What is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)?

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a widely used treatment that promotes healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area and stimulating the growth of new tissue. This non-invasive, active therapy accelerates the wound healing process, making it an effective solution for managing complex wounds.

How much do wound vacs cost?

Wound vac pricing varies based on several factors, including the type of device, and the number of dressing kits and/or canisters needed.At The Wound Vac Company, we’re committed to offering the most competitive pricing possible. Contact us directly, and we’ll review your specific needs and discuss all available purchase or rental options for wound vacs and supplies.

Will my insurance company reimburse me if I buy or rent a wound vac?

In many cases, yes. Most private insurance plans — as well as Medicare — typically cover wound vacs, either for purchase or rental. Coverage can vary, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider for details specific to your policy.

Do you rent wound vacs to hospice care teams?

Yes! We provide both short- and long-term wound vac rentals to hospice care teams nationwide. Contact us for details on rental options, delivery, and support with insurance coverage.

How long will we need to use the wound vac before a wound heals?

Healing time varies depending on the wound’s size, type, and overall condition. With proper use and monitoring, many wounds treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) show significant healing within 4–6 weeks.

Does negative pressure wound therapy require a doctor’s order?.

Yes.In all 50 states, a doctor’s order is required to initiate negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

Does negative pressure wound therapy hurt?

Most discomfort in wound care happens during cleaning and preparation of the wound and surrounding area. When the pump first starts and applies negative pressure, you may feel a mild pulling or contracting sensation. This usually lessens as you adjust to the therapy.

Will wound vac dressing changes hurt?

Some patients may experience mild discomfort during dressing changes, especially during dressing removal and wound cleaning. Be sure to tell your nurse if you feel any pain and how intense it is. Nurses can use several techniques to help minimize discomfort during negative pressure wound therapy, so open communication is key.

How can I bathe or shower without getting my wound or the wound vac wet?

How you bathe with a wound vac depends on the location of your wound. Your wound care nurse is the best person to guide you on safe bathing techniques and how to protect your wound and device from getting wet.

What about showering?

Showering is more challenging, as dressings should never be submerged in water. In some cases, the dressing can be clamped off and disconnected from the wound vac for bathing. Always discuss safe bathing options with your doctor or home care nurse.

Can you drive with a wound vac?

Yes. The WoundPro® wound vac is fully portable, with a 36-hour battery life and a discreet carrying bag. If you are physically able to drive, you can do so while using the device.

Can wound vacs be used to treat wounds in dogs, cats, and other pets?

Absolutely. Just like in human patients, negative pressure wound therapy can effectively treat acute and complex wounds in pets — including dogs, cats, horses, and many other animals. Learn more about our wound vac solutions for veterinarians.

Do you sell the StingRay Suction Bell separately?

Yes. Both the Advanced and Basic Mini StingRay models are available for purchase separately, packaged in cases of 20. Drapes are also sold separately in cases of 20 sheets.

How long does the battery last on a wound vac?

The WoundPro® wound vac has a battery life of approximately 36 hours.

How long can the wound vac be turned off during treatment?

This varies depending on the patient and the wound, so always follow your care provider’s guidance. In general, a wound vac can be turned off briefly for tasks such as changing the collection canister, bathing/showering, or changing clothes.

To turn off the device properly:

1. Clamp the tubing at the dressing to seal it.

2. Turn off the pump (or place it on standby) and disconnect the canister tubing at the dressing.

3. When resuming treatment, reverse these steps.

Where can my staff get training on wound vac dressing application?

developed a proven, trusted method for NPWT dressing application that delivers consistent results—right the first time, nearly every time. We provide hands-on training for surgeons, physicians, veterinary professionals and nurses, building the skill and confidence needed to ensure effective, reliable care. Want to learn more? Contact us here!

What types of wounds are wound vacs used on?

Wound vacs are commonly used for acute or complex wounds, including traumatic injuries, severe burns, skin grafts, amputations, and surgical or post-surgical (dehisced) wounds. They are also effective for chronic wounds such as Stage 3 and Stage 4 pressure ulcers (bedsores), diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers.

Can I treat more than one wound site with a wound vac?

Yes. Using the Pensar WoundPro® Uniflow Y-Connector, two separate wound sites can be connected to a single device. The WoundPro® wound vac’s advanced pump design supports both sites with continuous, intermittent, or variable intermittent pressures ranging from 40 mmHg to 200 mmHg.

What are the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy compared to other treatments?

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) offers several advantages:

• Maintains a moist, protective environment for optimal healing

• Removes excess fluid from the wound and surrounding tissue

• Improves blood flow (vascularity) to the area

• Reduces the risk of bacterial growth

• Promotes proper wound drainage

• Speeds granulated tissue formation

• Encourages faster wound contraction (closure)

• Supports quicker epithelialization (new skin growth)

What are some signs of healing during negative pressure wound therapy?

When used correctly, a wound vac can promote visible signs of healing, including:

• A redder wound bed as healthy tissue granulation occurs

• Light bleeding, which indicates new tissue growth

• Gradual reduction in wound drainage

• Noticeable decrease in wound size

What sizes do your foam dressings for wound vacs come in?

WoundPro® foam dressings range from 3.25” x 4” x 1” to 6.75” x 8.75” x 1”. All dressings in our WoundPro® Kits are made from medical-grade foam, tested for biocompatibility, and certified to meet ISO-10993 standards. View our PDF chart for full details.

Is there a difference between gauze and foam wound dressings?

Yes, Gauze, often called a Chariker-Jeter dressing, was one of the first materials used in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). It’s effective at retaining moisture in the wound bed when used with NPWT.

Note:

The Chariker–Jeter technique, involving gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), was first described by Chariker et al. in 1989 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15wounds-uk.com+15researchgate.net+15.

• This method indeed predates widely used foam-based NPWT systems, which emerged later—the foam-based system was introduced by Argenta & Morykwas in 1997 woundsinternational.com+2pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2.

Black hydrophobic foam dressings provide more even pressure distribution across the wound bed, are highly porous, and remove exudate from the wound more efficiently.

What’s the difference between black foam, white foam, and silver foam?

• Black Foam (Hydrophobic): Water-repelling, reticulated open-pore foam that removes exudate, conforms to the wound bed, evenly distributes negative pressure, and stimulates granulation tissue formation.

• White Foam (Hydrophilic): Moisture-retaining and less porous, ideal for filling tunnels, shallow undermining, or covering exposed bone, tendon, or surgical hardware. Helps protect sensitive areas and reduce discomfort during dressing changes.

• Silver Foam: Hydrophobic with antimicrobial properties, recommended for wounds with minor infection or at risk of infection, such as animal bite wounds.