AQUACEL FOAM ADHESIVE

For wounds where both the wound contact properties of CMC hydrofiber and the additional absorbency of a foam layer are clinically useful, and where self-adhesion simplifies management, a combination dressing addresses all three needs in one product. AQUACEL Foam Adhesive is a self-adhesive combination dressing from Convatec that places a CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer directly against the wound, backed by a foam absorbent layer, with an integrated adhesive border. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. It is the non-silver equivalent of AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive, suited to clean exuding wounds where these combined properties are needed without antimicrobial management. Available in ten configurations including sacral and heel shapes. No prescription is required.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Convatec. It is the non-silver, non-antimicrobial equivalent of AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive. The construction is the same: a CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer that sits directly on the wound surface, a polyurethane foam absorbent layer above it, and a film backing with an integrated adhesive border. The difference from AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is that the CMC hydrofiber contact layer contains no silver, no EDTA, and no other antimicrobial agents.

The CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer provides the same properties as in standard AQUACEL Dressing: vertical wicking, which draws wound exudate upward through the dressing rather than spreading it laterally onto the periwound skin, and cohesive gel formation, which allows the wound contact layer to be removed without fragmenting. The foam layer above provides additional absorbent capacity and cushioning over the wound. The integrated adhesive border makes AQUACEL Foam Adhesive a self-contained dressing that does not require a separate secondary dressing for most wound locations.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. It is suited to clean exuding wounds where the combination of CMC hydrofiber wound contact and foam absorbency is clinically useful, but where infection is not a concern and antimicrobial management is not indicated. For infected or at-risk wounds requiring the same construction with antimicrobial activity, AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is the appropriate alternative.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive is available in seven standard flat sizes and three anatomically shaped configurations: two sacral sizes (20cm x 16.9cm and 24cm x 21.5cm) and a heel configuration (19.8cm x 14cm).

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive contains no antimicrobial agents and is not appropriate for infected wounds. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek clinical assessment. AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive provides the same self-adhesive hydrofiber plus foam construction with ionic silver for infected or at-risk wounds.

CMC Hydrofiber Wound Contact Layer

The CMC hydrofiber contact layer sits directly on the wound surface. It absorbs wound exudate vertically through its fibres, drawing fluid upward into the dressing rather than spreading it sideways onto the periwound skin. This vertical wicking action reduces the risk of periwound maceration that can occur when exudate spreads laterally in a standard dressing. As the CMC fibres absorb exudate, they gel, conforming to the wound surface and maintaining consistent wound contact throughout the wear period.

Foam Absorbent Layer

The polyurethane foam layer above the CMC wound contact layer provides additional fluid handling capacity. Exudate drawn through the CMC layer passes into the foam, which retains it within its structure. The combination of CMC hydrofiber contact and foam absorbency allows AQUACEL Foam Adhesive to manage greater volumes of exudate than the CMC layer alone, while the foam provides cushioning over the wound surface.

Cohesive Gel Removal

The CMC gel that forms at the wound contact surface holds together as a cohesive mass at removal. This reduces fragmentation and wound bed disruption during dressing changes compared with wound contact surfaces that may adhere to the wound or break apart. After removal, the foam backing remains intact as a pad while the gel contact layer lifts from the wound. Irrigate the wound with sterile saline after removal to clear any gel residue.

Integrated Adhesive Border

The adhesive border holds the dressing in position without requiring a secondary dressing for most wound locations. This self-contained construction makes AQUACEL Foam Adhesive straightforward to apply and manage. The border is designed to adhere to intact periwound skin. Use with caution on fragile periwound skin where adhesive borders may cause trauma at removal.

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. The adhesive border requires dry intact periwound skin for effective adhesion.
• Do not apply creams, lotions, or oil-based products to the area where the border will contact the skin.

Application

• Select the appropriate size or configuration — standard flat, sacral (20cm x 16.9cm or 24cm x 21.5cm), or heel (19.8cm x 14cm) — ensuring the wound contact pad covers the wound bed and the border rests on intact periwound skin.
• Remove the release liner from the adhesive border and apply the dressing over the wound.
• Press the border firmly onto the surrounding skin.
• No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Removal

• Lift one edge of the adhesive border and peel slowly back parallel to the skin surface. Support the periwound skin with one hand.
• The foam backing will remain intact. The CMC hydrofiber contact layer will have gelled against the wound surface. Irrigate with sterile saline to assist removal of the contact layer.
• Irrigate the wound after removal to clear any gel residue before applying the next dressing.
• Assess the wound at each change and review whether AQUACEL Foam Adhesive remains appropriate.

Standard Flat Configurations

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 8cm x 8cm

Suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, and localised wound sites where a compact self adhesive hydrofiber foam combination is needed.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 8cm x 13cm

A rectangular size suited to moderately elongated wounds and wound sites where an 8cm x 13cm format provides better coverage than a square.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium size for moderate-sized wounds across a range of body locations including pressure ulcers, leg ulcer areas, and post-operative sites.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 10cm x 20cm

A rectangular size suited to elongated wounds, lower limb wound areas, and longer wound sites where a rectangular format provides better coverage than a square.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 10cm x 30cm

A longer rectangular format suited to extended wound areas including longer venous leg ulcer areas, extended post-operative wound sites, and other elongated wounds requiring broad CMC hydrofiber and foam coverage.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 12.5cm x 12.5cm

A medium-large size for moderate to larger wound areas including larger pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcer areas.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 17.5cm x 17.5cm

A larger size for more extensive wound areas including larger pressure ulcers and wounds requiring broader foam pad coverage.

Anatomically Shaped Configurations

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive Sacral 20cm x 16.9cm

A contoured sacral shape designed for the sacral and coccygeal area. The contoured format follows the anatomy of the lower back and gluteal region, providing better wound coverage and border adhesion than a standard flat dressing in this curved area. Suitable for sacral pressure ulcers where the hydrofiber plus foam combination and sacral contouring are clinically needed. For sacral wounds with infection risk, AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 20cm x 16.9cm provides the same construction with ionic silver.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive Sacral 24cm x 21.5cm

A larger sacral configuration providing greater wound contact pad coverage for more extensive sacral pressure ulcers. The contoured shape follows the sacral and gluteal anatomy. This larger size accommodates sacral wounds with broader wound bed dimensions while retaining the CMC hydrofiber and foam combination with self-adhesive border.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive Heel 19.8cm x 14cm

A heel-contoured shape for wounds on the heel and posterior ankle. The shaped format follows the curved anatomy of the heel, providing better coverage than a flat dressing in this location. Suitable for clean heel wounds and healing heel pressure ulcers where the CMC hydrofiber and foam combination is clinically useful. For heel wounds with infection risk, AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 19.8cm x 14cm is the appropriate antimicrobial alternative.

When selecting a size or configuration, ensure the wound contact pad covers the entire wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides.

Do Not Use AQUACEL Foam Adhesive If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the adhesive, CMC hydrofiber, foam, or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected. AQUACEL Foam Adhesive contains no antimicrobial agents. Use AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive for infected or at risk wounds.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Use with caution on fragile periwound skin where adhesive borders may cause skin stripping at removal.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.
• Reassess at each change. If signs of infection develop, switch to AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive and seek clinical assessment.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity, irritation, or stripping at the adhesive border, particularly on thin or fragile periwound skin.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice.

AQUACEL Foam Adhesive Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds where the combination of CMC hydrofiber wound contact and foam absorbency is clinically indicated and self-adhesion is convenient
• Sacral pressure ulcers using the sacral configuration, and clean heel wounds using the heel configuration, where antimicrobial management is not needed
• Patients who benefit from a self-contained dressing without the need for a separate secondary fixation product
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

The construction is identical: CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer, foam absorbent layer, and integrated adhesive border. The only difference is that AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive contains ionic silver for antimicrobial infection management. Choose AQUACEL Foam Adhesive for clean wounds where infection is not a concern. Choose AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive when the wound is infected or at risk of infection.

AQUACEL Foam 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 ten configurations: 8cm x 8cm, 8cm x 13cm, 10cm x 10cm, 10cm x 20cm, 10cm x 30cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, and 17.5cm x 17.5cm standard flat; sacral 20cm x 16.9cm and 24cm x 21.5cm; and heel 19.8cm x 14cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks both AQUACEL Foam Adhesive and AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive alongside the full AQUACEL range. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate 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 stocking all ten AQUACEL Foam Adhesive configurations alongside AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive and the full AQUACEL range. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on which AQUACEL Foam Adhesive configuration is most appropriate for a specific wound, and on when AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is indicated instead.

References

1. Convatec. AQUACEL Foam Adhesive 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). Pressure ulcers: prevention and management (CG179). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg179. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.