woman using prevena plus 125 therapy unit

3M™ Prevena™ Therapy System

Patient Information.

Managing your wound or surgical incision is important to your recovery.

Your healthcare provider has provided you with the 3M™ Prevena™ Therapy system to support your healing journey. This advanced technology includes a medical device that uses vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.®) therapy, applying controlled negative pressure to your wound or incision.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) helps create a healing-friendly environment, giving your recovery a positive boost and providing added protection as it progresses. Taking proper care of your wound or incision is crucial, influencing both your recovery time and overall quality of life.

On this page, you'll find resources to help you understand how your Prevena Therapy System works. We've compiled answers to frequently asked questions and offer guidance on what to do if you need additional assistance. Begin by watching our educational video, which provides everyday tips on wearing and caring for your system, along with guidance on interpreting and addressing alerts on your unit.

Your 3M single-use NPWT device

Compatible with:

- Prevena Peel and Place Dressings

This therapy unit comes with 13cm and 20cm Prevena Dressings only.

Designed for the management of closed incisions only

Pre-set, continuous NPWT at -125mmHg for up to 7 days

Single-use battery

45 ml canister for fluid management
Compatible with:

- Prevena and Prevena Restor™ Dressings (incisions)

- Select 3M™ V.A.C.^® Dressings (open wounds)

Designed for management of open wounds or closed incisions

Pre-set, continuous NPWT at -125mmHg for up to 7 or 14 days

Rechargeable battery

150 ml canister for fluid management

Patient Video

In our patient video, discover more about your Prevena Therapy Unit: how it works, everyday tips for wearing and caring for your system, and how to read and troubleshoot the alerts on your unit.

Important note: While the patient troubleshooting video specifically addresses individuals managing a surgical incision, the information provided is equally applicable to those caring for other types of wounds.

Patient Resources

Whether you are preparing yourself prior to an upcoming surgery or are caring for your incision or wound following a procedure, we have resources to help you on your journey to recovery.

Frequently asked questions

How long will my therapy last?
Every patient is unique, and your doctor should provide you with clear information about the length of your treatment. You should wear the system for as long as your doctor has ordered.

As a guide, the Prevena 125 Therapy Unit for use on closed surgical incisions will last up to 7 days. The Prevena Plus 125 Therapy Unit which can be used on both closed incisions and open wounds will last up to 14 days.
How often will my dressing be changed?
The frequency of dressing changes will be dependent on your treatment. Your doctor should provide you with information about whether your dressings will require changing, and if so, how often. Please ensure you follow your doctors' instructions.

If you are undergoing treatment for an open wound with Prevena Plus and V.A.C. Dressings, dressing changes should be every 48-72 hours.

If you are treating a closed surgical incision with Prevena Dressings, then the dressing is not typically changed, and will last up to 7 days.

If you are treating a closed surgical incision with Prevena Restor Dressings, then the dressing is not typically changed, and will last up to 14 days.
What happens if my Prevena Therapy System alarms?
Refer to the Prevena™ Patient Discharge Brochure (PDF, 1,214 kB)
How do I wear my Prevena Therapy Unit?
Your portable unit should always be kept turned on for the time your doctor has instructed. The unit can be worn under or over your clothing and includes a carrying case with adjustable straps, so you can use it multiple ways.
Where should I keep my Prevena Therapy Unit?
Keep your therapy unit in a safe place where tubing will not become kinked or pinched, and it cannot be pulled off a table or dropped onto the floor.
Do I need batteries for my Prevena Therapy Unit?
Prevena 125 Therapy Unit comes with three AA size batteries and cannot be recharged. It is recommended that you keep extra batteries on hand. If the batteries run out, consult your Prevena™ Patient Discharge Brochure (PDF, 1 214 kB) on how to replace the batteries.

Prevena Plus 125 Therapy Unit has a rechargeable battery and comes with a charger. Bring your charger with if you are gone for extended periods of time. For convenience, consider charging your therapy unit battery while you are sleeping.
Can I shower with Prevena Therapy?
Prevena 125 Therapy Unit - If cleared by your doctor, a quick, light shower is okay. Keep the therapy unit away from direct water spray. Do not submerge dressing in water. When towel drying, be careful not to disrupt the dressing.

Prevena Plus 125 Therapy Unit - If your doctor agrees, light showering is usually fine. However, do not take a bath with the system.
- - Before showering, turn off the therapy unit by holding down the On/Off button for three seconds. Once therapy stops, disconnect the unit from the dressing and store it in a safe place away from any water
- - A little water or shower soap won't affect the dressing. It's okay to rinse lightly
- - When towel drying, don't disturb or damage the dressing

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions or concerns about the operation of the system or your incision or other medical issues, contact your medical professional.

The 3M™ Prevena™ Plus 125 Therapy Unit, when used with 3M™ Prevena™ Dressings (3M™ Prevena™ Plus Incision Management System), is intended to manage the environment of closed surgical incisions and surrounding intact skin in patients at risk for developing post-operative complications, such as infection, by maintaining a closed environment via the application of a negative pressure wound therapy system to the incision.

The 3M™ Prevena™ Plus 125 Therapy Unit, when used with compatible 3M™ V.A.C.® Dressings on open wounds (3M™ Prevena™ Plus Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System), is intended to create an environment that promotes wound healing by secondary or tertiary (delayed primary) intention by preparing the wound bed for closure, reducing edema, promoting granulation tissue formation and perfusion, and by removing exudate and infectious material. Open wound types include: chronic, acute, traumatic, subacute and dehisced wounds, partial thickness burns, ulcers (such as diabetic, pressure or venous insufficiency), flaps and grafts.

NOTE: Specific indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and safety information exist for these products and therapies. Please consult a clinician and product instructions for use prior to application. This material is intended for healthcare professionals.