DURAFIBER Ag

Infected and heavily colonised wounds that also produce significant exudate present a dual clinical challenge, managing the bacterial burden at the wound surface while simultaneously controlling the fluid output. DuraFiber Ag is a silver-containing gelling fibre dressing from Smith & Nephew that addresses both. The synthetic fibres gel on contact with wound exudate, absorbing it vertically and maintaining the wound surface. The ionic silver provides local antimicrobial activity. Eight configurations include flat sheets and four ribbon and strip formats for cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and deep wound management. All silver safety precautions and cavity strip safety rules apply. No prescription required.

DuraFiber Ag is a Class IIb regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is the silver-containing version of DuraFiber, combining two properties in a single dressing: ionic silver for local antimicrobial activity, and synthetic gelling fibre for wound exudate absorption. The fibres are synthetic rather than natural alginate, giving the dressing a different absorption pattern and gel behaviour from alginate-based silver dressings.

Clinically, a gelling fibre dressing absorbs wound exudate in a predominantly vertical direction through the fibre structure, drawing fluid upward rather than allowing it to spread laterally. This vertical absorption reduces the spread of exudate onto periwound skin, which is one of the mechanisms by which these dressings help protect the skin immediately surrounding the wound.

The silver in DuraFiber Ag is ionic silver. Silver ions are released as exudate contacts the dressing and act against wound bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The silver is delivered locally at the wound surface and is not a treatment for systemic infection or spreading cellulitis.

DuraFiber Ag is available in eight configurations: four flat sheet sizes and four ribbon and strip formats for cavity wounds. A secondary dressing is always required.

Silver dressings, including DuraFiber Ag, may cause grey or blue-grey discolouration of the wound and surrounding skin (argyria). This is expected, localised, and generally reversible. DuraFiber Ag is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy where this is clinically indicated. Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks and step down to DuraFiber (without silver) when infection is no longer a clinical concern.

Ionic Silver Antimicrobial Action

Ionic silver is released from the fibre structure when wound exudate contacts the dressing. Silver ions act on bacterial cells through several mechanisms: binding to and disrupting cell membrane proteins, interfering with bacterial enzyme systems needed for metabolism and replication, and preventing DNA replication. This broad-spectrum activity covers many wound pathogens encountered in infected and colonised wounds. The silver acts locally at the wound surface and does not produce the systemic effects associated with oral or intravenous antimicrobials.

Gelling Fibre Absorption

The synthetic fibres absorb wound exudate in a vertical direction through the fibre structure. As fluid is absorbed, the fibres swell and transform from a dry fibrous structure into a cohesive gel that conforms to the wound surface. This gel maintains a moist environment at the wound bed. The cohesive nature of the gel means the dressing can be lifted as a single piece at removal rather than fragmenting, which is important for retrieval from cavity wounds.

Secondary Dressing Requirement

DuraFiber Ag has no adhesive border or backing layer. It is a primary wound contact dressing only and requires a secondary dressing for fixation and additional absorbency. The secondary dressing type is chosen based on wound exudate volume and the clinical plan. For heavily exuding infected wounds, a highly absorbent secondary is needed. The DuraFiber Ag itself may need changing more frequently than the secondary if exudate levels are very high.

Flat Sheet Application

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline.
• Apply DuraFiber Ag dry directly to the wound bed. Do not pre-wet.
• Apply a secondary dressing over it.
• Label with the date and time.

Ribbon and Strip Application for Cavity Wounds

• Introduce the ribbon or strip loosely into the wound cavity or sinus tract.
• Do not pack tightly.
• Always leave a visible retrieval portion outside the wound opening. Never pack the entire strip inside the wound.
• Apply a secondary dressing over the wound surface.
• Document the number of strips used.

Removal

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline to soften the gelled fibre before removing.
• For cavity strips, retrieve by the accessible end. Count strips out and confirm full retrieval.
• If strips cannot be fully retrieved, seek urgent clinical assessment.
• Reassess at each change whether DuraFiber Ag remains appropriate.
• Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks.

For cavity strips and ribbons: count in and count out at every change. If the full strip cannot be retrieved, do not attempt further extraction. Irrigate thoroughly and seek clinical assessment before the next application. All cavity strip safety rules apply to all four strip and ribbon formats in this range: 2cm x 45cm, 4cm x 10cm, 4cm x 20cm, and 4cm x 30cm.

Flat Sheets

DuraFiber Ag is available in four flat sheet sizes for wounds where surface contact is the primary application:

• 5cm x 5cm - pack of 10: Small sheet for compact wound areas.
• 10cm x 10cm - pack of 10: Medium square for moderate-sized infected or at-risk wounds.
• 15cm x 15cm - pack of 5: Larger square for more extensive wound areas.
• 20cm x 30cm - pack of 5: Large rectangular sheet for extensive wound areas, including larger pressure ulcers and leg ulcer areas requiring broad coverage.

Ribbon and Strip Formats for Cavity Wounds

Four ribbon and strip sizes are available for cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and deep wounds. All must be applied loosely with a retrieval portion outside the wound. All must be counted in and out at every change.

• 2cm x 45cm - pack of 5: Narrow ribbon for narrow cavity wounds and sinus tracts. The long length allows the full accessible cavity depth to be reached with retrieval material remaining outside.
• 4cm x 10cm - pack of 5: Short strip for shallow cavities and wound pockets where a full-length ribbon would be excessive.
• 4cm x 20cm - pack of 5: Medium strip for moderately deep cavities.
• 4cm x 30cm - pack of 5: Longer strip for deeper or larger cavity wounds where the 4cm x 20cm does not reach the full wound depth.

The choice of ribbon or strip length is guided by the cavity dimensions. The accessible wound depth and the amount of material needed outside the wound for safe retrieval both inform the selection. Seek clinical guidance from a tissue viability nurse or district nurse on cavity wound packing.

Silver Safety Precautions

• Argyria: silver dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration of the wound and periwound skin. Expected, localised, generally reversible. Inform patients before use.
• DuraFiber Ag is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.
• Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks. Step down to DuraFiber when the infection resolves.

Cavity Strip Safety Precautions

• Always leave a retrieval portion outside the wound. Never fully insert a strip inside a cavity.
• Count strips in and out at every change. Document numbers.
• Irrigate before removal to soften the gel.
• If a strip cannot be retrieved, seek clinical assessment immediately.

General Precautions

• Single use only.
• Do not use on dry wounds.
• Do not use oil-based products near the dressing.
• Do not use MRI with dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Argyria (silver skin discolouration) - expected and generally reversible.
• Local skin sensitivity to silver or fibre components.

Wounds Where DuraFiber Ag Is Appropriate

• Infected or at-risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds where gelling fibre silver wound contact is clinically indicated, including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and post-operative wounds
• Cavity wounds, sinus tracts, and deep wounds using the ribbon and strip formats under clinical supervision
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

DuraFiber Ag vs AQUACEL Ag

Both are silver-containing gelling fibre dressings used for infected and at-risk wounds. AQUACEL Ag (ConvaTec) uses CMC hydrofibre technology. DuraFiber Ag (Smith & Nephew) uses a different synthetic fibre. Both produce a cohesive gel on exudate contact. Both require secondary dressings. Both include silver for antimicrobial activity. Both have ribbon formats for cavity wounds. Clinical selection may be guided by local formulary, clinician preference, or specific wound characteristics.

DuraFiber Ag is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. All eight configurations are available from Pharmacy Planet.

Our pharmacists can advise on flat sheet vs ribbon selection and on whether DuraFiber Ag or a non-silver gelling fibre dressing is more appropriate for the current wound state.

Infected and cavity wounds should be managed under clinical supervision. Seek assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP for complex wounds alongside dressing purchase.

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

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All eight DuraFiber Ag configurations are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on silver dressing selection, ribbon and strip configuration choices for cavity wounds, and on when clinical referral for wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. DuraFiber Ag — Instructions for Use. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. 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. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.