Split, IV and tube site dressings
Pre-split dressings and sponges fit snugly around tracheostomy tubes, drains, PEG and gastrostomy tubes, IV lines and catheters, absorbing secretions and cushioning the skin at the tube site. MEC stocks Kendall Excilon drain and IV sponges (including Excilon AMD with PHMB), Multigate split drainage dressings, Advazorb and Allevyn tracheostomy dressings, PolyMem Shape tube dressings, and 3M Tegaderm +Pad waterproof island dressings.
How to choose a tube site or IV dressing
| Dressing type | Best suited to | At MEC |
|---|---|---|
| Split drain and IV sponges | Non-woven sponges with a pre-cut slit that sit around drains, catheters, chest tubes, IV sites and tracheostomies without cutting. Low-linting, so no loose threads near the site. | Excilon 10 x 10 cm, Excilon 5 x 5 cm, Multigate split drainage dressings |
| Antimicrobial split sponges | Drain and IV sites where you want a dressing that resists bacterial colonisation. Contain PHMB. | Excilon AMD 5 x 5 cm, Excilon AMD 10 x 10 cm |
| Foam tracheostomy dressings | Absorbing secretions and cushioning the skin under the tracheostomy tube flange. | Advazorb T Lite (2.5 mm foam, light to medium exudate), Advazorb T Plus (5 mm foam with film backing, medium to high exudate), Allevyn tracheostomy dressing |
| Pre-cut tube dressings | PEG, gastrostomy and other tube sites that need regular care and inspection. Non-adherent and non-fibrous. | PolyMem Shape tube 7 x 7 cm, 9 x 9 cm |
| Film island dressings | Post-surgical wounds and minor wounds. A non-adherent pad bonded to a thin, breathable transparent film that is waterproof, so patients can shower with it on. | 3M Tegaderm +Pad 9 x 10 cm |
Change tube site and IV dressings as often as your care plan directs, and whenever they are wet, soiled or saturated. Clean and dry the skin around the site before applying a fresh dressing, and secure the tube itself separately — see tracheostomy straps and protectors and tapes and fixation.
Tube and IV dressing FAQs
What is a split or keyhole dressing?
A split dressing has a pre-cut slit (often Y- or T-shaped) so it can slide around a tube, drain or line without cutting. This saves time, and avoids the loose threads that can come from cutting gauze.
What dressing goes under a tracheostomy tube?
A pre-cut tracheostomy dressing sits under the tube flange to absorb secretions and protect the skin. Foam dressings such as Advazorb T and Allevyn tracheostomy dressings are soft and absorbent; split sponges such as Excilon are a thinner option. Follow the advice of your tracheostomy nurse.
Can I shower with Tegaderm +Pad on?
Yes. Tegaderm +Pad has a waterproof film backing that lets patients bathe or shower without removing the dressing, as long as the edges stay sealed.
Supplying tube site dressings for a ward, aged-care facility or home care team? Contact our team for volume pricing. See also gauze and non-woven swabs and gastrostomy supplies.
