Superabsorbent dressings are often used as a management strategy for venous leg ulceration (VLU), in particular to control exudate (Stephen-Haynes, 2011). The author evaluated DryMax® Extra (Absorbest) in 16 patients with various chronic wounds. Patients were given questionnaires on quality of life issues, such as pain, conformability, comfort and wear time. Within the first week of the evaluation, there was a marked improvement in both the wound and periwound skin. Pain scores had reduced by week two and clinicians rated the new dressing as ‘very good’ to ‘good’, compared to standard treatment. While the key to good wound management in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers is holistic assessment combined with compression, the new generation of superabsorbent dressings offer the clinician a solution to the problem of exudate management in chronic wounds. The constant demand on wound clinics to reduce costs, while maintaining clinical effectiveness relies on working with patients to find solutions to suit their needs.