CARBOFLEX NON ADHESIVE

Wound odour is one of the most distressing aspects of managing a chronic or complex wound. It affects daily life, confidence, and often limits contact with others. Managing it is not a cosmetic concern; it is a genuine clinical and quality of life priority. CarboFlex non-adhesive is a multi-layer dressing from ConvaTec that incorporates an activated charcoal layer specifically to address wound odour alongside wound exudate management. The charcoal absorbs the volatile molecules responsible for odour before they reach the surrounding environment. Two sizes: 10cm x 10cm and 15cm x 20cm. No adhesive border. No prescription required.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive is a Class IIb regulated medical device from ConvaTec. It is a multi-layer wound dressing in which an activated charcoal cloth forms one of the outer layers. The combination of charcoal for odour management and an absorbent wound contact layer for exudate management in a single dressing makes it suited to wounds where both problems are present at the same time, which is common in malodorous wounds.

Wound odour is produced when bacteria metabolising wound tissue and exudate release volatile compounds including sulphur-containing molecules and short-chain fatty acids. These molecules are responsible for the offensive character of the smell. Activated charcoal has a highly porous structure that traps volatile molecules through a process of physical adsorption, the molecules bind to the extensive surface area within the charcoal structure and are held there rather than continuing to pass into the surrounding air. The charcoal layer in CarboFlex Non-Adhesive intercepts these molecules as they move outward from the wound.

The dressing also has an absorbent layer that manages wound exudate. Malodorous wounds are frequently heavily exuding, and the combination of charcoal odour control with wound contact absorbency means both clinical needs are addressed without requiring separate primary and odour management dressings layered over each other.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive has no adhesive border. It requires a secondary fixation product at every application. Two sizes are available: 10cm x 10cm and 15cm x 20cm.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive manages wound odour by absorbing volatile molecules, it does not treat the underlying cause of the odour, which is bacterial activity within the wound. Clinical assessment of the wound, including assessment for infection, should be part of the care plan alongside odour management dressings. CarboFlex Non-Adhesive has no antimicrobial activity and is not a treatment for wound infection.

Activated Charcoal Odour Absorption Layer

Activated charcoal is carbon that has been processed to create an extremely high number of microscopic pores within its structure. This porous architecture gives a small volume of charcoal an enormous surface area, far greater than its external dimensions would suggest. When volatile odour molecules from the wound move outward through the dressing layers and reach the charcoal, they enter these pores and become physically bound to the carbon surface. The process is adsorption rather than absorption: the molecules adhere to the surface rather than dissolving into a medium. Once bound, they do not pass further outward into the air in the room.

Wound Contact and Absorbent Layers

The absorbent wound contact layer manages exudate from the wound surface. This layer draws fluid away from the wound bed and holds it within the dressing structure, maintaining a moist wound environment without allowing pooling or leakage. In malodorous wounds, controlling exudate is also relevant to odour management — wound fluid contributes to the substrate available to bacteria at the wound surface, so reducing its presence supports the overall approach to odour control.

Secondary Fixation

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive has no border adhesive and must be secured with a secondary product. A bandage, tubular retention dressing, or tape at the dressing edges will hold the pad in place. The fixation method is chosen based on the wound location and the surrounding skin condition. In patients with fragile periwound skin, a non-adhesive retention method such as a tubular bandage may be most appropriate.

Before Applying

• Wash hands and put on gloves.
• Clean the wound as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Have the secondary fixation product ready before applying the dressing.

Applying the Dressing

• Place the dressing over the wound with the absorbent wound contact layer facing the wound bed.
• Centre the pad over the wound so it covers the wound fully.
• Apply secondary fixation immediately to hold the dressing in place.
• Note the date and time of application.

Removal and Change Frequency

• Remove secondary fixation first, then lift the dressing.
• Change frequency depends on wound exudate levels and clinical guidance.
• Change the dressing when exudate reaches the pad edges, when odour is again noticeable despite the dressing being in place, or when clinically indicated.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive should not be cut, cutting the dressing will compromise the charcoal layer and reduce its odour management capacity. If the wound dimensions require a different coverage area, select the most appropriate size from the two available.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive 10cm x 10cm

A square format suited to moderate-sized malodorous wounds where 10cm x 10cm coverage provides adequate wound bed protection and charcoal layer area. Appropriate for wounds on the trunk, upper limbs, and other sites where this footprint fits the wound dimensions.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive 15cm x 20cm

A larger rectangular format suited to more extensive wound areas, including larger venous leg ulcers, fungating wounds over a wider area, and other sites where a 10cm x 10cm pad would not cover the wound adequately. The larger charcoal layer area provides greater total odour absorption capacity.

Do not cut either size. The charcoal layer must remain intact to function. Select the size whose pad covers the wound fully. If neither size is well matched to the wound dimensions, seek clinical guidance.

Contraindications and Limitations

• Do not use on dry wounds where moisture-retaining cover is not clinically indicated.
• Do not cut the dressing - this compromises the charcoal layer.
• Known sensitivity to activated charcoal, any component of the absorbent layer, or the secondary fixation product.
• CarboFlex Non-Adhesive does not treat wound infection. Underlying infection driving odour requires clinical assessment and appropriate antimicrobial management.

Precautions

• Always apply secondary fixation. An unsecured dressing will shift and cause friction.
• Reassess the wound at every change. Persistent or worsening odour despite appropriate dressing use should prompt clinical reassessment of the wound.
• Single use only.
• Remove before MRI.

Adverse Effects

• Skin irritation related to secondary fixation rather than the dressing pad itself.
• Wound desiccation if the absorbent layer draws more moisture from the wound than the wound is producing.

Wounds Where CarboFlex Non-Adhesive Is Appropriate

• Malodorous wounds of any aetiology where charcoal-mediated odour reduction and exudate management are both clinical priorities
• Fungating malignant wounds, which frequently produce significant odour and exudate requiring active management for patient comfort and quality of life
• Infected or heavily colonised wounds where odour is a significant symptom, used alongside appropriate antimicrobial management as part of the clinical plan
• Venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other chronic wounds where odour has become a quality of life concern for the patient or their carers
• Use in adults and in children where clinically directed

A Note on Wound Odour and Quality of Life

Wound odour can significantly affect a person's confidence, willingness to socialise, and overall wellbeing. The distress it causes is real and should not be minimised. Selecting a dressing that addresses odour directly as part of the wound management plan is a clinically appropriate response to this concern. If wound odour is causing significant emotional distress or affecting daily life, this is worth raising with the healthcare professional managing the wound.

CarboFlex Non-Adhesive is a regulated medical device. No prescription is required. Both sizes are available from Pharmacy Planet and can be ordered without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on dressing selection for malodorous wounds, on whether CarboFlex Non-Adhesive is the appropriate format, and on secondary fixation options.

Malodorous wounds should be assessed by a healthcare professional as part of the ongoing management plan. Where the underlying cause of odour has not been identified, where infection is suspected, or where the wound is not following an expected healing course, clinical assessment should be sought alongside dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry location away from direct light.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep in original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the packaging has been opened or damaged.
• Check the expiry date before use.
• Apply as soon as the packaging is opened.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Both sizes of CarboFlex Non-Adhesive are genuine ConvaTec products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists understand that wound odour management is an important quality of life concern and can advise on appropriate dressing choices with sensitivity and expertise.

References

1. ConvaTec. CarboFlex Non-Adhesive Dressing — Instructions for Use. ConvaTec. https://www.convatec.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound odour — assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Managing malodorous wounds. https://www.nhs.uk. Accessed May 2026.