BIATAIN AG NON ADHESIVE FOAM

Small wounds, digit wounds, and confined wound sites require a compact silver foam dressing that provides antimicrobial coverage and exudate management without the bulk or adhesive border of larger formats. Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is a silver-containing non-adhesive foam dressing from Coloplast in a compact 5cm x 7cm rectangular format. The ionic silver provides local antimicrobial activity, the foam absorbs wound exudate, and the absence of an adhesive border allows the fixation method to be selected based on the wound location and patient factors. No prescription is required.

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Coloplast. It is a compact silver-containing polyurethane foam dressing in a 5cm x 7cm rectangular format. The dressing has a non-adherent wound contact surface, a hydrocellular foam absorbent core with ionic silver, and a film backing. There is no integrated adhesive border. The dressing is secured with a secondary fixation product chosen by the clinician.

The 5cm x 7cm size makes Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam the most compact product in the Biatain Ag range. This small rectangular format is suited to wound types and locations where a larger dressing would extend excessively onto intact periwound skin, where the wound site is confined and a compact pad provides better coverage than a larger square, or where the wound dimensions are small and a full-size Biatain Ag Adhesive (12.5cm x 12.5cm) would be disproportionate to the wound area.

Like all products containing the "Ag" designation in the Biatain range, Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam contains ionic silver incorporated into the foam structure. Silver ions are released as wound exudate contacts the dressing, providing sustained local antimicrobial activity throughout the wear period against a broad range of wound pathogens.

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is indicated for use on infected or at risk smaller exuding wounds including digit wounds, smaller pressure ulcers and ulcer areas, acute wounds on confined sites, and other wound locations where the compact 5cm x 7cm format is clinically appropriate and local silver antimicrobial management is needed.

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam has no adhesive border and must be secured with a secondary fixation product. Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound and periwound skin (argyria). This is expected, localised, and reversible. Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.

Ionic Silver Antimicrobial Activity

Ionic silver is released from the foam as wound exudate contacts the dressing. Silver ions disrupt bacterial cell membranes by binding to membrane proteins, interfere with bacterial enzyme systems needed for metabolism and replication, and prevent bacterial DNA replication. This multi-mechanism action provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species. The silver acts locally at the wound surface and is not absorbed systemically in clinically significant amounts.

Foam Exudate Absorption

The hydrocellular foam core absorbs wound exudate through the non-adherent wound contact surface and retains it within the foam structure away from the wound. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, reduces maceration of the periwound skin, and maintains a moist wound healing environment at the wound contact surface. Despite the compact 5cm x 7cm size, the foam provides effective exudate management for smaller wounds with moderate to heavy exudate.

Non Adherent Wound Contact Surface

The wound contact surface is non adherent to the wound bed. This allows the dressing to be removed without causing significant trauma to wound tissue. For smaller wounds on sensitive sites such as digits and toes, atraumatic removal at each dressing change is particularly important for patient comfort and wound preservation.

Secondary Fixation Flexibility

The absence of an integrated border means the clinician can select fixation appropriate to the wound location and the patient. For digit wounds, a tubular bandage provides secure fixation without adhesive. For other small wounds, a retention dressing, a small piece of tape, or a cohesive bandage provides fixation. The compact size of the dressing makes it easy to secure with minimal fixation material.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the surrounding skin gently.
• Do not apply oil-based products under or adjacent to the dressing as these impair silver ion release.
• Select an appropriate secondary fixation product.

Application

• Place the 5cm x 7cm dressing over the wound with the non adherent wound contact surface facing the wound bed.
• Ensure the foam pad covers the wound bed with a margin beyond the wound edges.
• Apply the secondary fixation product to hold the dressing in position.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Wear Time and Removal

• Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels.
• Change when exudate approaches the edge of the foam pad, fixation loosens, or clinical assessment indicates a change.
• Remove fixation first, then lift the foam pad from the wound.
• Reassess at each change. Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks and step down to a non silver dressing when infection is no longer a clinical concern.

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam 5cm x 7cm

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is available in a single size of 5cm x 7cm. The compact rectangular format is suited to smaller wounds, digit wounds, toe wounds, and confined wound locations where a larger dressing would not fit the wound dimensions appropriately. The 7cm length and 5cm width provide sufficient foam contact for most smaller wound sites while keeping the overall dressing footprint small.

For larger wound areas requiring silver antimicrobial foam coverage, Biatain Ag Adhesive (12.5cm x 12.5cm) provides a larger self-adhesive format. For infected heel wounds, Biatain Ag Heel provides a heel-contoured silver foam format secured with a fixation bandage.

Contraindications

• Known sensitivity or allergy to silver or any component of the dressing.
• Do not use on dry or minimally exuding wounds.
• Do not apply oil-based products directly under the dressing.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Silver dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound and periwound skin (argyria). Expected, localised, and reversible.
• Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks. Step down to a non-silver dressing when infection is no longer a concern.
• Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Grey or blue grey discolouration from silver deposition. Expected and reversible.
• Skin sensitivity or irritation. Discontinue if persistent.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice.

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam Is Suitable For

• Smaller infected or at risk exuding wounds including digit wounds, toe wounds, and confined wound sites where the compact 5cm x 7cm format provides appropriate coverage
• Wound locations where no adhesive can be applied to the periwound skin and secondary fixation is preferred
• Situations where the smaller wound dimensions make a 12.5cm x 12.5cm self-adhesive format disproportionate to the wound area
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

Both products contain ionic silver in a polyurethane foam construction. Biatain Ag Adhesive is a 12.5cm x 12.5cm self-adhesive dressing with an integrated border that does not require secondary fixation. Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam is a compact 5cm x 7cm non-adhesive dressing that requires secondary fixation. Choose Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam for smaller wounds and wound locations where the compact size is more appropriate or where no adhesive border is suitable.

Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam 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 the single size of 5cm x 7cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam alongside Biatain Ag Adhesive, Biatain Ag Heel, and the full Biatain range. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate Biatain Ag format for a specific wound.

For complex infected 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 Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam alongside the full Biatain 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 whether Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam or another Biatain Ag format is most appropriate for a specific wound, and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Ag Non Adhesive Foam Dressing — Instructions for Use. Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds: evidence, controversies and suggestions. https://wuwhs.net. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. 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.