Unna boot verses Urgo wraps

Unna boots versus urgo wraps

Nov 5, 2024 by Jennie Robinson, APRN, NP-C

1 replies

Elaine Horibe Song
MD, PhD, MBA

Hi Jennie

Thank you for your question. Assuming that the Urgo wraps you referred to are UrgoK2, the manufacturer states that it functions as a multi-component bandage system. UrgoK2 has 2 layers:

inner layer: short-stretch bandage
outer layer: long-stretch cohesive bandage

For further details, see the "Types of Compression Devices" section in the "Compression Therapy", "How to Apply Unna Boot" and "How to Select Adequate Compression Therapy Pressure Levels and Products". Here are some aspects regarding the difference between Unna Boots and UrgoK2 dual compression system:

Type of compression device: compression devices can be elastic, inelastic or combination

Unna boot is considered an inelastic system: inelastic systems contain no or few elastomeric fibers. Inelastic systems can maintain manufacturer's intended pressure in the first 24 hours after application, but this level decreases with movement of fluid and edema reduction. Inelastic systems will produce higher pressures during standing and lower pressures when lying down than elastic systems making it more desirable in patients with mild arterial insufficiency
UrgoK2 is a combination system : that is, a compression system composed of both elastic and inelastic materials. Most multi-component systems (two and four-components) function as an inelastic system with high stiffness even if they contain mainly elastic components. UrgoK2 has 2 components.

Pressure dosage at the ankle (see "How to Select Adequate Compression Therapy Pressure Levels and Products")

UrgoK2: delivers 40 mmHg
UrgoK2 lite: delivers 20 mmHg
Unna boot: delivers 20-30 mmHg

Compression Mechanism: Unna boots rely on muscle activity for compression, making them less effective for non-ambulatory patients. In contrast, often multicomponent systems provide compression for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients, depending on its components (manufacturer states that UrgoK2 is able to provide compression in both scenarios)

Specifically, Unna boot is useful for ambulatory patients with VLU when frequent dressing changes are needed due to weeping, when there is leg eczema/dermatitis, when there is pressure damage from elastic bandages, or for conditions requiring modified compression (20-30 mmHg), such as mild/moderate PAD. Not indicated for patients with reduced mobility as it requires functional muscle pump to be effective.

Application: Application techniques differ. See "How to Apply Unna Boot" and manufacturer site for UrgoK2. UrgoK2 features visual guides to assist in achieving the correct compression level.

Resources

https://woundreference.com/app/topic?id=compression-therapy&find=compression#types-of-compression-therapy-devices
https://woundreference.com/app/topic?id=how-to-apply-unna-boot&find=unna#abstract
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63613d199ff8a2310e034cf0/63613d199ff8a2557a034e31_UrgoK2-Prompt-Greenstein-802-FY004.pdf

Nov 10, 2024

* Information provided without clinical evaluation and is not intended as a replacement for in-person consultation with a medical professional. The information provided through Curbside Consult is not a substitute for proper training, experience, and exercising of professional judgment. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, neither the authors nor the Wound Reference, Inc. give any guarantee as to the accuracy of the information contained in them nor accept any liability, with respect to loss, damage, injury or expense arising from any such errors or omissions in the contents of the work.

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