BIATAIN ADHESIVE FOAM

Having the right size of adhesive foam dressing for a specific wound makes a material difference to coverage, comfort, and effective exudate management. Biatain Adhesive Foam is a self-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing from Coloplast available in four sizes: 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, 15cm x 15cm, and 18cm x 18cm, covering wound dimensions from small localised wounds to larger chronic wound areas. The foam absorbs moderate to heavy exudate and the integrated adhesive border holds the dressing in place without a separate secondary dressing. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. No prescription is required.

Biatain Adhesive Foam is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Coloplast. It is a self-adhesive polyurethane foam wound dressing in four sizes. The dressing consists of a non-adherent wound contact surface, a hydrocellular foam absorbent core, a moisture vapour permeable film backing, and an integrated adhesive border. The combination makes it a self-contained dressing that does not require separate secondary fixation.

Biatain Adhesive Foam contains no silver, no alginate, no CMC hydrofiber, and no antimicrobial agents. It is a foam dressing for clean exuding wounds where effective exudate management, a moist wound healing environment, and convenient self-adhesion are the clinical priorities. It is not suitable for infected wounds.

The four-size range: 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, 15cm x 15cm, and 18cm x 18cm, allows precise matching of the dressing to the wound dimensions. The 18cm x 18cm size extends the range to larger wound areas not covered by the standard 10cm x 10cm Biatain Adhesive. Selecting the appropriate size ensures the foam pad covers the wound bed adequately while the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin.

Biatain Adhesive Foam is indicated for use on moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, post-operative wounds, skin tears, and other acute and chronic wounds where self-adhesive foam exudate management is clinically appropriate.

Biatain Adhesive Foam contains no antimicrobial agents. It is not suitable for infected wounds. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek clinical assessment. Biatain Ag provides silver antimicrobial activity within the Biatain adhesive foam format for infected or at-risk wounds.

Non Adherent Wound Contact Surface

The wound contact surface is non adherent to the wound bed, allowing exudate to pass through into the foam absorbent core while minimising bonding to wound tissue. This non-adherent surface allows the dressing to be removed without causing significant trauma to the wound bed, protecting new granulation tissue and epithelium at dressing changes.

Hydrocellular Foam Absorbent Core

The foam core absorbs wound exudate drawn through the wound contact surface and retains it within the foam structure away from the wound. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, reduces maceration of the periwound skin, and maintains a moist healing environment at the wound contact surface. The foam retains absorbed exudate under light compression, helping to prevent fluid being returned to the wound when the dressing is subject to pressure.

Moisture Vapour Permeable Film Backing

The film backing allows moisture vapour from absorbed exudate to evaporate through the dressing, maintaining the absorbent capacity throughout the wear period. The film is waterproof to external fluids, protecting the wound from external contamination and allowing the patient to shower with the dressing in place.

Integrated Adhesive Border

The adhesive border holds the dressing securely in position on intact periwound skin without a separate secondary dressing or fixation product. The border is designed to provide reliable adhesion while allowing removal without excessive trauma to the periwound skin. Do not stretch the dressing during application, as stretching can cause tension under the border and increase the risk of skin irritation.

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.
• Select the appropriate size: 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, 15cm x 15cm, or 18cm x 18cm.

Application

• Position the selected dressing over the wound so the foam pad covers the wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides.
• Remove the release liner and press the border firmly onto the surrounding skin.
• Do not stretch the dressing during application.
• No secondary dressing is required.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Wear Time and Removal

• Biatain Adhesive Foam can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels.
• Change when exudate approaches the border, the border lifts, or clinical assessment indicates a change is needed.
• Lift one corner of the border and peel slowly back parallel to the skin. Support the periwound skin with the other hand.
• Assess the wound at each change and confirm the appropriate size remains correct as the wound dimensions change.
• Biatain Adhesive Foam has a waterproof film backing allowing showering while in place. Avoid prolonged immersion. Pat the dressing dry after showering and check the border remains secure. Replace with a new dressing if the border has lifted.

Biatain Adhesive Foam 7.5cm x 7.5cm

The smallest size, suitable for small acute and chronic wounds, digit wounds, and localised wound sites where a compact self-adhesive foam is needed. The foam pad provides coverage for smaller wound dimensions with adequate border margin on all sides.

Biatain Adhesive Foam 12.5cm x 12.5cm

A medium size suitable for moderate-sized wounds including smaller pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcer areas, and post-operative sites. This size bridges between the small 7.5cm x 7.5cm and the larger 15cm x 15cm and is appropriate when the wound dimensions require coverage beyond the 7.5cm format.

Biatain Adhesive Foam 15cm x 15cm

A larger size for more extensive wound areas including moderate to large pressure ulcers and larger venous leg ulcer areas. One of the most commonly used sizes in community and clinical wound care for pressure ulcer management where a broader foam pad provides better wound bed coverage.

Biatain Adhesive Foam 18cm x 18cm

The largest size in this range, providing broad foam coverage for extensive wound areas including large pressure ulcers and large chronic wound areas. The 18cm x 18cm size is suited to clinical settings and for patients managing larger wounds under clinical supervision where a 15cm dressing does not provide adequate wound bed coverage.

When selecting a size, the foam pad must cover the entire wound bed and the adhesive border must rest on intact periwound skin on all sides. If the wound is larger than the 18cm x 18cm foam pad coverage area, seek clinical guidance.

Do Not Use Biatain Adhesive Foam If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the adhesive border or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected or at risk. Biatain Adhesive Foam contains no antimicrobial agents.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding. An absorbent foam on a dry wound may desiccate the wound surface.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Do not stretch the dressing during application. Stretching creates tension under the border and increases skin irritation risk.
• Use with caution on fragile periwound skin where adhesive borders may cause trauma at removal.
• Reassess at each change. If infection develops, switch to Biatain Ag and seek clinical assessment.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity, irritation, or stripping at the adhesive border. Discontinue if persistent.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice.

Biatain Adhesive Foam Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds across a range of sizes from small localised wounds to large pressure ulcers, where self-adhesive foam is clinically appropriate
• Pressure ulcer management where the 15cm x 15cm or 18cm x 18cm sizes provide adequate foam pad coverage for the wound dimensions
• Patients who benefit from a self-contained dressing without separate secondary fixation
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

The four sizes in the Biatain Adhesive Foam range cover wound dimensions from small to large. Start with the smallest size that provides full wound coverage with adequate border margin. As a wound heals and reduces in size, stepping down to a smaller size is appropriate and reduces unnecessary dressing waste. As a wound increases in size, step up to a larger format. Seek clinical guidance from a tissue viability nurse or district nurse on size selection for complex wounds.

Biatain Adhesive Foam 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: 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, 15cm x 15cm, and 18cm x 18cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks the full Biatain range including Biatain Adhesive Foam, Biatain Adhesive, and Biatain Adhesive Alginate. Our pharmacists can advise on size selection and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

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 all four sizes of Biatain Adhesive Foam alongside the full Biatain range. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on size selection across the Biatain range and on when clinical referral for wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Adhesive Foam Dressing — Instructions for Use. Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pressure ulcers: prevention and management (CG179). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg179. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.