Waterproof or breathable? Choosing a dressing backing
They solve different problems, and the wrong choice either soaks through or traps moisture.
The backing is the outer layer of a dressing. It decides what gets in and what gets out, and it is worth understanding before you buy.
Breathable non-woven
Lets moisture vapour escape, so skin under the dressing does not become waterlogged. Comfortable for long wear. It will not survive a shower.
Waterproof film
Sheds splashes and brief water contact, so you can shower without changing the dressing immediately afterwards. It restricts vapour escape, so on a wound producing a lot of fluid it can leave skin soggy.
Choosing
- Hands, washing up, showering — waterproof.
- Long wear on a dry, closed wound — breathable is more comfortable.
- A wound producing fluid — prioritise absorbency over either, and change more often.
A note on maceration
Skin that stays wet turns white, soft and fragile. If you lift a dressing and the surrounding skin looks bleached and wrinkled, it needs more breathability or more frequent changes.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.