AQUACEL RIBBON

Cavity wounds and sinus tracts require a dressing format that can be introduced into the wound depth to manage exudate throughout the accessible wound space. AQUACEL Ribbon is the 2cm x 45cm non-silver CMC hydrofiber ribbon from Convatec for packing wider cavity wounds. It shares the same CMC hydrofiber construction and cavity packing properties as AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon, with a 2cm width suited to cavities with a larger wound opening. It absorbs wound exudate within the cavity, gels in situ, and holds together as a cohesive piece at removal. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. No prescription is required.

AQUACEL Ribbon is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Convatec. It is a sodium CMC hydrofiber ribbon in a 2cm x 45cm format for packing cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and tunnelling wounds. It is the wider of the two non-silver CMC hydrofiber ribbons available from Pharmacy Planet: AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon (1cm x 45cm) is the narrower version for sinus tracts and narrow cavity openings, while AQUACEL Ribbon (2cm x 45cm) is suited to wider cavities where a 2cm width can be introduced without force.

AQUACEL Ribbon uses the same CMC hydrofiber technology as the rest of the AQUACEL non-silver range. The CMC fibres absorb wound exudate vertically, drawing it upward through the ribbon structure as it is produced from the cavity walls and wound bed. As the fibres absorb exudate, they form a soft cohesive gel that conforms to the shape of the wound cavity. At removal, the cohesive gel allows the ribbon to be retrieved as a single continuous piece rather than fragmenting within the wound.

AQUACEL Ribbon contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. It is the appropriate choice when a 2cm ribbon is needed for cavity wound packing and infection management is not a clinical concern. For infected or at risk cavity wounds requiring a 2cm ribbon with antimicrobial management, AQUACEL Ag Ribbon 2cm x 45cm provides the same width and length with ionic silver.

The 45cm length provides ample ribbon to pack most accessible wound cavities with retrieval ribbon remaining outside the wound opening. The retrieval portion is a critical safety requirement for all ribbon dressings used in cavity wounds.

AQUACEL Ribbon must be packed loosely into wound cavities. Do not pack tightly. Always leave a visible portion of the ribbon outside the wound opening as a retrieval tag. Never pack the entire ribbon inside the wound. Document the number of ribbons used at every dressing change and confirm full retrieval before applying the next dressing.

CMC Hydrofiber Exudate Absorption

The CMC fibres absorb wound exudate from the cavity walls and wound bed as the ribbon is loosely packed within the wound space. The vertical wicking property of CMC hydrofiber draws exudate upward through the ribbon structure. This manages wound fluid throughout the accessible cavity depth rather than only at the surface opening. Effective exudate management within the cavity helps reduce fluid accumulation and supports the wound healing environment at depth.

Gel Formation and Cavity Conformity

As the CMC fibres absorb exudate, they swell and transform into a soft cohesive gel. Within a wound cavity, this gel expands to conform to the cavity shape, maintaining close contact between the ribbon and the cavity walls throughout the wear period. The 2cm width of AQUACEL Ribbon provides a greater wound contact surface area within the cavity than the 1cm AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon, which is clinically useful for wider cavities where broader ribbon coverage contacts more of the cavity wall surface.

Moist Wound Healing at Wound Depth

By absorbing excess exudate while retaining sufficient moisture at the cavity surface through the gelled ribbon, AQUACEL Ribbon supports a moist wound healing environment throughout the accessible wound depth. For cavity wounds progressing toward closure from the base upward, maintaining a consistent moist environment throughout the cavity is an important clinical goal. The gelled ribbon maintains this contact between dressing changes without the drying that can occur with some other wound packing materials.

Cohesive Retrieval

The cohesive CMC gel holds the ribbon together as a continuous piece at removal. When retrieved by its accessible end at the wound opening, the gel structure allows the full ribbon length to be removed in a single continuous motion. Irrigating the cavity with sterile saline before removal softens the gel and assists separation from the cavity walls. The 2cm width of AQUACEL Ribbon means it absorbs more exudate per unit length than the 1cm ribbon, so it may gel more firmly and benefit from thorough irrigation before removal.

Before Use

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Irrigate the wound cavity with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Assess the wound cavity opening to confirm it can accommodate a 2cm ribbon without force. If the opening is too narrow for 2cm, use AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon (1cm x 45cm) instead.
• Remove AQUACEL Ribbon from its sterile packaging immediately before use. Do not pre-wet.

Packing the Wound

• Introduce the dry ribbon loosely into the wound cavity using sterile forceps or a probe. Do not pack tightly.
• Ensure the ribbon makes contact with the cavity walls throughout the accessible wound space.
• Always leave a visible portion of the ribbon extending beyond the wound surface opening. This is the retrieval tag. Never pack the entire ribbon inside the wound.
• Apply an appropriate secondary dressing to cover the wound surface and secure the accessible end of the ribbon.
• Document the number of ribbons used in the care record.

Removal

• Irrigate the cavity thoroughly with sterile saline before removal to soften the gelled ribbon.
• Locate the accessible end of the ribbon at the wound surface.
• Gently retrieve the ribbon in a single continuous motion. The cohesive gel should allow full retrieval as a single piece.
• Count ribbons out and confirm the total matches the number packed in. Document in the care record.
• Irrigate the cavity after removal to clear any gel residue.
• Assess cavity dimensions, wound bed condition, and exudate level at each change.
• Always count ribbons in and out. If the ribbon cannot be fully retrieved or any portion is believed to remain in the wound, seek urgent clinical assessment. Do not attempt to force the ribbon out if it feels firmly attached. Irrigate thoroughly and seek clinical guidance before proceeding.

AQUACEL Ribbon 2cm x 45cm

AQUACEL Ribbon is available in a single size of 2cm x 45cm. The 2cm width is suited to cavity wounds with a wider opening that can accommodate this width without force. The greater width provides more wound contact surface area within the cavity per unit length compared with the 1cm ribbon, which may be advantageous in wider cavities where broader coverage of the cavity walls is clinically desirable. The 45cm length provides ample ribbon for most wound cavities with retrieval ribbon remaining outside the wound.

If the wound opening cannot accommodate a 2cm ribbon without force, use AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon 1cm x 45cm instead. For infected or at risk cavity wounds requiring a 2cm ribbon with antimicrobial silver, AQUACEL Ag Ribbon 2cm x 45cm is available.

Do Not Use AQUACEL Ribbon If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to CMC hydrofiber or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected or at risk. AQUACEL Ribbon contains no antimicrobial agents. Use AQUACEL Ag Ribbon 2cm x 45cm for infected or at risk cavity wounds.
• The wound is a sinus of unknown depth or origin. Seek clinical assessment before packing.
• The wound opening cannot accommodate a 2cm ribbon without force. Use the 1cm AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon instead.

Precautions

• Pack loosely at all times. Tight packing can cause pressure within the cavity and impair wound drainage.
• Always leave a retrieval portion outside the wound. Never pack the full ribbon inside.
• Always count ribbons in and out. Document at every change and confirm full retrieval.
• Single use product. Do not reuse or resterilise.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the ribbon in place. Remove before MRI procedures.

Adverse Effects

• Wound cavity pressure and discomfort if packed too tightly. Always use loose packing.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice.

AQUACEL Ribbon Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean cavity wounds with a wider opening where a 2cm ribbon can be introduced without force and infection is not a concern
• Cavity wounds where broader ribbon contact with the cavity walls is clinically advantageous compared with a narrower 1cm ribbon
• Use under clinical supervision - cavity wound management should always involve a healthcare professional

Both are non-silver CMC hydrofiber ribbons for cavity wound packing with identical material properties and the same critical packing safety rules. The difference is width. Use AQUACEL Ribbon (2cm x 45cm) when the cavity opening is large enough to accept a 2cm ribbon without force and broader cavity wall coverage is clinically useful. Use AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon (1cm x 45cm) for narrow sinus tracts, small cavity openings, and any wound where a 2cm ribbon would not fit without force.

Both are 2cm x 45cm CMC hydrofiber ribbons for cavity packing. AQUACEL Ag Ribbon 2cm x 45cm contains ionic silver for antimicrobial infection management. AQUACEL Ribbon contains no silver. Choose AQUACEL Ribbon for clean cavity wounds where infection is not a concern. Choose AQUACEL Ag Ribbon for infected or at risk cavity wounds.

AQUACEL Ribbon 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 a single size of 2cm x 45cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks AQUACEL Ribbon alongside AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon (1cm x 45cm), AQUACEL Ag Ribbon (1cm x 45cm and 2cm x 45cm), and the full AQUACEL range. Our pharmacists can advise on which ribbon width and whether a silver or non-silver format is most appropriate for a specific cavity wound.

Cavity wounds should always be managed under clinical supervision. Seek assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP for any cavity wound that is complex, worsening, or not reducing in depth as expected.

• 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 ribbon 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, use immediately. Do not store a partially used or opened ribbon.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used ribbons as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy stocking AQUACEL Ribbon alongside AQUACEL Hydrofiber Ribbon, AQUACEL Ag Ribbon, and the full AQUACEL range. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on ribbon width selection, the choice between silver and non-silver ribbon formats, and when clinical referral for cavity wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Convatec. AQUACEL Ribbon — 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.