Abstract: Compounds of the formula:CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R)--COO--(CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)--O).sub.x --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.y --OC--A--COOHor a salt thereof, whereinR is H or CH.sub.3,x is an integer from 2 to 20.y is an integer from 0 to 5,A is an alkylene, alkenylene, or phenylene radical such that A(COOH).sub.2 is a dibasic acid capable of forming an anhydride (A(CO).sub.2 O, are described. These are polymerizable compounds which have also surfactant properties. The compounds may be used to replace non-polymerizible surfactants in emulsion polymerization reactions, and preferably in those reactions which result in adhesive polymers which are suitable for surgical and medical use. Methods for preparing the compounds and pressure sensitive adhesives formed by copolymerization of the compounds with other acrylate monomers are also described.

Abstract: A flexible film suitable for use in adhesive medical dressings which film comprises a blend of polymers characterized in that the blend comprises a continuous matrix of 1,2 polybutadiene and an incompatible polymer which forms a discrete particulate phase within the continuous matrix and the film contains voids is described.

Abstract: A dressing suitable for application to lesions of the skin comprises a conformable apertured film. The film consists of two layers laminated together, the first layer which is the lesion contacting layer is formed from a material which swells in contact with water. The second layer does not swell or swells less than the first layer when in contact with water. When the first layer is placed in contact with a wet lesion the different swell characteristics causes the apertures to open allowing water to pass through the film from the wet surface to the top of the second layer. On a dry surface the apertures are closed. Preferably the apertures are in the form of slits. A composite dressing in which an absorbent for the fluid passing through the film is in contact with the second layer is also described.

Abstract: A device suitable for the prophylaxis of pressure sores which device comprises a gel retained within a flexible elastomeric envelope which envelope has a body contacting surface which is a film having a moisture vapor transmission rate of greater than 300 g/m.sup.2 /24 hr.sup.-1 at 37.degree. C. at 100% to 10% relative humidity difference characterized in that the device is 5 to 25 mm thick and may be worn on the body and the gel is a mobile moisture absorbing hydrophilic gel is described.

Abstract: A substantially isotonic aqueous solution suitable for the cleaning of soft and gas permeable contact lenses which solution comprises a sterile aqueous solution of 0.01 to 2% of an ophthalmically acceptable non-ionic surface active agent, 0.0012 to 0.003% of a chlorhexidine salt and sufficient tonicity adjusting agent not containing ionic species producing a tonicity equivalent to more than a 0.3% solution of sodium chloride.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis which has the whole or part of its surface which is in contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth coated with a soft, hydrophilic polyurethane is provided. The polyurethane coating has a thickness of from 0.1 to 3.00 mm when hydrated. The polyurethane is applied to the prosthesis from a non-aqueous solvent in an anhydrous state and is subsequently hydrated by soaking in water. The polyurethane is a reaction product of a mixture of polyether polyols and a di-isocyanate using an alkenediol as a chain extender. The polyurethane contains from 5 to 40% water when hydrated.