OPSITE FLEXIFIX

A transparent adhesive film roll that can be cut to any required length provides one of the most versatile wound care tools in a clinical or home setting. It secures dressings, protects skin, covers wounds, and conforms to irregular body contours, all while keeping the covered area visible through the transparent film. Opsite Flexifix is a transparent adhesive film roll from Smith & Nephew for dressing fixation and skin protection. Waterproof and bacteria proof. Two roll sizes: 5cm x 1m and 10cm x 1m. Cut to required length. No prescription required.

Opsite Flexifix is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is a transparent adhesive polyurethane film supplied in a continuous roll format. The packaging describes it as a transparent adhesive film roll for dressing fixation and skin protection. It is waterproof and bacteria proof: the film is impermeable to liquid water and acts as a physical barrier preventing bacteria from reaching the covered skin or wound surface from outside the dressing.

Opsite Flexifix is part of the Opsite range from Smith & Nephew. The Flexifix format is the roll version of the Opsite film, providing the same transparent waterproof film in a continuous roll that can be cut to any required length. This roll format gives Opsite Flexifix versatility across a wide range of applications: securing primary wound contact dressings, covering IV cannula and line insertion sites, protecting skin from friction and moisture, and providing waterproof cover over healing wounds. Pre-cut film dressings in fixed sizes cannot match this flexibility.

The film is moisture vapour permeable. Water vapour produced by the skin and wound surface beneath the film passes through the polyurethane structure and evaporates from the outer surface. This breathability reduces the accumulation of moisture beneath the film during extended wear, lowering the risk of skin maceration under the dressing. The transparent film allows the covered area to be observed through the film at any time without removing the dressing.

Two roll sizes are available: 5cm x 1m and 10cm x 1m. The width determines the coverage dimension, and the 1m roll length is cut to the required application length before use.

Opsite Flexifix has no absorbent capacity and must not be applied as the sole dressing over an exuding wound. Apply only to dry or minimally producing wound surfaces. Apply to completely dry intact periwound skin. Apply without tension to avoid skin trauma at the film edges. "Bacteria proof" means the film provides a physical barrier to bacterial contamination from outside. It does not mean the film has antimicrobial action.

Waterproof Film Barrier

The polyurethane film is impermeable to liquid water. When applied to dry intact skin with all edges adhering, external water from showering, bathing, or environmental exposure cannot penetrate the film and reach the wound or skin surface beneath. This waterproof property is stated on the packaging and allows patients to wash normally without covering or protecting the dressing from water contact during daily activity. For the waterproof seal to be maintained, all film edges must be adhering to the surrounding skin and the film must be intact.

Bacteria Proof Barrier

The packaging describes Opsite Flexifix as bacteria proof. This refers to the physical barrier property of the intact polyurethane film: bacteria from the external environment cannot pass through the film surface and reach the wound or skin beneath. This is an important property for wound protection, cannula site cover, and any application where preventing bacterial contamination from outside the dressing is a clinical objective. It is important to understand that bacteria proof describes a barrier property, not antimicrobial activity. The film does not kill bacteria or treat infection.

Moisture Vapour Permeability

While the film excludes liquid water and bacteria from outside, it allows water vapour from the skin and wound surface to pass through and evaporate from the outer surface. This controlled one-way vapour transmission prevents the build-up of moisture beneath the film that would occur with a fully occlusive film. The moisture vapour permeability makes Opsite Flexifix more comfortable for extended wear and reduces maceration risk for skin sites covered over several days or weeks.

Transparency and Monitoring

The film is fully transparent. The wound, skin site, or device covered beneath the film can be observed clearly at any time without removing the dressing. For IV cannula sites, signs of inflammation or infection can be identified early without disturbing the dressing. For healing wounds, progress can be assessed without the disruption of a change. This visual access supports proactive wound management and reduces unnecessary dressing removals.

Roll Format and Cut to Size

Opsite Flexifix is supplied as a continuous roll. The required length is cut from the roll using scissors immediately before application. For short fixation strips, a few centimetres are cut. For covering a longer wound, a longer length is cut. For irregularly shaped coverage needs, the width dimension can be selected and lengths cut to match the area. This cut-to-size flexibility makes Opsite Flexifix suited to a wide range of clinical applications.

Preparation

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Ensure the skin surface is clean and completely dry.
• The adhesive requires dry intact skin to bond effectively.

Cutting and Application

• Measure and cut the required length from the roll using scissors.
• Rounding the corners of the cut piece before application reduces edge lift.
• Remove the release liner.
• Apply without tension. Do not stretch the film during application.
• Smooth from the centre outward to ensure full skin contact and remove air pockets.
• Press all edges firmly.

Removal

• Lift one edge and peel slowly back along the skin surface, not upward at a sharp angle.
• Support the skin ahead of the peeling edge.
• On sensitive skin, dampen the edge before removal.

Apply Opsite Flexifix relaxed and without any stretch. Film applied under tension pulls against the skin and can cause blistering or skin stripping when it recoils, particularly on elderly or fragile skin. Always apply relaxed.

Opsite Flexifix 5cm x 1m

A 5cm wide roll providing a 1m length for cutting to required application lengths. Suited to smaller dressing fixation, tube and line site cover, digit and hand applications, and narrower wound sites where the 5cm width provides adequate coverage. The 1m length provides enough material for multiple applications from a single roll.

Opsite Flexifix 10cm x 1m

A 10cm wide roll providing a 1m length. The broader width covers larger dressing surfaces, abdominal wound sites, and areas where the 5cm width would require multiple strips to achieve adequate coverage. The 10cm width allows a single strip to cover a broader wound area or dressing in one piece, reducing the number of edge points that can lift. The 1m roll length is cut to the appropriate length for the wound site.

Both sizes use the same transparent waterproof bacteria proof polyurethane film. Width selection is based on the dimensions of the wound, dressing, or skin site being covered.

When Not to Use Opsite Flexifix

• As the sole dressing over an exuding wound. No absorbency.
• Infected wounds.
• Wet or greasy skin where the adhesive cannot bond effectively.
• Very fragile skin where standard film adhesive may cause trauma. Consider Opsite Flexifix Gentle instead.
• Known sensitivity to polyurethane or the acrylic adhesive.

Precautions

• Apply to completely dry intact skin only.
• Apply without tension.
• Peel slowly along the skin surface at removal.
• Single use for each cut length.
• Keep the roll in original packaging when not in use.

Adverse Effects

• Skin stripping if applied under tension or removed sharply from fragile skin.
• Skin maceration if applied over an exuding wound.
• Adhesive skin reaction in sensitive individuals.

Uses for Opsite Flexifix

• Secondary fixation of primary wound contact dressings including Melolin, alginates, hydrofibres, and other non-adhesive wound contact materials, where the film secures the dressing over the wound and provides a waterproof outer layer
• IV cannula and central line insertion site cover, where the transparent film allows site monitoring and the bacteria proof barrier protects from external contamination
• Wound cover over closed wounds and healing incisions where waterproof protection and visual monitoring through the film are needed
• Skin protection over pressure areas, bony prominences, and friction sites where a transparent film barrier reduces mechanical stress on the skin surface
• Adults and children on intact skin where standard film adhesive is appropriate

Opsite Flexifix vs Opsite Flexifix Gentle

Both products from Smith & Nephew are transparent waterproof polyurethane film rolls. The difference is the adhesive. Opsite Flexifix uses a standard adhesive for robust intact skin. Opsite Flexifix Gentle uses a lower tack adhesive formulated for sensitive, fragile, or at-risk skin where the standard adhesive may cause discomfort or trauma at removal. Both are roll format and both are cut to required length. The roll lengths also differ: Opsite Flexifix is supplied in 1m rolls, while Opsite Flexifix Gentle is supplied in 5m rolls. Choose based on skin tolerance and the volume of material needed.

Opsite Flexifix does not require a prescription. Both roll sizes are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on roll width selection and on whether Opsite Flexifix or Opsite Flexifix Gentle is more appropriate for the patient's skin condition.

For infected wounds, exuding wounds, or patients with fragile skin where standard film adhesive may not be tolerated, seek clinical assessment before use.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed packaging when not in use.
• Do not use if packaging is damaged.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Both Opsite Flexifix roll sizes are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on the full Opsite range and on matching the most appropriate film dressing format to the clinical need.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Opsite Flexifix — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. NHS. How to treat minor cuts and grazes at home. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes. Accessed June 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.