Specialty absorptive or superabsorbent dressings are multilayer wound covers that provide either a semi-adherent or a non-adherent layer, combined with highly absorptive layers of fibers, such as cellulose, cotton, polyurethane or rayon. Designed to minimize adherence to the wound and manage exudate.

Absorbent dressings may be used as primary or secondary dressings to manage a variety of surgical incisions, lacerations, abrasions, burns, donor or skin graft sites or with any exuding wound. They are designed to be soft, comfortable, water-resistant and sealed to prevent pressure areas from forming. The main function of an absorbent dressing is the containment of wound fluid (exudate).

An absorbent dressing protects and absorbs exudate of wounds in a moist environment which promotes healing and will not stick to the wound. As a result, there is minimal pain when the dressing is removed. These dressings have a comfortable, fixative layer which combine to manage effectively various sutured wounds.