Advanced dressing technology offers contemporary approaches to wound management that can deliver benefits in quality of life for the individual, together with cost-savings to the healthcare provider. The wide range of wound dressings available present challenges in choice; dressings that reduce pain, prevent cross-infection, provide cost-effective treatment and improve healing. At the same time, optimal performance is dependent on wound characteristics and knowledge of the wound healing process. Managing the wound environment means that the wound should be free from heavy exudate, necrotic tissue and pathogens, and remain moist and warm.