Lunwell®: silver-coated, porous wound-contact technology

In advanced wound care, a material must do more than cover a wound. It must create controlled contact with the wound bed, form a barrier against microbial contamination, and support exudate management as part of the complete dressing system. Lunwell brings these three functions together in a silver-coated open-mesh contact layer.

Product architecture: three functions, one layer

1. A flexible polyester mesh conforms to the wound surface and forms the non-adherent contact layer.
2. A homogeneous elemental-silver coating on the polyester fibres provides the active antimicrobial surface.
3. The porous architecture allows wound exudate to pass into the secondary absorbent dressing above it.

In this architecture, Lunwell is neither an absorbent filler nor a waterproof film. It is the functional contact layer operating between the wound bed and the secondary dressing. The antimicrobial surface remains in direct contact with the wound while the selected secondary dressing manages exudate.

How does the silver coating work?

Lunwell uses elemental silver with a purity of at least 99%. Manufacturing acceptance criteria require the silver to be distributed homogeneously across the polyester mesh. When the surface contacts moisture in the wound environment, antimicrobial Ag⁺ ions become bioavailable. These ions exert multi-target pressure on bacterial membranes, proteins, energy balance and cell-wall synthesis.

A seven-day antimicrobial barrier

Lunwell’s antimicrobial barrier effect lasts for seven days. This is the product’s design and validation window. Actual wear time is determined by wound condition, exudate level and clinical assessment; in appropriate conditions the dressing may remain in place for up to seven days.

Where is Lunwell used?

• Partial- or full-thickness wounds
• Second-degree burns
• Traumatic and surgical wounds
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Infected wounds
• Donor- and graft-site wounds
• Pressure injuries

Lunwell is used as the antimicrobial contact layer within the wound-care system established by a qualified professional. In infected wounds, local clinical protocols, debridement, infection management, exudate control and any required systemic therapy remain part of the complete treatment pathway.

Twenty-three sizes, one surface technology

The product family spans 23 physical sizes, from 2 × 30 cm to 15 × 15 cm. Each size is specified as a single sterile pack and as a box containing ten sterile single packs. This broad geometry set supports selection for narrow anatomical areas as well as larger wound surfaces.

• It is non-adhesive: a flexible, non-adherent wound-contact layer.
• It does not absorb exudate; its pores transfer fluid to the secondary dressing.
• Elemental silver is present as a homogeneous surface coating.
• Bioavailable Ag⁺ supports a seven-day antimicrobial barrier.
• It is sterile, EO-sterilised and single-use.

Use boundaries

The dressing is not used in patients with silver or polyester sensitivity, on third-degree burns, or on ulcers caused by syphilis, tuberculosis or deep fungal infection. It is removed before MRI, X-ray or radiation procedures. It is not compatible with petroleum-based ointments and creams and is not moistened with hydrogen peroxide or povidone iodine. It is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Current instructions for use and the healthcare professional’s clinical decision govern application.

Author: Lunwell Science Editorial Team