Abstract: A non-woven fabric of alginate staple fibres, characterized in that the absorbency of the fabric is greater than 25.0 grams of deionised water or 19.0 grams of saline water per gram of fabric as measured with reference to the test method depicted in FIG. 1, is prepared by a modified needle-tacking process. The fabric is useful for the preparation of wound and burn dressings.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprises a backing layer, which is preferably a semi-permeable material, and a wound contact pad. The wound contact pad comprises a mixed salt alginate, preferably in the form of fibres, which have first and second cations. The first cation (which may be calcium) is capable of forming an insoluble alginate salt and the second cation (which may be sodium) is capable of forming a soluble alginate salt. The equivalent ratio of the first to second cations is from 40:60 to 90:10, and is preferably about 80:20. Such dressings are useful in wound management, as the mixed salt alginate is particularly efficacious in combination with a backing layer.