GRANUFLEX BORDERED

A hydrocolloid dressing that absorbs wound exudate, maintains a moist wound contact environment, and stays in place without secondary fixation simplifies the wound management routine considerably. Granuflex Bordered is a hydrocolloid foam composite dressing from ConvaTec with an integrated adhesive border that holds the dressing securely to the surrounding skin. Available in three sizes covering small to larger wound areas. Waterproof. Self-adhesive. No active agents. No prescription required.

Granuflex Bordered is a Class IIb regulated medical device from ConvaTec. It is the bordered version of the Granuflex hydrocolloid range, meaning the adhesive extends beyond the wound contact area to create an integrated border that fixes the dressing in place without secondary tape or bandaging. The "Bordered" distinction is important: standard Granuflex does not have this border and requires secondary fixation. Granuflex Bordered is self-contained.

The wound contact layer in Granuflex combines hydrocolloid with a foam component. The hydrocolloid matrix, based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), absorbs wound exudate and forms a gel that maintains moist wound contact. The foam component provides conformability and additional absorbent capacity, making the dressing suitable for moderate exudate levels. This composite construction is one of the distinguishing features of the Granuflex range within the broader ConvaTec hydrocolloid portfolio.

The outer layer is a waterproof film that prevents external water and contaminants from reaching the wound while the dressing is in place. The integrated adhesive border holds the dressing to dry intact periwound skin. No secondary dressing, tape, or bandage is required.

Granuflex Bordered is available in three sizes: 6cm x 6cm, 10cm x 10cm, and 15cm x 15cm. The small 6cm x 6cm format is particularly useful for localised wound sites where a standard 10cm x 10cm dressing would extend significantly onto intact skin. No active pharmaceutical ingredients are present.

The yellowish or brownish gel visible on the wound and dressing when Granuflex Bordered is removed is normal hydrocolloid gel. It forms as the CMC matrix absorbs wound exudate over the wear period. This is the mechanism by which the dressing works and is not a sign of infection. Granuflex Bordered has no antimicrobial action and should not be used on infected wounds. If signs of infection are present alongside the normal gel, seek clinical assessment.

Hydrocolloid Foam Composite

The wound contact layer combines CMC hydrocolloid with foam material. When wound exudate contacts the CMC hydrocolloid, it absorbs the fluid and converts it into a soft gel that maintains a moist environment at the wound surface. The foam component contributes additional fluid-holding capacity and provides conformability, the composite layer moulds to wound contours more readily than a rigid film-only construction. Together, these two materials support the consistent moist wound contact associated with moist wound healing.

Moist Wound Healing Environment

Maintaining a moist wound environment supports the cellular processes involved in tissue repair. Cell migration across the wound surface, the development of granulation tissue, and the process by which the body naturally removes non-viable wound material all occur more readily when the wound surface remains consistently moist between dressing changes. Granuflex Bordered provides this environment through the gel formed within the hydrocolloid layer throughout the wear period.

Integrated Adhesive Border

The adhesive border extends beyond the wound contact area on all sides, holding the dressing to dry intact periwound skin. This integrated fixation eliminates the need for secondary tape, retaining bandage, or film overlay. For patients managing wound care independently, or in community settings where dressing complexity matters, the self-contained nature of Granuflex Bordered simplifies each change. The border also protects the edge of the wound contact area from external contamination.

Waterproof Outer Film

The film outer layer is waterproof, allowing the dressing to remain in place during showering and daily washing. It also provides a physical barrier between the wound and the external environment during normal daily activity.

Preparation

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Clean the wound as directed.
• Dry the surrounding skin before applying - the adhesive border requires dry intact skin.

Application

• Select the appropriate size: 6cm x 6cm, 10cm x 10cm, or 15cm x 15cm.
• Remove the release liner.
• Position the dressing centrally over the wound so the hydrocolloid pad fully covers the wound.
• Press the adhesive border firmly onto the surrounding skin.
• No secondary dressing is required.

Change and Removal

• Change when the gel spread reaches the border, when the border lifts, or when clinically indicated.
• To remove, lift one corner of the border and peel back slowly along the skin.
• A yellowish or brownish gel will be visible on the wound and dressing - this is normal. Rinse with saline.
• Assess the wound at each change.

Granuflex Bordered is waterproof and can be worn during showering. After washing, pat dry and confirm the border is still adhering. If the border has lifted, replace with a fresh dressing.

Granuflex Bordered 6cm x 6cm - Pack of 5

A small format for localised wound sites where a larger dressing would extend well beyond the wound area onto intact skin. Suited to compact wounds on the hands, feet, and other body sites with limited wound dimensions. The 6cm x 6cm includes the adhesive border - the hydrocolloid wound contact area is smaller than the total dressing size.

Granuflex Bordered 10cm x 10cm - Pack of 10

A medium square format for moderate-sized wounds across a range of wound types and body locations. The most commonly used size in the range, providing adequate wound contact and adhesive border area for typical pressure ulcer grades, venous leg ulcer areas, and general moderate exudate wound management.

Granuflex Bordered 15cm x 15cm - Pack of 5

A larger format for more extensive wound areas where the 10cm x 10cm does not provide adequate wound coverage. Suited to larger pressure ulcers, extended wound areas on the lower limb, and other sites requiring broader hydrocolloid wound contact with the convenience of the integrated adhesive border.

In all sizes, ensure the hydrocolloid contact area fully covers the wound and the adhesive border rests entirely on dry intact periwound skin.

Do Not Use Granuflex Bordered If

• The wound shows clinical signs of infection.
• The wound is heavily exuding beyond what moderate absorbency hydrocolloid can manage.
• The wound is a deep cavity requiring packing.
• Known sensitivity to CMC, polyurethane, or any component of the dressing.

Precautions

• Single use only.
• The yellowish gel on removal is normal hydrocolloid gel - not infection.
• Assess wound and periwound skin at each change.
• Remove before MRI.

Adverse Effects

• Skin maceration if the dressing is left significantly beyond the gel border point.
• Skin irritation at the adhesive border on fragile periwound skin.

Wounds Where Granuflex Bordered Is Appropriate

• Moderately exuding clean wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, minor burns, and post-operative wounds where moist wound healing is the clinical approach and the self-adhesive bordered format is preferred over standard Granuflex requiring secondary fixation
• Patients self-managing wound care who benefit from a self-contained dressing requiring no secondary fixation or tape
• Community wound management settings where dressing simplicity and wear comfort support compliance
• Adults and children where clinically directed

Granuflex Bordered vs Standard Granuflex

Both Granuflex Bordered and standard Granuflex use the same hydrocolloid foam composite wound contact technology from ConvaTec. The difference is the border. Standard Granuflex has no adhesive border and requires secondary fixation - tape, bandage, or film overlay. Granuflex Bordered has an integrated adhesive border and is self-contained. Choose Granuflex Bordered where secondary fixation is impractical or where a simpler self-adhesive format is clinically preferred.

Granuflex Bordered is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. All three sizes are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on Granuflex Bordered size selection and on whether the bordered or standard Granuflex format is more appropriate for a specific wound and management setting.

For infected wounds, heavily exuding wounds, or wounds not following an expected healing course, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep in original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if packaging is damaged.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Apply as soon as packaging is opened.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All three Granuflex Bordered sizes are genuine ConvaTec products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise across the Granuflex range and help identify whether Granuflex Bordered or another ConvaTec hydrocolloid format is the most appropriate choice for a specific wound.

References

1. ConvaTec. Granuflex Bordered — Instructions for Use. ConvaTec. https://www.convatec.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Principles of wound assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed June 2026.