ALLEVYN AG NON ADHESIVE

Not every wound is suited to an adhesive dressing. Patients with very fragile periwound skin, circumferential wounds, wounds under compression bandaging, or frequent dressing changes may benefit from a dressing that is held in place by a secondary fixation product rather than an integrated border. ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive is a silver antimicrobial foam dressing from Smith+Nephew without any adhesive border. It contains silver sulfate for antimicrobial infection management and a hydrocellular polyurethane foam core for exudate absorption. Because it carries no adhesive, it can be used on the widest range of wound locations and secured with whichever fixation method is most appropriate for the patient and wound. No prescription is required.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Smith+Nephew. It is a multilayer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing containing silver sulfate as an antimicrobial agent. The dressing has no adhesive border of any kind, not acrylic and not silicone. It is a free-standing foam pad that is applied to the wound and held in place by a secondary fixation product chosen by the clinician or patient based on the wound location and individual circumstances.

The absence of any adhesive border is the defining feature of this product. It distinguishes ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive from ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border, which uses a soft silicone adhesive border, and from standard ALLEVYN Adhesive, which uses an acrylic adhesive border. Removing the adhesive entirely means the dressing can be used in situations where no border can be tolerated, including very fragile or damaged periwound skin, wounds in skin folds, circumferential wounds, wounds under compression bandaging, and locations where the patient or carer prefers non-adhesive management.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive contains silver sulfate for local antimicrobial activity and is indicated for use on infected or at-risk moderate to heavily exuding wounds. It is suitable for chronic wounds including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers, as well as acute wounds and burns where infection management and exudate absorption are both clinical priorities.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive has no adhesive border. It must be secured with a secondary fixation product after application. Appropriate fixation options include cohesive or crepe bandage, tubular retention bandage, wound retention dressing, or secondary foam or film dressing. The choice of fixation depends on the wound location, underlying patient conditions, and clinical preference.

Silver Sulfate Antimicrobial Action

Silver sulfate within the dressing releases silver ions when the dressing contacts wound exudate. Silver ions disrupt bacterial cell membranes, interfere with enzyme systems necessary for bacterial metabolism, and prevent DNA replication. This broad mechanism provides antimicrobial activity against a wide range of wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other organisms associated with chronic wound infection. Silver acts locally at the wound surface and systemic absorption at wound dressing concentrations is low.

Hydrocellular Foam Exudate Absorption

The hydrocellular polyurethane foam core absorbs wound exudate and holds it within the foam structure, away from the wound surface. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, which can macerate periwound skin and slow healing. The foam maintains a moist wound environment at the wound contact surface while drawing excess moisture upward and retaining it under light compression.

Non-Adherent Wound Contact Layer

The wound contact surface of ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive is non-adherent to the wound bed. This reduces the risk of wound disruption and minimises pain and trauma at dressing removal. This is particularly relevant for the non-adhesive format because the dressing is likely to be used in clinical settings where frequent dressing changes are needed, making atraumatic removal a meaningful practical advantage.

Flexibility of Secondary Fixation

Because ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive has no integrated border, the clinician or carer can select the most appropriate fixation method for each specific wound and patient. This flexibility is one of the key clinical advantages of the non-adhesive format. Under compression bandaging for a venous leg ulcer, the bandage provides fixation and the foam acts as the primary wound contact layer. For a wound in a skin fold, a tubular retention bandage can secure the dressing without requiring periwound adhesion. For a critically fragile periwound skin patient, a retention dressing can be used instead of any direct skin adhesive.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Gently clean and dry the periwound skin.
• Select the appropriate secondary fixation product before applying the dressing.

Application

• Choose the appropriate size from 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm, or 20cm x 20cm. The foam pad should cover the entire wound bed and extend slightly beyond the wound margin.
• Place the dressing over the wound with the wound contact surface facing the wound bed.
• Apply the secondary fixation product to hold the dressing firmly in position. Ensure the fixation covers the entire perimeter of the foam pad to prevent the dressing from shifting.
• For leg ulcers under compression bandaging, apply the dressing first and then apply the compression bandage system over it. The bandage provides both compression and dressing fixation.
• Label with the application date and time.

Wear Time and Removal

• ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels. Change earlier if exudate reaches the edge of the foam pad or if clinically indicated.
• Remove the secondary fixation product first, then lift the foam dressing from the wound.
• If the dressing has partially dried onto the wound surface, moisten with sterile saline before removal to minimise trauma.
• Assess the wound at each change. Review whether silver antimicrobial management remains clinically appropriate or whether a non-silver alternative is now more suitable.

Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound bed and surrounding periwound skin. This is caused by silver deposition (argyria) and is a known and expected effect. It is generally cosmetically significant rather than clinically harmful and typically resolves when silver dressing use is discontinued. Inform patients before starting treatment.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive — 5cm x 5cm

Suitable for small wounds, localised infected areas, digit wounds, and smaller chronic wound areas. The compact size allows precise wound coverage without excess foam overlapping onto healthy periwound tissue. Can be cut to fit smaller or irregular wound shapes using sterile scissors.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive — 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium size suitable for moderate-sized wounds including pressure ulcers, smaller venous leg ulcer areas, diabetic foot wounds, and post-operative sites. The most commonly used size across a range of clinical settings. Can be cut to fit if the wound shape requires it.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive — 20cm x 20cm

The largest size, suitable for extensive wound areas including large venous leg ulcers, larger pressure ulcers, and significant burn areas. Provides broad antimicrobial foam coverage for wounds requiring a large-format primary dressing. Can be cut to size using sterile scissors if the wound dimensions or shape require it. Primarily used in clinical settings or for patients managing large wounds under clinical supervision.

When selecting a size, ensure the foam pad covers the entire wound bed. A pad that does not fully cover the wound leaves areas without antimicrobial coverage. If the wound is larger than 20cm x 20cm, multiple dressings can be placed adjacent to each other. Seek clinical guidance for extensive wounds.

Contraindications

• Do not use on patients with a known sensitivity or allergy to silver or any component of the dressing.
• Do not use on dry or minimally exuding wounds, the foam may desiccate the wound surface.
• Do not use oil-based topical products directly under the dressing as these impair silver ion release.

Precautions

• ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply a used dressing.
• Reassess the clinical need for silver at each dressing change. Discontinue silver dressings when infection is controlled and the wound is healing without signs of infection.
• Do not use MRI scanning with this dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.
• Use with caution in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Seek clinical advice.
• Monitor for signs of wound deterioration or spreading infection at each dressing change. A topical antimicrobial dressing is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.

Adverse Effects

• Grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound and periwound skin from silver deposition. Expected, localised, and generally reversible.
• Localised skin sensitivity or irritation. Discontinue if persistent.
• Wound bed desiccation if exudate levels fall during treatment and the dressing is not changed to a less absorbent alternative.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive Is Suitable For

• Patients with infected or at-risk exuding wounds where no adhesive border can be tolerated, including very fragile periwound skin, periwound maceration, skin tears, or adhesive allergy
• Venous leg ulcer patients receiving compression bandaging, where the foam acts as the primary wound contact layer under the bandage
• Wounds in skin folds, circumferential locations, or anatomically complex areas where a bandage or tubular retention dressing provides better fixation than an adhesive border
• Patients who require frequent dressing changes where repeated adhesive removal would cause cumulative periwound trauma
• Wound management plans where the clinician or patient prefers to select the fixation method independently of the primary dressing
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive Is Not Suitable For

• Dry or minimally exuding wounds
• Patients with known silver sensitivity or allergy
• Wound locations where adequate secondary fixation cannot be achieved and where the dressing is likely to displace

Both products contain silver sulfate and hydrocellular foam. The key difference is fixation. ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border has an integrated soft silicone border for self-adhesion on intact or fragile periwound skin. ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive has no border at all and requires a secondary fixation product. Choose ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive when no adhesive of any kind can be applied to the periwound skin, when the wound is under compression bandaging, or when the clinician or patient prefers complete control over fixation method and pressure.

ALLEVYN Ag Non-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 three sizes: 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm, and 20cm x 20cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks the full ALLEVYN Ag range including ALLEVYN Ag Non-Adhesive, ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border, and ALLEVYN Ag Heel alongside a comprehensive range of other wound care products and secondary fixation options.

For complex wounds or patients with significant wound management needs, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchases.

• 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 the full Smith+Nephew ALLEVYN Ag range and a comprehensive selection of wound care products. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on selecting the most appropriate ALLEVYN Ag format, non-adhesive, gentle border, or heel, as well as appropriate secondary fixation products and complementary wound care items.

References

1. Smith+Nephew. ALLEVYN Ag Non Adhesive Antimicrobial Dressing — Instructions for Use. Smith+Nephew Medical Ltd. https://www.smith-nephew.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. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds: evidence, controversies and suggestions. https://wuwhs.net. Accessed May 2026.