AQUACEL AG FOAM ADHESIVE

Combining the wound contact benefits of hydrofiber technology with the absorbent cushioning of foam in a single self-adhesive dressing addresses multiple wound care needs simultaneously. AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is a dressing from Convatec that places a AQUACEL Ag CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer with ionic silver directly against the wound, backed by a foam absorbent layer, with an integrated adhesive border to hold everything in place. This combination provides silver antimicrobial activity, vertical wicking to protect periwound skin, foam exudate absorption, and self-adhesion in one product. It is available in five standard sizes and two anatomically shaped variants for the sacral and heel areas. No prescription is required.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Convatec. It is a multilayer combination dressing that brings together three functional components. The innermost layer is a AQUACEL Ag CMC hydrofiber contact layer with ionic silver, the same technology as in the standard AQUACEL Ag dressing, which sits directly on the wound surface. Above this is a foam absorbent layer that provides additional fluid handling capacity. The outer layer is a film backing with an integrated adhesive border.

The combination of CMC hydrofiber as the wound contact material and foam as the absorbent backing layer creates a dressing that manages wound exudate through two complementary mechanisms. The hydrofiber contact layer absorbs exudate vertically into its fibres and gels in contact with wound fluid, releasing silver ions as it does so. The foam layer above provides further absorbent capacity and creates a cushioned environment over the wound. The combination allows AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive to manage higher volumes of exudate than a standard AQUACEL Ag sheet alone while maintaining the silver antimicrobial function of the hydrofiber contact surface.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is a self-adhesive dressing. The integrated adhesive border holds it in position without requiring a separate secondary dressing for most wound locations. This makes it more convenient to use than AQUACEL Ag alone, which requires a secondary dressing for fixation. The adhesive border is designed to adhere to intact periwound skin without using silicone, meaning it is comparable to a standard acrylic adhesive in its bond properties.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is indicated for use on infected or at risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds including chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers, as well as acute wounds and burns where both antimicrobial management and foam-level exudate absorption are clinically needed.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is applied dry. The wound exudate activates the CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer, which gels and releases silver ions. Do not pre-wet the dressing before application. Unlike standard AQUACEL Ag, the gel residue at removal is confined to the hydrofiber wound contact layer, the foam backing remains intact as a foam pad. Irrigate the wound after removal to clear any hydrofiber gel residue.

CMC Hydrofiber Wound Contact Layer

The innermost layer of AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is a CMC hydrofiber contact layer with ionic silver — the same technology used in AQUACEL Ag. When this layer contacts wound exudate, the CMC fibres absorb fluid vertically, gel in place, and release silver ions to provide antimicrobial activity against a broad range of wound pathogens. The vertical wicking action of the CMC fibres draws exudate upward through the dressing rather than spreading it laterally onto the periwound skin, helping to reduce maceration of the skin surrounding the wound.

Foam Absorbent Layer

Above the CMC hydrofiber contact layer is a polyurethane foam layer. The foam provides additional absorbent capacity beyond that of the hydrofiber layer alone, drawing fluid upward from the hydrofiber and retaining it within the foam structure. This two-layer absorbent construction allows AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive to handle greater exudate volumes than the standard AQUACEL Ag sheet while maintaining the hydrofiber wound contact surface and its silver function.

Ionic Silver Antimicrobial Action

Ionic silver released from the CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer acts on wound pathogens through multiple mechanisms: disrupting bacterial cell membranes, interfering with bacterial enzyme systems, and preventing DNA replication. This broad action covers a wide range of wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species. The silver is delivered locally at the wound surface rather than being absorbed systemically in significant amounts.

Integrated Adhesive Border

The adhesive border holds the dressing in place directly on the periwound skin, removing the need for a secondary dressing in most wound locations. This makes AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive a self-contained wound management solution combining silver antimicrobial activity, hydrofiber wound contact, foam absorbency, and self-adhesion in a single product.

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.
• Do not apply creams, lotions, or oil-based products to the area where the adhesive border will contact the skin.

Application

• Select the appropriate size or configuration, standard flat size, sacral, or heel, so the wound contact pad covers the wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin.
• Remove the release liner from the adhesive border and apply the dressing over the wound.
• Press the border firmly onto the surrounding skin to ensure a consistent seal.
• No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Wear Time and Removal

• AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels. Change earlier if exudate approaches the border or the border lifts.
• To remove, lift one edge of the adhesive border and peel slowly back parallel to the skin surface. Support the periwound skin with one hand.
• The foam backing will remain intact as a pad. The CMC hydrofiber wound contact layer will have gelled against the wound surface. Irrigate with sterile saline to assist removal of the contact layer.
• Irrigate the wound after removal to clear any hydrofiber gel residue before applying the next dressing.
• Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound bed and periwound skin due to silver deposition (argyria). This is expected, localised, and generally reversible when silver dressing use is discontinued. Inform patients in advance.

Standard Flat Sizes

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 8cm x 8cm

Suitable for small wounds, smaller pressure ulcers, digit wounds, and localised acute or chronic wounds where a compact self-adhesive silver foam dressing is needed.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium size for moderate-sized wounds across a range of body locations including pressure ulcers, leg ulcer areas, and post-operative sites.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 12.5cm x 12.5cm

A medium-large size for moderate to larger wound areas. Suitable for venous leg ulcers, larger pressure ulcers, and other wound sites requiring broader wound contact coverage.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 17.5cm x 17.5cm

A larger size suitable for extended pressure ulcers, larger chronic wound areas, and wounds requiring broader foam coverage with an adequately sized adhesive border margin.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive 21cm x 21cm

The largest standard flat size, suitable for extensive wound areas including large pressure ulcers and significant chronic wounds. Primarily for clinical settings or patients managing large wounds under clinical supervision.

Anatomically Shaped Configurations

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive Sacral 20cm x 16.9cm

A contoured shape designed for the sacral and coccygeal area. The contoured format follows the anatomy of the lower back and gluteal region, providing better wound coverage and border adhesion than a standard flat dressing applied to this curved surface. Suitable for sacral pressure ulcers where both silver antimicrobial management and anatomical contouring are needed.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive Heel 19.8cm x 14cm

A contoured heel-shaped configuration for wounds on the heel and posterior ankle area. The shaped format follows the curved anatomy of the heel, providing better coverage than a standard flat dressing. Suitable for heel pressure ulcers and heel wounds where silver antimicrobial management is clinically indicated.

When selecting a size, ensure the wound contact pad covers the entire wound bed and the adhesive border rests on intact periwound skin on all sides.

Contraindications

• Do not use on patients with a known sensitivity or allergy to silver, CMC hydrofiber, or any component of the dressing including the adhesive.
• Do not use on dry or minimally exuding wounds.
• Do not use in conjunction with oil-based topical products directly under the dressing as these impair silver ion release.

Precautions

• AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive is a single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound bed and periwound skin. Expected, localised, and reversible.
• Use with caution on fragile periwound skin. The adhesive border may cause skin stripping on very thin or fragile skin, consider a silicone border alternative.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.
• Silver dressings are not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy where there is spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.

Adverse Effects

• Localised skin sensitivity or irritation at the adhesive border. Discontinue if persistent.
• Grey or blue grey discolouration from silver deposition. Expected and reversible.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly, reassess dressing choice.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive Is Suitable For

• Infected or at risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds where both silver antimicrobial management and foam-level exudate absorption are clinical priorities
• Wounds in patients who prefer a self contained self adhesive dressing rather than separate primary and secondary dressings
• Sacral pressure ulcers with infection risk using the sacral configuration, and heel wounds using the heel configuration
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

Standard AQUACEL Ag is a flat hydrofiber sheet requiring a secondary dressing for fixation. AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive adds a foam absorbent layer and an integrated adhesive border, making it a self-contained dressing with greater absorbent capacity and no need for secondary fixation. Choose AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive when the convenience of self-adhesion and additional foam absorbency are clinically beneficial. Choose standard AQUACEL Ag when cavity packing is needed, when secondary fixation is clinically preferred, or when the hydrofiber contact properties are needed without the additional bulk of foam.

AQUACEL Ag Foam 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 seven configurations: 8cm x 8cm, 10cm x 10cm, 12.5cm x 12.5cm, 17.5cm x 17.5cm, 21cm x 21cm (standard flat), 20cm x 16.9cm (sacral), and 19.8cm x 14cm (heel).

Pharmacy Planet stocks the full AQUACEL Ag range including AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive, standard AQUACEL Ag, and AQUACEL Ag Extra alongside a comprehensive range of wound care products. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate format for a specific wound.

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 seven AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive configurations alongside the full AQUACEL Ag range and a comprehensive selection of wound care products. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on whether AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive, standard AQUACEL Ag, or AQUACEL Ag Extra is most appropriate for a specific wound and patient.

References

1. Convatec. AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive Dressing — 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. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds: evidence, controversies and suggestions. https://wuwhs.net. Accessed May 2026.
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products — Drug Tariff prescribing and selection. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.