Telfa Adhesive Island Dressing

Multiple versions of this product exist, and their latex content varies by manufacturer and product line.

The Telfa Adhesive Island Dressings (nonwoven fabric versions) sold on this site are explicitly labeled “Not Made with Natural Rubber Latex” . The Telfa™ AMD Antimicrobial Island Dressing  also carries a “Not made with natural rubber latex” designation . 

However, caution is advised with certain versions. Some Telfa Island Dressings—particularly those labeled simply as “TELFA Island Dressings” from certain distributors—contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals . One distributor explicitly warns: “This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions” .

Recommendation: If you have a known latex allergy, always check the specific product packaging for the latex statement before use. Look for dressings clearly marked “Not Made with Natural Rubber Latex.” If a rash develops or you experience discomfort, discontinue use and consult your physician.

Telfa Adhesive Island Dressings are specifically designed for the treatment of lightly draining wounds . They feature a highly absorbent cotton core surrounded by a perforated non-adherent film precision-manufactured to specifications of 300 holes per square inch—a design proven to provide the perfect balance between non-adherence and exudate migration .

Primary Indications:

• Surgical incisions and post-procedural sites – The dressing is ideal for acute surgical incisions and wounds healing by primary intention . It provides a sterile environment and protective barrier against external contaminants.

• IV sites and central lines – The dressing provides a secure covering for both central and peripheral intravenous sites, with the adhesive edges maintaining position throughout daily activities .

• Minor cuts, abrasions, and skin tears – The non-adherent Telfa layer ensures the dressing does not stick to the wound bed, preventing disruption of newly forming tissue and minimizing trauma during dressing changes .

• Pressure ulcers and chronic wounds with minimal drainage – The dressing conforms around wounds and seals on all four sides, protecting the wound from external contaminants while allowing air exchange .

What It Is NOT For: Telfa Adhesive Island Dressings are not suitable for moderate to highly exudating wounds . The dressing has only light absorbency and cannot handle high amounts of wound fluid. For heavily draining wounds, a more absorbent secondary dressing or an alternative product would be required . Clinical guidelines list moderate to highly exudating wounds as a contraindication for island dressings of this type .

Yes, the Telfa Adhesive Island Dressing is designed to be both breathable and moisture-retentive. These two properties work together to create optimal conditions for wound healing.

Breathability (Moisture Vapor Transmission): The dressing transmits moisture vapor at a rate that helps preserve a moist environment for the wound in order to accelerate healing . The soft, nonwoven backing is air-permeable, allowing for air exchange while still protecting the wound from external contaminants . This breathability prevents maceration (softening and breakdown of skin due to excess moisture) while maintaining the protective barrier function.

Moist Wound Environment: The 300 holes per square inch perforated film is precision-engineered to strike the perfect balance between:

• Non-adherence – The film prevents the dressing from sticking to the wound bed, which protects fragile healing tissue and epithelial cells 

• Exudate migration – The perforations allow wound fluid to pass through to the absorbent cotton core, where it is wicked away from the wound surface

This moist environment is clinically significant because research has demonstrated that wounds heal faster and with less scarring when kept moist rather than allowed to dry out . The dressing’s ability to maintain this balance while remaining non-adherent makes it particularly suitable for wounds where preserving newly formed tissue is critical.

Additional Features:

• The non-adherent film will not disrupt healing tissue during removal 

• The dressing can be steam sterilized for further infection control 

• The adhesive is hypoallergenic and pressure-sensitive, allowing for easy removal without skin trauma 

For wounds at risk of infection, the Telfa™ AMD (Antimicrobial) version is impregnated with PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide), which kills a broad spectrum of bacteria and provides protection against 15 gram-negative, gram-positive, and fungi/yeast microorganisms while remaining non-cytotoxic .