BIATAIN SACRAL ADHESIVE FOAM

The sacrum and coccyx area presents particular challenges for wound dressing: the curved anatomy, the proximity to the gluteal fold, and the constant pressure and shear forces from lying and repositioning all make standard square dressings difficult to apply and keep in position. Biatain Adhesive Sacral is a self-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing from Coloplast shaped specifically for the sacrum and coccyx. The anatomical shape provides foam coverage across the sacral wound area with contoured wings that follow the gluteal fold, maintaining adhesion and wound contact during repositioning. Available in a single size of 17cm x 17cm. No prescription is required.

Biatain Adhesive Sacral is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Coloplast. It is a sacral-contoured version of Biatain Adhesive, shaped to follow the anatomy of the sacrum and coccyx rather than presented as a flat square. The dressing consists of a non-adherent wound contact surface, a hydrocellular foam absorbent core, a moisture vapour permeable film backing, and an integrated adhesive border shaped to follow the sacral and gluteal anatomy.

The sacral area is the most common site for pressure ulcers in bed ridden and chair bound patients. The reasons relate directly to anatomy and loading: the sacrum and coccyx are bony prominences that bear high pressure loads during lying. Shear forces from bed linen during repositioning further stress the skin over the sacrum. The skin in the sacral area is frequently subject to moisture from perspiration and, in some patients, faecal or urinary incontinence, which further compromises skin integrity.

The shaped contour of Biatain Adhesive Sacral addresses the clinical difficulty of applying and maintaining a flat dressing over the sacral anatomy. The dressing wings follow the curvature of the gluteal fold, reducing the tendency of the border to lift or wrinkle during patient repositioning. This maintenance of wound contact and dressing stability across the sacral wound site is the defining clinical rationale for the sacral-contoured format.

Biatain Adhesive Sacral contains no silver, no ibuprofen, and no antimicrobial agents. It is suited to clean sacral pressure ulcers and at risk sacral skin areas where adhesive foam exudate management and a contoured self-adhesive format are clinically appropriate. Available in a single size of 17cm x 17cm.

Biatain Adhesive Sacral contains no antimicrobial agents. It is not suitable for infected sacral wounds. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek clinical assessment. Sacral pressure ulcer management requires a comprehensive care plan including pressure redistribution, repositioning schedules, skin assessment, and nutritional support alongside dressing selection. Dressing selection alone does not substitute for a full pressure ulcer prevention and management plan.

Sacral Contoured Shape

The dressing is shaped to follow the sacral anatomy. The foam pad covers the sacral wound area and the wings of the adhesive border follow the contours of the gluteal fold on either side. When the dressing is applied correctly with the pad centred over the wound and the wings pressed into the gluteal fold, the adhesive border maintains contact with the surrounding skin even when the patient is repositioned. This sustained wound contact and border adhesion reduces the dressing shifting and border lifting that commonly occur with flat square dressings applied to the curved sacral anatomy.

Foam Exudate Absorption

The hydrocellular foam core absorbs wound exudate and retains it within the foam structure. This prevents pooling of exudate at the wound bed, reduces maceration of the wound surface and periwound skin, and maintains a moist wound healing environment at the wound contact surface. The foam also provides cushioning over the sacral wound, providing a physical interface between the wound and the pressure loading that caused the ulcer.

Non Adherent Wound Contact Surface

The wound contact surface is non adherent to the wound bed, allowing the dressing to be removed without pulling on wound tissue. This atraumatic removal is important for sacral pressure ulcers where repeated dressing changes are part of ongoing management and minimising wound bed disruption at each change supports the healing process.

Waterproof Film Backing and Adhesive Border

The moisture vapour permeable film backing allows evaporation of moisture vapour while remaining waterproof to external fluids. This protects the sacral wound from external contamination. The adhesive border provides self-contained fixation without a secondary dressing. The waterproof film also means the dressing remains in place during hygiene and continence care procedures.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound and sacral skin area with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the periwound skin gently. The adhesive border requires dry intact periwound skin.
• Position the patient to allow clear access to the sacral area.

Application

• Identify the wound centre and align the centre of the foam pad over the wound.
• The dressing wings should point laterally toward the gluteal folds on each side.
• Remove the release liner sections and press the foam pad and wing borders firmly onto the surrounding skin.
• Ensure the wing adhesive borders follow the gluteal fold contour on each side.
• No secondary dressing is required.

Label with the date and time of application.

• Wear Time and Removal
• Biatain Adhesive Sacral can be worn for up to seven days depending on exudate levels and patient condition.
• Change when exudate approaches the border, the border lifts, or clinical assessment indicates a change is needed.
• To remove, lift one corner of the adhesive border and peel back slowly. Support the surrounding skin.
• Assess the sacral wound and surrounding skin at every change. Review the pressure ulcer management plan at each assessment.
• The skin around and beneath the adhesive border of Biatain Adhesive Sacral should be assessed at every dressing change. Continence-related moisture at the sacral area can affect border adhesion and periwound skin condition. Manage moisture and skin protection as part of the wider pressure ulcer prevention plan.

Biatain Adhesive Sacral 17cm x 17cm

Biatain Adhesive Sacral is available in a single size of 17cm x 17cm. The 17cm x 17cm measurement reflects the overall dressing dimensions including the shaped adhesive border wings. The foam pad coverage area is smaller than the full 17cm x 17cm footprint, with the adhesive border occupying the wing areas on each side. This single size is designed to provide appropriate coverage for the typical range of sacral pressure ulcer dimensions encountered in clinical pressure ulcer management.

If the wound dimensions fall outside what this dressing size can accommodate, or if the wound is at a different anatomical location to the sacrum, seek clinical guidance on the most appropriate dressing approach.

Do Not Use Biatain Adhesive Sacral If

• The patient has a known allergy or sensitivity to the adhesive border or any component of the dressing.
• The sacral wound is infected or at risk. Biatain Adhesive Sacral contains no antimicrobial agents.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Assess periwound skin under the adhesive border at every change. Continence and moisture can affect border integrity and skin condition.
• Sacral pressure ulcer management must include pressure redistribution and repositioning in addition to dressing selection.
• Use with care on fragile or broken periwound skin where adhesive borders may cause further skin trauma.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity, irritation, or stripping at the adhesive border. Discontinue if persistent.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls. Reassess dressing choice.

Biatain Adhesive Sacral Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean sacral pressure ulcers and at risk sacral skin areas where the contoured self-adhesive foam format provides appropriate wound coverage
• Patients where a flat square dressing does not maintain stable coverage over the sacral anatomy due to the curved surface and gluteal fold
• Use as part of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention and management plan including pressure redistribution, repositioning, and skin assessment
• Adults under healthcare professional supervision, sacral pressure ulcer management should always involve a healthcare professional

Biatain Adhesive Sacral 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 17cm x 17cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks Biatain Adhesive Sacral alongside the full Biatain range. Our pharmacists can advise on whether Biatain Adhesive Sacral or another sacral dressing format is most appropriate for a specific patient and wound.

Sacral pressure ulcers should always be managed under clinical supervision. Seek assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP for any sacral wound that is worsening, complex, or not progressing 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 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 Adhesive Sacral alongside the full Biatain 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 sacral dressing selection and on when clinical referral for pressure ulcer assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Adhesive Sacral — Instructions for Use. Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pressure ulcers: prevention and management (CG179). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg179. Accessed May 2026.
3. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.
4. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.