AQUACEL DRESSING

Managing exudate effectively while protecting the periwound skin and maintaining a consistent moist wound surface is the core goal of primary wound dressing selection for exuding wounds. AQUACEL Dressing is the foundational product in the AQUACEL range from Convatec, using sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrofiber technology to absorb wound exudate vertically into the dressing, gel in contact with wound fluid, and maintain a moist wound healing environment. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. It is suited to moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds where exudate management and moist healing are the clinical priorities. Available in four sizes. No prescription is required.

AQUACEL Dressing is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Convatec. It is the non-silver version of the AQUACEL range, using the same sodium CMC hydrofiber technology that defines the AQUACEL product family. CMC - carboxymethylcellulose, is a synthetic material derived from cellulose. The AQUACEL range uses CMC fibres in a textile-like structure that absorbs wound exudate, gels on contact with fluid, and wicks moisture vertically through the dressing structure.

AQUACEL Dressing contains no silver, no EDTA, no benzethonium chloride, and no other antimicrobial agents. It is the appropriate choice when the clinical need is exudate management and moist wound healing without the addition of any antimicrobial agents. For clean wounds that are progressing through normal healing stages, for wounds where infection risk is low, or for patients where long-term silver dressing use is not clinically indicated, AQUACEL Dressing provides the CMC hydrofiber exudate management properties of the AQUACEL range without antimicrobial activity.

The two properties that distinguish CMC hydrofiber from standard wound dressings are vertical wicking and cohesive gel formation. Vertical wicking means the CMC fibres absorb exudate upward into the dressing rather than spreading it laterally across the wound surface and onto the periwound skin, reducing the risk of maceration of the skin surrounding the wound. Cohesive gel formation means the dressing holds together as a single piece when removed rather than fragmenting at the wound surface, simplifying removal and reducing the risk of retained material.

AQUACEL Dressing requires a secondary dressing for fixation. It is not self-adhesive. An appropriate secondary dressing is selected based on the wound location, exudate level, and clinical preference.

AQUACEL Dressing contains no antimicrobial agents. It is not appropriate for infected wounds. If the wound shows signs of infection, increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, offensive odour, or a wound that is worsening, seek clinical assessment. AQUACEL Ag, AQUACEL Ag+, or another antimicrobial dressing is appropriate for infected or at risk wounds.

Vertical Wicking

The defining property of CMC hydrofiber is the direction in which it absorbs fluid. The CMC fibres draw wound exudate vertically upward into the dressing structure rather than allowing it to spread sideways across the wound surface and onto the surrounding skin. In many standard dressings, exudate spreads laterally and saturates the periwound skin, leading to maceration. Macerated periwound skin is softened and weakened, and can enlarge the wound area if the maceration spreads inward. The vertical wicking of CMC hydrofiber helps contain absorbed exudate within the dressing footprint, protecting the periwound skin throughout the wear period.

Cohesive Gel Formation

As the CMC fibres absorb wound exudate, they swell and transform from dry fibres into a soft, moist gel. This gel conforms to the wound surface and maintains consistent wound contact throughout the wear period. The cohesive nature of the gel is clinically important at removal: the dressing should come away from the wound as a single piece rather than breaking apart or leaving fibres embedded in the wound tissue. This atraumatic removal reduces pain and disruption to the wound bed at dressing changes. After removal, irrigate the wound with sterile saline to clear any gel residue.

Moist Wound Healing Environment

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the wound surface through the gelled dressing, AQUACEL Dressing maintains a moist wound healing environment. A moist wound environment is associated with effective cell migration across the wound surface, reduced pain at dressing changes, and facilitation of the body's natural healing processes. The CMC gel provides sustained moisture contact with the wound surface between dressing changes, supporting the healing process throughout the wear period.

Exudate Management

AQUACEL Dressing absorbs moderate to heavy wound exudate efficiently, preventing pooling of fluid at the wound bed and protecting the wound surface from the damaging effects of prolonged exudate contact. Effective exudate management is particularly important in chronic wounds where persistent high exudate levels can delay healing and cause periwound skin breakdown. A secondary dressing with appropriate absorbency is applied over AQUACEL Dressing to handle the exudate that passes through the hydrofiber into the secondary layer.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the periwound skin and apply a skin barrier to any macerated periwound area.
• Select an appropriate secondary dressing before applying AQUACEL Dressing.
• Remove AQUACEL Dressing from its sterile packaging immediately before use. Do not pre-wet.

Application

• Place the dry dressing over the wound, ensuring it covers the entire wound bed and extends slightly beyond the wound edges.
• For cavity wounds, loosely place the dressing into the cavity. Do not pack tightly.
• Apply the secondary dressing over AQUACEL Dressing to secure and provide additional absorbency.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Removal

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline to soften the gelled dressing before removal.
• Gently lift the dressing from the wound surface. The cohesive gel should come away as a single piece.
• Irrigate the wound after removal to clear any gel residue before assessing the wound and applying the next dressing.
• Assess the wound at each change. Review whether AQUACEL Dressing remains appropriate or whether a change in dressing choice is indicated.
• AQUACEL Dressing is applied dry. The wound exudate activates the gelling mechanism. A gel residue on the wound surface at removal is normal and expected. Irrigate with sterile saline to clear this. Do not mistake the CMC gel residue for wound slough or tissue.

AQUACEL Dressing 5cm x 5cm

Suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, localised areas, and any wound requiring a compact hydrofiber primary dressing. The compact size covers smaller wound areas precisely.

AQUACEL Dressing 4cm x 10cm

A narrow rectangular size suited to elongated wounds, linear wounds, post-operative incision sites, and donor sites where a narrow format provides better coverage than a square. The 4cm width is particularly useful for narrower wound sites where a 5cm or 10cm width would extend excessively onto intact skin.

AQUACEL Dressing 10cm x 10cm

The most versatile size, suitable for moderate-sized wounds across a wide range of body locations including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcer areas, diabetic foot wounds, and post-operative wounds. Widely used in community and clinical wound care settings as a reliable standard size for most acute and chronic wounds.

AQUACEL Dressing 15cm x 15cm

A larger size for more extensive wound areas including larger pressure ulcers, more extensive venous leg ulcers, and other larger wound sites. Provides broader hydrofiber coverage for wounds requiring a larger primary dressing contact area. Can be cut to fit using sterile scissors if the wound dimensions require it.

When selecting a size, choose a dressing that covers the entire wound bed and extends slightly beyond the wound margin. A dressing that does not fully cover the wound leaves areas without hydrofiber contact.

Do Not Use AQUACEL Dressing If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to CMC hydrofiber or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected. AQUACEL Dressing contains no antimicrobial agents. Use AQUACEL Ag or another antimicrobial dressing for infected or at risk wounds.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding. CMC hydrofiber requires wound exudate to activate the gelling mechanism. On dry wounds the dressing will not gel and may adhere to the wound surface.

Precautions

• AQUACEL Dressing is a single use product. Do not reuse or resterilise.
• A secondary dressing is required. AQUACEL Dressing has no adhesive border and must be secured with an appropriate secondary dressing.
• Ensure complete removal at each dressing change. Irrigate thoroughly and confirm all dressing material has been removed before applying the next dressing.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly during treatment. Reassess dressing choice if the wound becomes drier.
• Skin sensitivity or irritation. Discontinue if persistent.

AQUACEL Dressing Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and post-operative wounds where exudate management and moist wound healing are the clinical priorities and infection is not a concern
• Wounds where periwound maceration is a risk and the vertical wicking property of CMC hydrofiber provides clinical benefit over standard absorbent dressings
• Wounds where atraumatic removal is clinically important and the cohesive gel of CMC hydrofiber reduces disruption at dressing changes
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

AQUACEL Dressing uses CMC hydrofiber without any antimicrobial agents. AQUACEL Ag adds ionic silver to the same CMC hydrofiber construction. Both have vertical wicking and cohesive gel properties. Choose AQUACEL Dressing for clean wounds where infection is not a concern and antimicrobial management is not indicated. Choose AQUACEL Ag when infection is present or at risk. If infection develops during the use of AQUACEL Dressing, switch to AQUACEL Ag or seek clinical guidance.

Standard foam dressings absorb exudate through a foam structure and do not gel. AQUACEL Dressing absorbs exudate through CMC fibres that transform into a cohesive gel. The vertical wicking of CMC hydrofiber is more pronounced than that of most standard foam dressings, providing stronger protection against periwound maceration. The cohesive gel also provides more atraumatic removal in wounds where the foam contact surface might adhere to wound tissue. Both are used for moderate to heavily exuding wounds, and the choice between them depends on clinical preference and wound characteristics.

AQUACEL Dressing 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, 4cm x 10cm, 10cm x 10cm, and 15cm x 15cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks AQUACEL Dressing alongside the full AQUACEL Ag range including AQUACEL Ag, AQUACEL Ag Extra, AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive, AQUACEL Ag Ribbon, and AQUACEL Ag+. Our pharmacists can advise on which AQUACEL product is most appropriate for a specific wound.

For complex wounds, wounds not healing as expected, or wounds showing signs of infection, 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 AQUACEL Dressing in all four available sizes alongside the full AQUACEL range and a comprehensive selection of wound care products. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on whether AQUACEL Dressing or one of the AQUACEL Ag formats is most appropriate for a specific wound, and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

References

1. Convatec. AQUACEL Dressing — Instructions for Use. Convatec Ltd. https://www.convatec.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.