A new wound care dressing from Mölnlycke, Mepilex® Up, is helping people with hard-to-heal, leaky wounds get back on their feet with hospital-quality wound care that transitions from hospital to home. 

Mepilex Up, the new wound care dressing from Mölnlycke, tackles some of the critical factors that affect people living with hard-to-heal leaky wounds, such as leg ulcers. 

About one or two people in every 100 will be affected by leg ulcers at some stage in life, making leg ulcers the most common wounds in Australia1. 

For many people, the presence of a leaky wound can severely affect quality of life. The constant leakage of fluid from the wound can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and an unpleasant odour. This can lead to social isolation, as people feel self-conscious about their condition. 

Malcolm who has ulcers on both legs, says: "I suffer with a lot of leakage on both ulcers, which ends up leaking through the bandages, and they tend to smell, which is embarrassing for me." 

Leaking wound fluid causes a burden at home as well as socially. 

Anne says: "It's not nice. It goes through your clothes. It goes on your bedsheets. When you put your legs up, you've got to be careful that you've covered your furniture." 

As well as leakage, hard-to-heal wounds like leg ulcers are also open to invasion by bacteria so they're often accompanied by a high risk of infection, which can complicate the healing process. Wound pain is another factor that can interfere with activities of daily living and sleep - dressing changes can be painful with poor dressing selection. A dressing choice with a soft silicone interface such as Safetac® can minimise pain on dressing change. 

How Mepilex® Up can help

Mepilex® Up is a highly absorbent, low-profile, soft silicone foam dressing that is intended for a wide range of acute and hard-to-heal wounds with low to high wound fluid such as leg and foot ulcers, pressure injuries and traumatic wounds. 

Used by healthcare professionals worldwide, Mepilex Up combines advanced technology with the science of healing, ensuring that wound fluid is absorbed yet an optimal moist environment for healing is retained. Its advanced, dimpled foam structure spreads wound fluid in all directions reducing the risk of leakage and supporting a longer wear time. 

People who have used it report reductions in wound fluid levels. 

"I've noticed a big improvement in the leakage, plus it's easier for me to put on," says Pam, who has started managing her leg ulcers with Mepilex Up in conjunction with her health care team. 

Utilising Safetac Technology, Mepilex Up adheres gently to the skin without sticking to the wound bed, minimising pain and trauma during dressing changes, while its low profile ensures comfort and discretion for the wearer. 

The dressing also conforms well to body contours, enhancing mobility and comfort. Pam says: "Mepilex Up has helped me to gain a lot more confidence in going out and dressing the leg myself." By addressing the challenges associated with leaky wounds, Mepilex Up dressings are helping people with leaky wounds on the path to healing and recovery, whether healing in hospital or at home.

Checklist: what to look for in a high-quality dressing for leaky wounds

• Absorbs wound fluid and prevents leakage 
• Maintains a moist wound environment for healing 
• Offers discretion and comfort 
• Adheres securely but gently to minimise pain during removal 
• Conforms to body contours to support mobility 

Mepilex® Up – hospital-quality wound care at home

Could Mepilex® Up be the dressing you need for leaky wounds? Learn more.

Healthcare professionals

Find out how to manage hard-to-heal wounds with Mölnlycke range of dressings. Learn more.

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Mepilex Up is suitable for use in both clinical and home care settings. It can be used by lay persons under supervision of healthcare professionals. If you are concerned about your wound, please contact your healthcare professional.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Thanks to our incredible sponsor Mölnlycke

This article was brought to you by Mölnlycke, our valued Wound Awareness Week partner. Our supportive industry partners make this week possible and we're grateful for their support. Explore their official Partner Page today.

References: 

1. HealthDirect. Leg ulcers. Available online: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/leg-ulcers. Accessed 22/8/25.
2. Weir D and Davies P. The impact of venous leg ulcers on a patient's quality of life: considerations for dressing selection. Wounds International 2023;14(1):36–41.