The problem of dressings sticking to the wound bed, or dressings that cannot be easily removed from the skin surrounding the wound are commonplace. The result is trauma to the delicate tissues in the wound, or ‘skin stripping’ and pain. This article discusses the causes of traumatic injuries and pain associated with the removal of dressings and reflects on the term ‘atraumatic dressings’ coined to describe products that are less likely to cause such problems in clinical practice (Thomas, 2003). A review of the scientific and clinical literature relating to a new category of products, based upon soft silicone Safetac® technology, is included.