy. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-ulcer. Accessed June 2026.
4. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Compression hosiery. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.