AQUACEL EXTRA

Some wounds produce a volume of exudate that a single-layer CMC hydrofiber dressing cannot manage effectively across a full wear period. AQUACEL Extra is the enhanced absorbency version of AQUACEL Dressing from Convatec. It uses a two-layer CMC hydrofiber construction that significantly increases the absorbent capacity compared with the standard single-layer product, making it suited to heavily exuding wounds where AQUACEL Dressing would need to be changed too frequently. It retains the vertical wicking and cohesive gel properties of the AQUACEL range. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. Available in five sizes. No prescription is required.

AQUACEL Extra is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Convatec. It is the enhanced absorbency version of AQUACEL Dressing. While standard AQUACEL Dressing uses a single layer of sodium CMC hydrofiber fibres, AQUACEL Extra adds a second CMC hydrofiber layer beneath the standard layer. This two-layer construction approximately doubles the absorbent capacity, allowing the dressing to handle greater volumes of wound exudate before reaching saturation.

AQUACEL Extra retains all the properties that define the AQUACEL range. The CMC fibres still absorb wound exudate vertically, wicking it upward into the dressing rather than spreading it laterally onto the periwound skin. The dressing still forms a soft cohesive gel on contact with wound fluid, conforming to the wound surface and holding together as a single piece at removal. Both of these properties are preserved in the two-layer format.

AQUACEL Extra contains no silver, no EDTA, no benzethonium chloride, and no other antimicrobial agents. It is the non-silver, non-antimicrobial option at the higher end of the AQUACEL absorbency range. For heavily exuding clean wounds where infection is not a concern, AQUACEL Extra provides greater fluid handling capacity than standard AQUACEL Dressing while maintaining the same wound contact properties.

The choice between AQUACEL Dressing and AQUACEL Extra is based on exudate volume. If the wound produces moderate exudate that standard AQUACEL Dressing can manage across a full wear period, AQUACEL Dressing is appropriate. If the exudate volume is high enough that AQUACEL Dressing reaches saturation before the intended change time, AQUACEL Extra provides the additional capacity needed. AQUACEL Extra requires a secondary dressing for fixation, as it has no adhesive border.

AQUACEL Extra contains no antimicrobial agents and is not appropriate for infected wounds. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek clinical assessment. AQUACEL Ag Extra provides the same two-layer enhanced absorbency with ionic silver antimicrobial activity for heavily exuding infected or at risk wounds.

Two Layer Construction and Enhanced Absorbency

AQUACEL Extra has two layers of CMC hydrofiber. The upper layer is the standard AQUACEL Dressing construction - sodium CMC fibres that absorb exudate vertically and gel on contact with wound fluid. The lower layer is an additional CMC hydrofiber layer that significantly increases the total fluid absorption capacity of the dressing. This increased capacity allows AQUACEL Extra to remain effective in heavily exuding wounds over a full wear period, where a single-layer dressing would reach saturation and require an earlier change.

Vertical Wicking

The CMC fibres in both layers of AQUACEL Extra absorb wound exudate vertically upward through the dressing structure. This vertical wicking action prevents exudate from spreading laterally across the wound surface and onto the periwound skin. Lateral spread of exudate is a significant cause of periwound maceration in heavily exuding wounds. By drawing exudate vertically through the two-layer structure, AQUACEL Extra helps protect the periwound skin from maceration even as it manages higher volumes of wound fluid than a single-layer dressing.

Cohesive Gel Formation

As the CMC fibres in both layers absorb wound exudate, they swell and form a soft cohesive gel. The gel conforms to the wound surface and maintains consistent wound contact throughout the wear period. At removal, the two-layer gel structure holds together as a single coherent mass, allowing the dressing to be removed without fragmenting or leaving material embedded in the wound surface. This cohesive removal reduces trauma to the wound bed and simplifies dressing changes.

Moist Wound Healing

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the wound surface through the gelled contact layer, AQUACEL Extra maintains a moist wound healing environment. This is particularly important for heavily exuding wounds where managing the high fluid load without desiccating the wound surface is a clinical challenge. The two-layer structure allows AQUACEL Extra to absorb the excess fluid volume while the lower CMC layer in contact with the wound retains sufficient moisture for healing.

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 and apply a skin barrier to any macerated periwound area.
• Select an appropriate secondary dressing before applying AQUACEL Extra.
• Remove AQUACEL Extra from its sterile packaging immediately before use. Do not pre-wet.

Application

• Place the dry dressing over the wound, ensuring it covers the entire wound bed and extends slightly beyond the wound edges.
• For cavity wounds, loosely place the dressing into the cavity. Do not pack tightly.
• Apply the secondary dressing over AQUACEL Extra to secure and provide additional absorbency.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Removal

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline to soften the gelled dressing before removal.
• Gently lift the dressing from the wound surface. The cohesive gel should come away as a single piece.
• Irrigate the wound after removal to clear any gel residue before assessing the wound and applying the next dressing.
• Assess the wound at each change and review whether AQUACEL Extra or another dressing format remains the most appropriate choice.
• AQUACEL Extra is applied dry. The wound exudate activates the gelling mechanism across both CMC layers. A gel residue on the wound at removal is normal and expected. Irrigate with sterile saline to clear this. Do not mistake the CMC gel for wound slough or tissue.

AQUACEL Extra 5cm x 5cm

Suitable for small to moderately sized heavily exuding wounds where the two-layer construction provides additional absorbent capacity within a compact format. Useful for finger and toe wounds, small pressure ulcers, and localised wound sites with high exudate.

AQUACEL Extra 4cm x 10cm

A narrow rectangular format suited to elongated heavily exuding wounds, narrow wound sites, and linear wounds where a 4cm width provides better coverage than a square. The extra length compared with the 4cm x 10cm AQUACEL Dressing provides additional surface area for elongated wounds with high fluid output.

AQUACEL Extra 4cm x 20cm

A longer narrow format suited to extended elongated wounds, longer wound channels, and lower limb wounds requiring narrow but extended coverage. The 4cm x 20cm size allows coverage of longer wound tracks with the enhanced absorbency of the two-layer construction. Can be loosely folded to fit shorter wound areas if needed.

AQUACEL Extra 10cm x 10cm

The most versatile size, suitable for moderate to large heavily exuding wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcer areas, and diabetic foot wounds with high exudate output where standard AQUACEL Dressing would need too-frequent changes. Widely used in community and clinical wound care for managing heavily exuding chronic wounds.

AQUACEL Extra 15cm x 15cm

A larger size for more extensive heavily exuding wounds including larger pressure ulcers, larger venous leg ulcers with heavy exudate, and other large wound areas with high fluid output. Provides broad two-layer CMC coverage for wounds requiring a larger primary contact area. Can be cut to fit with sterile scissors.

Select the size that covers the entire wound bed with a margin beyond the wound edges. A dressing that does not cover the wound leaves areas without CMC hydrofiber contact.

Do Not Use AQUACEL Extra If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to CMC hydrofiber or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected. AQUACEL Extra contains no antimicrobial agents. Use AQUACEL Ag Extra for heavily exuding infected or at risk wounds.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding. Both CMC layers require wound exudate to activate gelling. On dry wounds the dressing will not gel and may adhere to the wound surface.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or resterilise.
• A secondary dressing is required. AQUACEL Extra has no adhesive border and must be secured with an appropriate secondary dressing.
• Ensure complete removal at each dressing change. Irrigate thoroughly to confirm all material has been removed before applying the next dressing.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice and consider switching to standard AQUACEL Dressing if the wound exudate level has reduced.
• Skin sensitivity or irritation. Discontinue if persistent.

AQUACEL Extra Is Suitable For

• Heavily exuding clean wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers where standard AQUACEL Dressing reaches saturation before the intended change time
• Wounds where the benefits of CMC hydrofiber, vertical wicking and cohesive gel, are clinically indicated and the wound exudate volume requires enhanced absorbency
• Post operative wounds with heavy exudate during the active healing phase
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

Both products use CMC hydrofiber with vertical wicking and cohesive gel. AQUACEL Extra has two CMC layers and significantly greater absorbent capacity. Choose AQUACEL Extra when the wound exudate volume exceeds what standard AQUACEL Dressing can manage across a full wear period. Choose standard AQUACEL Dressing for wounds with moderate exudate where the single-layer capacity is adequate.

Both products have the same two-layer CMC hydrofiber construction. AQUACEL Ag Extra adds ionic silver for antimicrobial management. AQUACEL Extra contains no silver. Choose AQUACEL Extra for heavily exuding clean wounds where infection is not a concern. Choose AQUACEL Ag Extra when the heavily exuding wound is infected or at risk of infection.

AQUACEL Extra 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 five sizes: 5cm x 5cm, 4cm x 10cm, 4cm x 20cm, 10cm x 10cm, and 15cm x 15cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks AQUACEL Extra alongside standard AQUACEL Dressing, AQUACEL Ag Extra, and the full AQUACEL Ag range. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate AQUACEL format for a specific wound and exudate level.

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 AQUACEL Extra in all five available sizes alongside the full AQUACEL 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 whether AQUACEL Extra, standard AQUACEL Dressing, AQUACEL Ag Extra, or another AQUACEL format is most appropriate for a specific wound.

References

1. Convatec. AQUACEL Extra 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. 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. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.