Bandage including perforated gel

A protective bandage for skin surfaces, said bandage comprising:

• a compressive cushioning member positioned against the skin for absorbing compressive forces applied against the bandage, said compressive cushioning member comprising a plurality of perforations therethrough to permit passage of fluid from the skin to a first surface of said compressive cushioning member, said compressive cushioning member comprising a first periphery that can be releasably-coupled to the skin surface;
• an absorptive layer disposed on said compressive cushioning member, said absorption layer comprising a second surface for absorbing said fluid;
• and
• an outer covering having a second periphery that can be coupled to said first periphery of said compressive cushioning member, said outer covering enclosing said compressive cushioning member and said absorption layer therein.

A method for protecting a wound while permitting the transfer of fluid away from the wound and its surrounding skin, said method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a cushion member having a plurality of perforations therethrough against a wound, said plurality of perforations conveying fluids away from the wound and surrounding skin to a first surface of said cushion member;
• positioning an absorptive layer against said first surface;
• and
• covering said combination of said absorptive layer and said cushion member with a cover.

A method for making a protective bandage that can be manipulated regardless of its location, said method comprises the steps of:

• providing a body having an adhesive on a side of said body;
• positioning a smaller absorptive layer on said first side;
• and
• providing a free-standing tab on said body, said tab permitting a user to manipulate the body of said bandage.