ConvaTec Aquacel Extra Hydrofiber Wound Dressing

ConvaTec Aquacel Extra Hydrofiber Wound Dressing is a soft, absorbent non-woven wound dressing. It is specifically suited to help manage moderate to highly exuding wounds. It is composed of two layers of Hydrofiber technology stitched together. The fibers do not gel on contact with fluid to maintain their integrity and become encompassed by the gel, providing additional strength and aiding the easy removal. 

When to use Aquacel Hydrofiber Dressing?

• Leg ulcers 
• Pressure ulcers (stage II-IV) and diabetic ulcers 
• Surgical wounds (post-operative, donor sites, dermatological) 
• Partial-thickness (second-degree) burns 
• Traumatic or surgical wounds left to heal by secondary intention such as dehisced surgical incisions 
• Surgical wounds that heal by primary intent, such as dermatological and surgical incisions (e.g., orthopedic and vascular) 
• Traumatic wounds 
• Wounds that are prone to bleeding, such as wound that have been mechanically or surgically debrided and donor sites 
• Painful wounds

ConvaTec Aquacel Dressing Features

• Helps protect peri-wound skin from maceration
• Extra strength helps facilitate easy removal and may increase patient comfort during dressing changes
• Extra absorbency more confidently manages exuding wounds and may enhance hydrofiber dressing efficiencies
• Unique gelling action enables the dressings to lock in wound exudate, bacteria and its harmful components
• Unique gelling action protects tender wound tissue and minimizes pain associated with dressing changes
• Retains and controls exudate levels to prevent maceration
• Removes harmful bacteria and enzymes from the wound to reduce delayed healing
• Reduces lateral spread of fluid
• Minimizes patient pain and discomfort during dressing changes or when dressing is in situ
• May help minimize cross-infection and risk of wound infection during removal
• Micro-contour to the wound bed
• Minimizes dead space where bacteria can grow
• Maintains an optimal moisture balance in the wound bed
• Respond to wound fluid levels by forming a cohesive gel
• It is nine times stronger and has 39% greater absorbency as compared to the original Aquacel wound dressing.

What to buy with Convatec Aquacel Extra Dressing?

• ConvaTec SAF-Clens AF Dermal Wound Cleanser
• Covidien Sterile Saline Water

What is Hydrofiber Technology?

Hydrofiber Technology is a patented technology in which fibers of high-quality cellulose are carboxymethylated altering its structure to allow better absorbency and retention of fluid. These fibers are then processed to mesh them together to form a stable fleece layer. When exposed to fluid, the fibers swell to form a clear, soft, cohesive gel structure that closely conforms to the wound bed. As the fibers swell, the fluid and its contents (eg bacteria and other inflammatory cells and enzymes) are trapped and held within the dressing. In addition, the gelling action prevents lateral spread of fluid through the dressing to reduce the risk of maceration and promote a moist wound healing environment  

How Hydrofiber Technology Works?

• Hydrofiber Technology is a soft, absorbent material that transforms into a gel on contact with wound fluid

• The gelling action creates an optimal environment for wound healing

• Do not use Aquacel Extra with Strengthening Fiber if you are sensitive to the dressing, or its components, or have had an allergic reaction to the dressing

• This device is for single-use only and should not be re-used. Re-use may lead to increased risk of infection or cross contamination. Physical properties of the device may no longer be optimal for intended use

• Signs of infection occur (increased pain, increased redness, wound drainage)
• There is a change in wound color and/or odor
• The wound does not being to show signs of healing
• Any other unexpected symptoms occur
• The dressing may be used on infected wounds only under the care of a health care professional
• During the body's normal healing process, unnecessary material is removed from the wound which could make the wound appear larger after the first few dressing changes. If the wound continues to get larger after the first few dressing changes, call a health care professional
• Should not be used with other wound care products
• If you have difficulty removing the dressing, the dressing should be fully saturated with sterile saline or sterile water and allowed to soak into the dressing