AQUACEL HYDROFIBER N/RIBBON

Managing exudate within cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and tunnelling wounds requires a dressing format that can be introduced into the depth of the wound rather than applied only to the surface. AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon is the non-silver ribbon format of the AQUACEL range from Convatec. It uses sodium CMC hydrofiber technology in a narrow 1cm x 45cm strip designed for packing wound cavities and sinus tracts. It absorbs exudate within the cavity, forms a cohesive gel in situ, and supports a moist wound healing environment throughout the wound depth. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. Available in a single size of 1cm x 45cm. No prescription is required.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Convatec. It is the non-silver equivalent of AQUACEL Ag Ribbon, using the same sodium CMC hydrofiber technology in the same narrow ribbon format. The ribbon is 1cm wide and 45cm long, providing sufficient length to pack most wound cavities and sinus tracts with retrieval ribbon remaining outside the wound opening.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon contains no silver, no EDTA, and no other antimicrobial agents. It is the appropriate choice when a ribbon format is needed for cavity wound packing and exudate management but infection is not a clinical concern. For infected or at risk cavity wounds where antimicrobial management is also needed, AQUACEL Ag Ribbon (1cm x 45cm or 2cm x 45cm) provides the same CMC hydrofiber ribbon with ionic silver.

Like all products in the AQUACEL range, AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon absorbs wound exudate vertically through its CMC fibres and forms a soft cohesive gel on contact with wound fluid. Within a wound cavity, this gel conforms to the shape of the cavity walls, maintaining contact between the ribbon and the wound surface throughout the wear period. The cohesive nature of the CMC gel is particularly important in the ribbon format, as it allows the ribbon to be retrieved as a single continuous piece at removal rather than fragmenting within the cavity.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon is indicated for moderately to heavily exuding clean cavity wounds, sinus tracts, tunnelling wounds, and other wound spaces where a narrow ribbon format enables wound contact at depth and infection management is not clinically required.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon must be packed loosely. Do not pack tightly. Tight packing can cause pressure within the cavity, impair wound drainage, and make removal more difficult. Always leave a visible portion of the ribbon outside the wound opening as a retrieval tag. Never pack the ribbon so that no portion remains accessible at the wound surface. Document the number of ribbons used and confirm full retrieval at every dressing change.

CMC Hydrofiber Exudate Absorption at Cavity Depth

The CMC fibres of AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon absorb wound exudate from the cavity walls and wound bed as the ribbon is loosely packed within the wound space. This absorption at depth manages wound fluid throughout the accessible wound cavity rather than only at the surface opening. The vertical wicking property of CMC fibres draws absorbed exudate upward through the ribbon structure, reducing lateral spread onto the cavity walls.

Cohesive Gel Formation and Cavity Conformity

As the CMC fibres absorb exudate, they transform from dry fibres into a soft cohesive gel. Within a wound cavity, this gel expands to conform to the shape of the wound space, maintaining close contact between the ribbon and the cavity walls and wound bed throughout the wear period. Consistent wound contact supports effective exudate management throughout the accessible depth of the cavity. The cohesive nature of the gel allows the ribbon to be retrieved as a continuous piece at removal.

Moist Wound Healing at Wound Depth

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the wound surface through the gelled ribbon, AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon maintains a moist healing environment within the accessible wound cavity. This supports the wound healing process throughout the wound depth, not just at the surface. For cavity wounds progressing toward closure from the wound base upward, maintaining a consistent moist environment throughout the cavity is an important clinical goal.

Cohesive Retrieval

The cohesive CMC gel holds together as a continuous piece at removal. This is the critical safety property for cavity ribbon use. When the ribbon is retrieved by its accessible end at the wound opening, the gel structure should allow the full ribbon length to be removed in a single continuous motion. Irrigate the wound cavity with sterile saline before removal to soften the gel and reduce adherence to the cavity walls, which facilitates complete retrieval.

Before Use

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Irrigate the wound cavity with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Assess the approximate depth and dimensions of the wound cavity before packing.
• Remove AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon from its sterile packaging immediately before use. Do not pre-wet.

Packing the Wound

• Introduce the dry ribbon loosely into the wound cavity using sterile forceps or a probe. Do not pack tightly.
• Ensure the ribbon makes contact with the cavity walls throughout the accessible wound space.
• Always leave a visible portion of the ribbon extending beyond the wound surface opening. This is the retrieval tag. Never pack the ribbon so that the entire length disappears into the wound.
• Apply an appropriate secondary dressing to cover the wound surface opening and secure the accessible end of the ribbon.
• Document the number of ribbons used and record in the care notes.

Removal

• Irrigate the cavity with sterile saline before removal to soften the gelled ribbon and assist separation from the cavity walls.
• Locate the accessible end of the ribbon at the wound surface opening.
• Gently retrieve the ribbon in a single continuous motion. The cohesive CMC gel should allow removal as a single piece.
• Count ribbons out and confirm the total matches the number packed in. Document in the care notes.
• Irrigate the cavity after removal to clear any gel residue.
• Assess the cavity dimensions, wound bed condition, and exudate level at each change.
• Always count ribbons in and out. Document at every dressing change. If you cannot locate the ribbon end or believe the ribbon has not been fully retrieved, seek urgent clinical assessment. Do not attempt to force the ribbon out if it feels firmly attached. Irrigate thoroughly and seek clinical guidance.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon 1cm x 45cm

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon is available in a single size of 1cm x 45cm. The 1cm width is suited to sinus tracts, narrow cavity wounds, and any wound space where a narrow format is needed to introduce the ribbon through a small wound opening without force. The 45cm length provides ample ribbon to pack most wound cavities with a retrieval portion remaining outside the wound.

For wound cavities with a wider opening that could accommodate a broader ribbon, AQUACEL Ag Ribbon is available in both 1cm x 45cm and 2cm x 45cm, with the addition of ionic silver for antimicrobial management. AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon is available in the 1cm width only, in the non-silver format.

Do Not Use AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to CMC hydrofiber or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected or at risk. AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon contains no antimicrobial agents. Use AQUACEL Ag Ribbon for infected or at risk cavity wounds.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding.
• The wound is a sinus of unknown depth or origin. Seek clinical assessment before packing.

Precautions

• Pack loosely. Tight packing can cause pressure injury within the cavity and impair wound drainage.
• Always leave a retrieval portion outside the wound. Never pack the full ribbon inside the wound so that no accessible end remains.
• Always count ribbons in and out. Document at every change and confirm full retrieval before applying the next dressing.
• Single use product. Do not reuse or resterilise.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the ribbon in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Wound cavity pressure and discomfort if packed too tightly. Always pack loosely.
• Wound desiccation if the wound exudate falls. Reassess dressing choice.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and tunnelling wounds where exudate management at depth is the clinical priority and infection is not a concern
• Wounds in which a clean healing cavity requires ongoing exudate management and moist wound support from base to surface
• Use under clinical supervision — cavity wound management should always involve a healthcare professional

Both products are CMC hydrofiber ribbons with vertical wicking and cohesive gel properties. AQUACEL Ag Ribbon adds ionic silver for antimicrobial management and is available in both 1cm x 45cm and 2cm x 45cm. AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon contains no silver and is available in 1cm x 45cm only. Choose AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon for clean cavity wounds where infection is not a concern. Choose AQUACEL Ag Ribbon when infection is present or at risk within the cavity.

Standard AQUACEL Dressing is a flat sheet suited to wounds with an accessible relatively flat wound bed. It can be loosely placed into shallow cavity wounds. AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon is specifically designed for deeper cavities and sinus tracts where the narrow ribbon format can reach and make contact with the wound depth that a flat sheet cannot. For cavities deeper than approximately 2cm or with a small surface opening, the ribbon format provides better wound contact throughout the accessible wound space.

AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon 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 a single size of 1cm x 45cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon alongside AQUACEL Ag Ribbon (1cm x 45cm and 2cm x 45cm), the full AQUACEL Dressing range, and a comprehensive selection of cavity wound management products. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate ribbon or dressing format for a specific wound.

Cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and tunnelling wounds should be managed under clinical supervision. Seek assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP for any cavity wound that is complex, worsening, or not reducing in depth as expected.

• 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 ribbon 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, use immediately. Do not store a partially used or opened ribbon.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used ribbons as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy providing access to AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon alongside AQUACEL Ag Ribbon and the full AQUACEL range. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on whether AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon or AQUACEL Ag Ribbon is most appropriate for a specific cavity wound, and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

References

1. Convatec. AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon — 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.