subject: Medical and scientific uses for foam [print this page] Medical and scientific uses for foam Medical and scientific uses for foam
Foam is essentially a product of micro engineering, so it is no surprise that it is employed in a number of medical and scientific applications.
Foams are produced by combining air with polymer based materials in ways that are tightly monitored by the foam manufacturers, resulting in a wide range of foams, all with very different qualities.
Crudely speaking, foam can be either rigid or flexible. Foams can also be either open (allowing air or liquids to be absorbed) or closed (preventing air from entering or escaping).
It is around these essential parameters that foam suppliers vary their output according to medical and scientific requirements.
Heat and moisture exchanging (HME) filters, for example - produced using open polyether foam - are used by hospitals to control the temperature of oxygen entering the lungs of surgical patients via respirators. Meanwhile, absorbent dressings that help remove bacteria from wounds are often produced using open PVA foam cut to size by foam suppliers.
Liquid absorbent swabs and wipes are also made from foam, as are various intravenous drip components and cushioned inserts for surgical rays.
The general scientific community on the other hand makes use of absorbent polyester foams in such applications as air and water filtration systems, in headphone cushioning, and in noise reduction panels.
Foam can also be engineered and shaped to provide an exact fitting insert for the protection and safe transportation of delicate scientific instruments; as well as being used in the construction of various laboratory devices such as test tube holders.
It should also be noted that foam, as well as being highly resistant to dirt and fungal growth, can also be easily sterilised.
At Technical Foam Services we pride ourselves on having access to the best foam conversion machinery and a wealth of experience in producing customised products for the scientific and medical communities.
