ALLEVYN NON-ADHESIVE DRESSING

A reliable foam dressing for exudate management is a core component of wound care across a wide range of clinical and home settings. ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is a hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing from Smith+Nephew providing straightforward exudate absorption and moist wound healing without any adhesive border. It is the original and foundational non-adhesive format in the ALLEVYN range, offering the core benefits of hydrocellular foam, effective exudate management and a moist wound healing environment, in a free-standing pad that is secured with whatever fixation method is most appropriate for the wound and patient. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agent. Available in four sizes. No prescription is required.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew. It is the original non-adhesive foam dressing in the ALLEVYN range. It has a three-layer construction: a non-adherent wound contact layer, a hydrocellular polyurethane foam absorbent core, and a moisture vapour permeable film backing. There is no adhesive of any kind, no silver, no silicone wound contact surface, and no fluid lock layer. It is a straightforward, practical foam dressing for exudate management and moist wound healing.

Within the broader ALLEVYN range, ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is the most accessible and versatile non-adhesive option. More advanced variants have been developed for specific clinical needs: ALLEVYN Gentle has a silicone wound contact layer for atraumatic removal; ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive adds silver sulfate for antimicrobial management; ALLEVYN Life Non Border adds a fluid lock layer for rewetting resistance under compression. ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is the appropriate choice when none of these additional features are specifically indicated and a reliable, cost-effective non-adhesive foam dressing is what the wound requires.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is secured with a secondary fixation product selected according to the wound location, the patient, and clinical preference. It is suitable for use under compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers, with tubular retention bandages for limb wounds, with wound retention sheets for trunk wounds, and with cohesive or crepe bandages for many other body locations.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is indicated for use on moderate to heavily exuding wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, post-operative wounds, skin tears, and acute wounds across a wide range of clinical and home settings.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive has no adhesive border and must be secured with a secondary fixation product. It contains no antimicrobial agent. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek clinical assessment and consider whether an antimicrobial dressing is more appropriate.

Non Adherent Wound Contact Layer

The innermost layer sits directly on the wound surface. It is non-adherent to the wound bed, meaning it does not bond to moist wound tissue. Exudate passes through this layer into the absorbent foam core above. The non-adherent surface allows the dressing to be removed from the wound without pulling on the wound bed or disrupting the wound surface, reducing pain and trauma at dressing changes.

Hydrocellular Foam Absorbent Core

The central layer is a hydrocellular polyurethane foam that absorbs wound exudate drawn through the wound contact layer and holds it within the foam structure, away from the wound surface. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, which can cause maceration of the wound and periwound skin. The foam maintains a moist wound environment at the wound contact surface while managing excess fluid. It retains absorbed exudate under light compression, reducing the risk of fluid being returned to the wound when the dressing is covered with a fixation product.

Moisture Vapour Permeable Film Backing

The outer film layer allows moisture vapour from absorbed exudate to evaporate through the dressing, maintaining the foam absorbent capacity throughout the wear period. The film is waterproof to external fluids, protecting the wound from external contamination. There is no adhesive on this surface — the film is a plain backing layer that accepts fixation from a secondary product applied over it.

Moist Wound Healing

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the wound surface through the non-adherent contact layer, ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive maintains a moist wound environment. A moist wound environment is associated with effective cell migration, reduced pain at dressing changes, and facilitation of the natural healing process. This is the fundamental mechanism of all hydrocellular foam dressings and the clinical rationale for ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Gently dry the surrounding skin.
• Select an appropriate secondary fixation product before applying the dressing.

Application

• Choose the appropriate size from 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm, 10cm x 20cm, or 20cm x 20cm so the foam pad covers the wound bed with a margin beyond the wound edges.
• Place the dressing over the wound with the non-adherent wound contact surface facing the wound bed.
• Apply the secondary fixation product over the dressing to hold it in position. Ensure the fixation covers the perimeter of the foam pad.
• For venous leg ulcers, apply the compression bandage system over the dressing, this provides both compression therapy and fixation.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Wear Time and Removal

• ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive can be worn for up to seven days depending on wound exudate levels.
• Change when exudate reaches the edge of the foam pad, when the fixation product loosens, or at the scheduled change time.
• Remove the fixation product first, then lift the foam pad from the wound surface.
• If the wound contact layer has dried slightly onto the wound surface, moisten with sterile saline before removal to minimise trauma.
• Assess the wound at each change. If signs of infection develop, review dressing choice.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive 5cm x 5cm

The smallest size, suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, localised areas, and any wound where a compact non-adhesive foam pad is needed. The 5cm x 5cm size can be cut to fit smaller or irregular wounds using sterile scissors.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium size suitable for moderate-sized wounds across a wide range of body locations including smaller pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcer areas, post-operative wounds, and acute injuries. The most commonly used size in community and clinical settings. Can be cut to fit if needed.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive 10cm x 20cm

A rectangular size suited to elongated wounds including lower leg ulcers, longer post-operative wound sites, and wounds where a rectangular coverage format provides a better fit than a square. Particularly useful for leg ulcers where the wound extends along the lower leg and a rectangular dressing placed under compression bandaging provides consistent coverage.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive 20cm x 20cm

The largest size, suitable for extensive wound areas including large pressure ulcers, larger chronic wound areas, and significant post-operative wounds. Provides broad foam coverage for wounds requiring a large primary dressing. Can be cut to size using sterile scissors if the wound dimensions require it. Primarily for clinical settings or for patients managing large wounds under clinical supervision.

When selecting a size, ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound bed with a margin beyond the wound edges on all sides. A pad that does not fully cover the wound leaves areas of the wound unprotected and may allow the foam edge to contact uncovered wound tissue.

Do Not Use ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to polyurethane foam or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is actively infected - ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive contains no antimicrobial agent. Consider ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive or another antimicrobial dressing.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding - an absorbent foam may desiccate the wound surface.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply a used dressing.
• Ensure adequate secondary fixation. A dressing that moves on the wound surface can cause friction and delay healing even without an adhesive component.
• Do not apply secondary fixation so tightly that it restricts blood flow, particularly in patients with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes.
• Reassess at each change. If the wound develops signs of infection, switch to an antimicrobial dressing.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly - reassess dressing choice.
• Friction or disruption at the wound surface if fixation is inadequate and the dressing moves.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive Is Suitable For

• Moderate to heavily exuding clean wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and post operative wounds where straightforward exudate management and moist wound healing are the clinical priorities
• Venous leg ulcers under compression bandaging where the foam acts as the primary wound contact layer and the compression bandage provides fixation
• Wounds where no adhesive border is appropriate and the additional features of more advanced foam variants, silicone wound contact, silver, fluid lock,are not specifically indicated
• Settings where a reliable, well-established non-adhesive foam dressing is required across a range of wound types and sizes
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is suitable when straightforward exudate management is the clinical need. If the wound requires atraumatic removal from a fragile wound bed, ALLEVYN Gentle (silicone wound contact layer) may be more appropriate. If the wound is infected or at high risk of infection, ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive (silver sulfate) is the antimicrobial equivalent. If the wound is under regular compression and rewetting is a concern, ALLEVYN Life Non Border (fluid lock layer) provides additional rewetting resistance. A tissue viability nurse or pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate choice.

ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation. It is available in four sizes: 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm, 10cm x 20cm, and 20cm x 20cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks the full ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive range alongside ALLEVYN Gentle, ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive, ALLEVYN Life Non Border, and the full ALLEVYN adhesive and bordered ranges. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate foam dressing format for a specific wound.

For complex wounds or wounds not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in the original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Each dressing is individually sterile packed. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or compromised.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use after the expiry date.
• Once opened, apply immediately.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy providing access to ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive in all four available sizes alongside the full ALLEVYN range. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on dressing selection across the ALLEVYN range, secondary fixation products, and when clinical referral for wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ALLEVYN Non-Adhesive Wound Dressing — Instructions for Use. Smith+Nephew Medical Ltd. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products — Drug Tariff prescribing and selection. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.