Medline Optifoam Dressings Explained: Gentle, Gentle EX, Lite, LQ and Adhesive
Published by UnityMedicalSupplies on Nov 2nd 2026
Updated November 2026
Optifoam is Medline's line of foam wound dressings. The versions differ in three ways:
- Adhesive: gentle silicone (every "Gentle" model) or a standard adhesive.
- Border: an adhesive border, or borderless so you secure it yourself.
- Absorbency: how much fluid it holds, from light (Gentle Lite) to extra heavy (Gentle LQ).
For fragile or older skin, start with a Gentle model. Then pick the absorbency that matches how much the wound drains.
What every Optifoam dressing does
A foam dressing is a soft pad that soaks up wound fluid while keeping the wound moist enough to heal. Medline describes the Optifoam Gentle range as having a foam face that helps reduce friction and shear, a superabsorbent core that absorbs and holds fluid, and a waterproof outer layer (Medline catalog). Foam dressings suit wounds that drain. They are not meant for dry wounds (see Types of Wound Dressings).
Silicone (Gentle) vs standard adhesive
- Optifoam Gentle models use silicone adhesive. Medline says it "helps reduce the discomfort of dressing removal." Silicone also lifts and re-sticks, so you can check the skin underneath. It is the usual choice for thin, older or easily torn skin. See How to Choose a Dressing for Fragile or Sensitive Skin.
- Optifoam Adhesive, Site and Sacrum Adhesive use a standard adhesive border. They hold firmly and cost less, but removal is harder on fragile skin.
- Optifoam Non-Adhesive, Basic and Heel have no adhesive. Hold them in place with a wrap, tape or a cover dressing.
Which Optifoam for how much drainage
| Optifoam model | Adhesive | Border | Drainage | At Unity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle Lite, bordered | Silicone | Yes | Light | Box of 10 or case |
| Gentle Lite, borderless | Silicone face | No | Light | Case |
| Gentle, silicone-faced | Silicone face | No | Light to moderate | Box of 10 or case |
| Gentle, silicone border | Silicone border | Yes | Moderate | Case |
| Gentle EX, bordered | Silicone | Yes | Moderate | Box of 10 or case |
| Gentle LQ (Liquitrap core) | Silicone | Yes | Extra heavy | Box of 10 or case |
| Adhesive | Standard | Yes | Moderate to heavy | Case |
| Non-Adhesive | None | No | Heavy | Case |
| Basic | None | No | Not stated; cushions bony areas | Box of 10 or case |
Drainage levels for the Gentle range follow Medline's Optifoam Gentle comparison; the others follow each product listing. Check each product page for its sizes and directions.
Bordered or borderless?
- Bordered: an all-in-one dressing that seals on all sides. It is the easiest choice at home because it needs no tape.
- Borderless: goes under a wrap or cover dressing. It suits skin that can't take any adhesive. Medline notes that the non-bordered Gentle dressings can be cut to fit; bordered ones should not be cut.
Shapes for the sacrum, heels, incisions and tubes
- Sacrum (tailbone): a heart-shaped dressing that stays put when someone sits or slides in bed. Choose Gentle EX sacrum or Gentle LQ sacrum (boxes of 5). There are also Gentle SA, Gentle sacrum and Sacrum Adhesive. For what to look for, see Dressings for Sacral and Pressure-Prone Areas.
- Heel: shaped to cup the heel. Choose Gentle heel (silicone) or Heel non-adhesive.
- Surgical incisions: long rectangles, Gentle Post-Op (4 x 8, 4 x 10 and 4 x 12 in.).
- Around tubes and drains: Optifoam Site, a 4 in. round with a slit (fenestrated).
How to choose, in four questions
- Is the skin fragile? Choose a Gentle (silicone) model.
- How much does the wound drain? Light means Lite. Light to moderate means Gentle. Moderate means Gentle EX or Gentle with a silicone border. Heavy means Gentle SA (sacrum) or Non-Adhesive. Very heavy means Gentle LQ.
- Can the skin around it take an adhesive border? Yes means bordered. No means borderless plus a wrap.
- Where is it? Use the sacrum, heel, post-op or site shapes for those areas.
How long can an Optifoam dressing stay on?
Unity's listings for Optifoam Adhesive, Optifoam Heel and Gentle EX give a wear time of up to 7 days. Change the dressing sooner if fluid reaches the edge, it leaks, it lifts, or it smells. Follow the directions from the person's nurse or doctor. For a step-by-step dressing change, see Non-Stick Gauze vs Regular Gauze Pads.
When to call a nurse or doctor
- Infection signs: spreading redness, warmth, pus, a bad smell or fever.
- Drainage: it soaks through even the most absorbent dressing within a day.
- Healing: the wound gets bigger or deeper, or turns black.
- Bed sores: any pressure sore beyond redness. See Bed Sore Stages and How to Prevent Them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Optifoam used for?
Medline lists Optifoam dressings for draining wounds such as pressure injuries, leg ulcers, skin tears and donor sites. Check each listing's "indicated for" line.
Is Optifoam silicone?
Only the Gentle models (Gentle, Gentle Lite, Gentle EX, Gentle LQ, Gentle SA). Optifoam Adhesive, Site and Sacrum Adhesive use a standard adhesive.
Can you cut Optifoam?
Medline says the non-bordered Gentle dressings can be cut to fit. Don't cut bordered dressings.
What does LQ mean?
It's Medline's Liquitrap core, its highest-absorbency Gentle option.
Can I buy Optifoam by the box?
Yes. Unity sells Gentle, Gentle Lite bordered, Gentle EX, Gentle LQ and Basic in boxes of 10, and the sacrum versions in boxes of 5. Most others come by the case.
Sources: Medline, Optifoam Gentle comparison; DME Supply USA, Optifoam Gentle EX listing; Unity product listings linked above.