You don't use the cream while it's on. The pieces should but up against each other and not overlap. Different places do different things but my hospital would put it on on the Monday, fix any bits during the week, and then I would take it off for the weekend so I could wash the area and moisturise. I think others have had it on the entire time. It wouldn't be hard for yours to find out because many places, private and public use it. I think mine was a different brand - Mepitex??+/ - but same thing.