OPSITE FLEXIGRID

Accurate wound measurement is a core component of wound assessment. Recording wound dimensions at each visit documents healing progress, informs treatment decisions, and supports clinical audit. A transparent film dressing with a centimetre grid printed on the surface allows wound dimensions to be read directly through the film at each assessment, without removing the dressing and without a separate measuring tool. Opsite Flexigrid is a transparent film dressing from Smith & Nephew with a printed centimetre measurement grid. Waterproof. Moisture vapour permeable. Two sizes: 6cm x 7cm (pack of 5) and 10cm x 12cm (pack of 50). No prescription required.

Opsite Flexigrid is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew and part of the Opsite range of transparent film dressings. It shares the same transparent waterproof polyurethane film construction as other Opsite film products, with one distinctive addition: a centimetre grid printed on the film surface. The grid allows clinicians to measure wound length, width, and the extent of any periwound changes directly through the transparent film at each assessment visit without removing the dressing.

The film properties are the same as those of the other Opsite film formats. The polyurethane film is waterproof, meaning liquid water cannot penetrate the intact film from outside. It is moisture vapour permeable, meaning water vapour from the skin and wound surface beneath can pass through the film and evaporate. The film is transparent, allowing the wound to be observed through the dressing at any time. The adhesive holds the film to the periwound skin without secondary fixation.

The centimetre grid is a printed feature on the film surface. The grid lines are clearly visible against the transparent film, allowing the clinician to align the grid markings with the wound margins and read off the wound dimensions. This integration of wound measurement capability into the dressing itself simplifies the assessment process, reduces the number of steps required, and removes the need to hold a ruler or measuring guide against the wound each time measurements are taken.

Opsite Flexigrid has no absorbent capacity and is not appropriate as the sole dressing over an exuding wound. It is used for dry or minimally producing closed wounds and skin sites where a transparent film cover alongside wound measurement capability is needed. Two sizes and pack formats are available: 6cm x 7cm in a pack of 5, and 10cm x 12cm in a pack of 50.

Opsite Flexigrid has no absorbency and must not be applied over exuding wounds as the sole dressing. Apply only to dry or minimally producing wound surfaces. Apply to completely dry, intact periwound skin. Apply without tension. The grid is printed on the film surface and should not be used as the sole tool for clinical wound measurement documentation. Record measurements against the clinical standard for your wound assessment protocol.

Waterproof Transparent Film

The polyurethane film is impermeable to liquid water. When applied with all edges adhering to the surrounding intact skin, external water cannot reach the wound through the film. This allows patients to shower and bathe normally during the healing period while the wound remains covered and protected. The transparent film allows the wound surface and periwound area to be observed through the dressing without removal. Any changes in wound appearance can be seen and assessed at any time without disturbing the wound environment.

Centimetre Measurement Grid

The centimetre grid printed on the film surface allows direct wound dimension reading through the transparent film. At each assessment, the clinician observes the wound through the film and reads the wound length and width from the grid markings visible over the wound margins. The grid is a consistent reference that is always in position over the wound as long as the dressing is in place, eliminating the need to place and hold a separate measuring instrument against the wound each time dimensions are recorded. Serial measurements using the grid support accurate documentation of the healing trajectory over time.

Moisture Vapour Permeability

The film allows moisture vapour from the skin and wound surface to pass through and evaporate. This prevents moisture accumulation beneath the film during extended wear and reduces the risk of skin maceration in the periwound area. The moisture vapour permeability makes Opsite Flexigrid comfortable for extended wear and allows the skin beneath the adhesive border to breathe during the period between dressing changes.

Wound Assessment Support

Serial wound measurement is a recognised component of wound management. Documenting wound dimensions at each assessment visit allows the clinical team to quantify healing progress, identify wounds that are not responding to treatment, and make evidence-based decisions on whether to continue or change the wound management approach. Opsite Flexigrid integrates this measurement function into the dressing itself, supporting consistent measurement practice without additional equipment at each assessment.

Preparation

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Ensure the wound surface is dry and not producing exudate.
• Dry the periwound skin completely.

Application

• Select the appropriate size: 6cm x 7cm or 10cm x 12cm.
• Position the dressing centrally over the wound so that the grid is aligned over the wound area.
• Remove the release liner.
• Apply without tension. Do not stretch the film.
• Smooth from the centre outward to ensure full skin contact.
• Press all edges firmly.

Wound Measurement Using the Grid

• With the dressing in place, observe the wound through the transparent film.
• Align the grid markings with the wound margins.
• Read the length and width dimensions from the grid.
• Record measurements in the wound assessment documentation.
• Repeat at each assessment visit to track healing progress.

Removal

• Lift one edge and peel slowly back along the skin surface, not upward at a sharp angle.
• Support the skin ahead of the peeling edge.
• On sensitive skin, dampen the edge briefly before removal.

Position the dressing so that the wound sits within the grid area before pressing the adhesive down. Once applied, repositioning is not possible without removing and replacing the dressing. Take a moment to align the grid over the wound correctly before final application.

Opsite Flexigrid 6cm x 7cm: Pack of 5

A smaller pre-cut film with grid for compact wound sites, smaller incision cover, and wound monitoring situations where the 10cm x 12cm dressing provides more coverage than needed. A pack of five is suited to home use, community wound management, and clinical settings with lower volume requirements. The 6cm x 7cm size provides a grid measurement area appropriate for smaller wound dimensions.

Opsite Flexigrid 10cm x 12cm: Pack of 50

A larger pre-cut film with grid for moderate to large wound sites and clinical settings where regular wound measurement is part of the assessment protocol for multiple patients. The pack of 50 is a bulk clinical supply suited to wound care clinics, tissue viability services, community nursing teams, and care homes where Opsite Flexigrid is used routinely. The 10cm x 12cm size provides a wider grid measurement area covering larger wound dimensions. The 50-pack provides a sustained stock level for ongoing use.

Both sizes use the same film and grid material. Size selection is based on the wound dimensions and clinical setting.

When Not to Use Opsite Flexigrid

• Exuding wounds where a film alone cannot manage wound fluid. No absorbency.
• Infected wounds.
• Wet or greasy periwound skin where the film adhesive cannot bond.
• Known sensitivity to polyurethane film or the adhesive components.

Precautions

• Apply to completely dry intact skin.
• Apply without tension.
• Remove slowly along the skin surface at removal.
• The grid is a measurement aid. Confirm the measurement method against the clinical protocol in use.
• Single use only.

Adverse Effects

• Skin stripping if the film is applied under tension or removed sharply from fragile skin.
• Skin maceration if applied over an exuding wound.
• Adhesive skin reaction in sensitive individuals.

Situations Where Opsite Flexigrid Is Appropriate

• Wound management settings where serial wound measurement is a standard component of the assessment protocol, and the clinician wishes to measure through the dressing without removal
• Post operative closed wound monitoring where both waterproof protection and wound dimension tracking are needed at follow-up visits
• Wound clinics, community nursing, tissue viability services, and care homes, where consistent wound measurement documentation is a clinical governance requirement
• Any dry or minimally producing wound site where a transparent, waterproof film is appropriate, and a built-in measurement capability adds clinical value

Opsite Flexigrid vs Other Opsite Film Dressings

Opsite Flexigrid shares the same transparent waterproof film properties as Opsite Film Dressing, Opsite Flexifix, and Opsite Flexifix Gentle. The unique feature of Opsite Flexigrid is the centimetre grid printed on the film surface. Where wound measurement is not a clinical priority, Opsite Film Dressing in pre-cut sizes or Opsite Flexifix in roll format provides the same film properties without the grid. Opsite Flexigrid is the appropriate choice specifically when built-in wound measurement capability is a clinical requirement.

Opsite Flexigrid does not require a prescription. Both configurations are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on size selection and on when Opsite Flexigrid or another Opsite film format is the most appropriate choice for a specific wound and clinical setting.

For exuding wounds, infected wounds, or wounds where a film alone is not the appropriate management, seek clinical assessment.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed sterile packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the sterile packaging seal is broken.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Apply as soon as the packaging is opened.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Both Opsite Flexigrid configurations are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Opsite Flexigrid and on the full Opsite range for different wound management and monitoring needs.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Opsite Flexigrid — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. Wounds UK. Principles of wound measurement and assessment. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.