Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces and at least one receptacle formed therein. The at least one receptacle opening at the distal surface of the absorbent core and extending a distance into the thickness of the absorbent core. The at least one receptacle contains a discrete portion of absorbent material. The absorbent core may include a plurality of discrete hydrophilic particulates enmeshed therein. The wound dressing may include an elastomeric gel layer and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer connected to the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method for making a wound dressing having an absorbent core includes the steps of inserting a plurality of projection elements into a distal surface of the absorbent core such that the projection elements extend into a thickness of the absorbent core and are suitably heated to impart their shape in the absorbent core. The projection elements are removed from the absorbent core to form receptacles therein. A discrete portion of at least one absorbent material is inserted in each of the receptacles.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces and an array of receptacles formed therein. A liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer is connected to at least a portion of the distal surface of the absorbent core. The receptacles open at the distal surface of the absorbent core and extend a distance into the thickness of the absorbent core. Each receptacle contains a plurality of discrete portions of absorbent material. The backing layer is configured to be sufficiently distensible to permit expansion and migration of at least some of the discrete portions of absorbent material from the receptacles upon absorption of exudate by the wound dressing.

Abstract: A method for making a wound dressing having an absorbent core and an elastomeric gel facing layer includes the steps of depositing uncured elastomeric gel onto a perforation device to form a discrete layer of elastomeric gel thereon, curing the elastomeric gel layer to a partially cured state and applying the absorbent core to a surface of the partially cured gel layer. The perforation device includes a generally planar surface with a plurality of discrete perforating elements extending therefrom wherein the perforating elements extend through the uncured elastomeric gel layer to form a plurality of apertures therein.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces and a discrete skin adherent, elastomeric gel layer disposed along the proximal surface of the absorbent core. The elastomeric gel layer includes a plurality of through extending apertures arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces. A perforated skin adherent facing layer is secured to a proximal surface of the absorbent core and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer is connected to a distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces, the distal surface of the absorbent core defining a central portion, a border portion and an intermediate portion interposed between the central and border portions. The backing layer defines at least one compliant element disassociated from the distal surface of the absorbent core and including at least one ridge extending outwardly relative to the distal surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method of the invention is provided for making a wound dressing including an absorbent core having proximal and distal surfaces, and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer extending over the distal surface of the absorbent core. The backing layer has a portion defining a compliant element disassociated and outwardly extending from the distal surface of the absorbent core. The method includes the steps of securing a border portion of the backing layer to a border portion of the absorbent core located near the periphery thereof, connecting a central portion of the backing layer to a central portion of the absorbent core, and forming the compliant element by drawing a portion of the backing layer away from the absorbent core.