Requires a secondary dressing a semi-permeable film dressing or a hydrocolloid dressing may be appropriate. What are the Microsoft Word shortcut keys? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Before applying the dressing, cleanse the wound area with an appropriate wound cleanser. With two layers stitched together, each dressing holds onto 39% more fluid compared to its predecessor and offers an effective management solution for moderate- to heavy-exudating wounds, including chronic conditions. The result further facilitates the healing process by controlling infection and lessening pain. This primary dressing should be used with a secondary cover dressing. Enzymatic Activity of C. collagenase Interactions Aquacel Ag Foam with Silver Algidex AG Foam Silver Alginate Foam Dressing. Silver ions released within the dressing for an antimicrobial effect against a with range of pathogens. October 2, 2020, This will impact our healthcare system forever..WHERE DO YOU STAND? Cloth. It is a highly absorbent wound dressing with good antimicrobial properties, which is similar to Aquacel Ag [4]. 2, pp 90-92.. Bahai, H S, et al. http://www.sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/first-aid-articles/absorbent-hydrofiber-calcium-alginate-foam-dressings-731019.html, http://www.woundsinternational.com/consensus-documents/view/international-consensus-making-the-case-for-cost-effective-wound-management, http://improving-outcomes-online.com/kom/challenging-wounds/, http://woundcare-today.com/categories-pyramid/superabsorbent-dressings, http://www.woundsaustralia.com.au/journal/2102_09.pdf, https://books.google.co.uk/patents/CA2154473C, medcraveonline.com/JTEFT/JTEFT-01-00037.php, www.woundsource.com/product-category/dressings/alginates, www.o-wm.com/content/practical-treatment-wound-pain-and-trauma-a-patient-centered-approach-an-overview, Know Your Dressings: Collagen Dressings For Wound Healing. It is nine times stronger and has 39% greater absorbency as compared to the original AQUACEL wound dressing.1 AQUACEL EXTRA Hydrofiber dressing is specifically suited to help manage moderate to highly exuding wounds and is cleared for the same indications as the original AQUACEL dressing. There are dressings specifically designed to promote autolytic debridement, which include thin films, honey, alginates, hydrocolloids, and PMDs. Dr. Arturo Gonzalez and Dr. Alton R. Johnson, Cathy Thomas Hess, BSN, RN, CWOCN and Dr. Lisa Gould, MD, PhD, FACS, Burnout in Wound Care: Caring for Every Care Provider, Navigating Wound Care From Hospital to Home. CVS Health Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressings use the power of silver to form a barrier against Staphylococcus aureus and Psedomonas aeruginosa. It does not store any personal data. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If an adhesive border is not present, these dressings will require a secondary bandage or adhesive to secure the product to the wound site. Antimicrobial activity against CA-MRSA and prevention of biofilm reformation by AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing. Alginate Silver is a material contains calcium alginate and silver alginate. This step is carried out in three counter-current steps, using three square tanks with stirrers. Aquacel Ag should overlap 1cm ( inch) onto the skin surrounding the wound. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What is the best dressing for Sloughy wounds? dressings are not designed for use with no- to low-exudate wounds. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. $35.60-$189.11. 2008-2023 HMP Global, Inc. All rights reserved. It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. ZeniFIBER Ag is a silver alginate dressing composed of natural fibers from seaweed combined with silver to provide exudate control and reduction of bacterial growth in the dressing while maintaining a moist environment and reducing wound odor. Doughty, D. B. How often should you change calcium alginate dressing? When using Aquacel Ag ribbon in cavity wounds, leave at least 2.5cm (1 inch) outside the wound for easy retrieval. As I've previously mentioned, we've all heard the term, "a dry cell is a dead cell." Added ionic silver provides sustained antimicrobial activity for up to 14 days as demonstrated by in vitro studies1. Dressing change. Keep the large open wounds covered and moist to fasten the healing process by the rapid growth of new skin tissues. Aquacel Ag is an absorbent wound dressing made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and impregnated with 1.2% silver. gauze) Dressing may be left in place up to 14 days Change secondary dressing more frequently if saturated Directions for Use on a Partial-Thickness Burn AQUACEL Ag with Hydrofiber is a soft, sterile, antimicrobial Antimicrobial activity and prevention of biofilm reformation by AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Single use only. Carboxymethylcellulose wound dressings. These types of wounds are often costly to treat, are frequently refractory, and have a high risk for recurrence. On exposure to high levels of wound exudate, Silvercel retained its shape and mechanical strength, and remained at the site of application. Beyond these similarities, understand the differences between, This type of advanced wound care dressing uses polysaccharides or xerogel sourced from brown seaweed or kelp, with the goal of drawing in exudate and keeping it away from the wound bed. However, due to composition and strength, both. There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups with respect to cosmetic outcome and infection rate . This will impact our healthcare system forever..WHERE DO YOU STAND? AQUACEL Ag Surgical dressings combine ConvaTecs proprietary Hydrofiber Technology and hydrocolloid technologies with the antimicrobial action of ionic silver. 3M Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressing is indicated for dry to highly exuding wounds where adherence of dressing and exudate is to be prevented including: first- and second-degree burns, abrasions, grafts, venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, nail extractions, eczema, staples, surgical incisions, lacerations, reconstructive , MEDIHONEY contains active Leptospermum honey and works through 2 key mechanisms of action: 1) it acts as an osmotic engine to draw fluid from deeper tissues to the wound surface to promote removal of devitalized tissue,3 , 4 and 2) it features a low pH of 3.54.5 that helps reduce the pH of the wound and contributes to , Change the bandage once every 5-7 days or when exudate leaks from the edges or into the secondary bandage. Research has shown that AQUACEL improves healing time compared to standard calcium alginate dressings. Is alginate silver better than aquacel AG for skin grafts? All wounds/incisions should be monitored frequently. Speaking about calcium alginate, one probably shouldn . Become a member by purchasing. Cardinal Health Reinforced Gelling Fiber +Ag dressings are sterile, reinforced non-woven pads composed of a high G (guluronic acid) calcium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and ionic silver complex (silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate), which release silver ions in the presence of wound fluid. Alginate Silver is a material contains calcium alginate and silver alginate. Aquacel Ag dressing combines 1.2% silver to Aquacel Hydrofiber, which is distributed throughout the dressing material. Find other alternatives to calcium alginate. Our AQUACEL Ag Advantage dressings are the #1 anti-microbial dressings today, combining the infection-fighting power of ionic silver with the unique capabilities of Hydrofiber Technology. Recommendations for Wounds After Flaps and Grafts, How to Leverage Technology to Improve Patient Education and Outreach, From Chronic to Closure: An Innovative Approach to Manage Challenging Wounds, Working Smarter, Not Harder: Strategies for Wound Management Success, How to Advance Complex Wounds Toward Healing, Implementing Wound Hygiene: A Stepwise Approach, Transforming Cleansing Practice: Following the Science & Consensus Guidelines. October 19, 2020, Big breakthrough in Ostomy care? Is silver calcium alginate the same as Aquacel AG? Scientific Background Report. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". What are the main outcomes of US involvement in the Korean War? September 23, 2020, Providers absolutely have to understand.WHAT IS ALLOCATION? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. by DermaRite Industries, LLC. Alginate dressings can absorb wound fluid in the dry form and form gels that can provide a dry wound with a physiologically moist environment and minimize bacterial infections, thereby promoting rapid re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. * Primary Dressing: The dressing that is in contact with the wound and may remain on the surface of the wound over an extended period of time and in some cases until the wound is completely healed. Hydrogels and hydrocolloids are additional dressing choices that may be effective in removing slough. Pour exactly 5 ml of water on the center of the dressing. 16411645., doi:10.1002/app.13317. For clean wounds and closed surgical incisions, silver confers no benefit. Protects the wound bed. The fibers forms a soft gel, which creates a moist environment and . 3 However, in relation to clinician satisfaction, minimization of pain and facilitation of patient comfort, Mepilex Border Post-Op outperformed Aquacel Surgical. Aquacel Ag dressing combines 1.2% silver to Aquacel Hydrofiber, which is distributed throughout the dressing material. They are soft and conformable, easy to pack, tuck or apply over irregularly shaped wounds. How much do you have to change something to avoid copyright. Intent to Treat population with available data at Visit 5, or 4 weeks (28 days), or earlier if the wound is dry or healed, is n=59 for Exufiber Ag+; n=13 for Exufiber; n=12 for Aquacel Ag Extra. and is protected by worldwide copyright AQUACEL Ag with Hydrofiber (Aquacel Ag), silver impregnated antimicrobial dressing is a soft, sterile, non- woven pad or ribbon dressing composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 1.2% ionic silver which allows for a maximum of 12mg of silver for a 4 inch x 4 inch dressing. Saveritemedical has many discounts currently being offered to those that require the use of Aquacel . Frequency of Dressing Changes Between Visits [ Time Frame: Total treatment period of 4 weeks (28 days) or earlier if the wound is dry or healed ] Is calcium alginate with silver the same as Aquacel AG? About the Author How do AQUACEL EXTRA calcium alginate dressings work? There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups with respect to cosmetic outcome and infection rate. The Aquacel Ag should overlap 5 cm (2 inches) onto the skin surrounding the burn or other adjacent Aquacel Ag. Dressing used in wound care. dressings are two common solutions. Melgisorb Plus consists of fibres made of calcium sodium alginate and creates a gel on contact with exudate or solutions containing sodium ions (saline) 1 2 . Practical Treatment of Wound Pain and Trauma: A Patient-Centered Approach. These advanced dressings help draw in wound fluid, reduce infection risks and protect the wound bed from bacteria so new tissue can form. In order to make a brief comparison of alginate dressings versus gelling fiber dressings, I've constructed a chart based on what I've learned at Cleveland Clinic's R.B. In addition to the reference links above, here are some great articles and resources that you can explore. 4 CMC dressings do provide a moist wound environment, supporting autolytic debridement as the dressing gels and traps exudate. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. September 22, 2020. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. She also values the significance of the support of leadership within her facility and the overall impact of great teamwork for positive outcomes. References: In other wounds, the leaking fluids stimulate the silver ions to release and aid in . It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. The dressing remains effective for up to 14 days. AQUACEL Ag Foam may be used for the management of both chronic and acute wounds, such as leg ulcers, pressure injuries (stages 2-4) and diabetic ulcers; surgical wounds (post-operative, donor sites, dermatological); partial-thickness (second-degree) burns; traumatic or surgical wounds left to heal by secondary . Maxorb Extra Ag is a highly absorbent, non woven pad composed of a high G (guluronic acid) calcium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and ionic silver. Conclusion: Both dressings performed well in terms of minimizing post-operative wound complications. It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. Your body continues to repair and strengthen the area. 1 , 2. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Only pack wounds to 80%, as Aquacel will expand to fill the wound space on contact with wound fluid. AQUACEL Ag Advantage dressings are antimicrobial primary dressings for use in acute and hard-to-heal wounds that are infected or at risk of infection with varying exudate levels. If the burn is infected, frequent inspection of the wound may be necessary. These dressings have multiple layers which include a nonadherent contact layer, a middle layer which contains fibers or gelling material to absorb exudate, as well as a water repelling outer layer. 26-27. CVS Health Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressings use the power of silver to form a barrier against Staphylococcus aureus and Psedomonas aeruginosa. Lowers the risk of peri-wound maceration. Successful wound care involves selecting the appropriate dressing to optimize the wound healing environment. Requires a secondary dressing a semi-permeable film dressing or a hydrocolloid dressing may be appropriate. We suggest it for formularies as we have had great success. Calcium Alginate Dressing, 12in Rope. Is Aquacel AG the same as silver alginate? Adaptic was significantly easier to remove (p < 0.01), required less soaking (p < 0.05), was less painful to remove (p < 0.05) and caused less wound maceration (p < 0.05) than Jelonet, but was significantly more difficult to apply (p < 0.05). It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. Turnbull, Jr., MD School of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (WOC), through my own practice and experience, and from the WOCN Society's Wound Management Core Curriculum. She has much experience with the long-term care population and chronic wounds as well as pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, venous and arterial wounds, surgical wounds, radiation dermatitis, and wounds requiring advanced wound therapy for healing. Antimicrobial activity against CA-MRSA and prevention of biofilm reformation by AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing. Aquacel Ag is an absorbent wound dressing made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and impregnated with 1.2% silver. It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. Jobs in the field of medicine are notoriously demanding. Product description. Alginate Silver is a material contains calcium alginate and silver alginate. 1 Count (Pack of 1) 4.6 out of 5 stars 623. Is Aquacel and alginate the same? Are appropriate for use on partial and full thickness wounds, surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, infected wounds, donor sites, and in sinus tracts and tunnels. WHRI3875 MA239, 2013, Data on file, ConvaTec Inc. *AQUACEL Ag Advantage is not a drug. When providers see Aquacel AG or anything Aquacel, its usually followed the hydrofiber blues because they can be pretty expensive. A calcium alginate dressing contains silver alginate, so yes, they are the same thing. Calcium Sodium Alginate dressing is an alginate dressing indicated as a primary dressing for moderately to highly exuding chronic and acute wounds, and for wounds with minor bleeding.. On contact with exudates the dressing gradually forms a firm, moist gel which is highly absorbent. Reduces wound pain and pain during dressing changes. No. It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. You may feel itching or tightness over the area. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Dressing OptionsType Of DressingDressing Name ExamplesFoam DressingAllevyn (Smith & Nephew), Biatain (Coloplast), Mepilex/Mepilex Border (Molnlycke), Tegaderm foam(3M)Calcium Alginate and Hydrofibre*Aquacel/Ribbon (ConvaTec); also a hydrofibre dressing*, Kaltostat (ConvaTec)**HydrocolloidTegasorb (3M)5 more rows. For many patients, the fear of the unknown after being newly diagnosed with a wound or the exacerbation By Holly Hovan MSN, GERO-BC, APRN, CWOCN-AP. HydraLock SA Initially it may be necessary to change the dressing every 24 hours. Wound exudate can be managed with many different modalities, both simple (like topical dressings) and advanced (like negative pressure wound therapy, or NPWT). Once in contact with the wound bed, this calcium alginate dressing does not take on a gel consistency. Help keep the wound bed moist to prevent dehydration. Evidence Summary: Wound Management: Dressings Alginate, Wound Practice and Research, vol. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Hydrogel Ag is an antimicrobial wound gel that combines the unique properties of silver sulfadiazine with this Aloe Vera-based hydrogel. AQUACEL Ag Advantage. Buy Silver Calcium Alginate Ag Sterile Highly Absorbent Antibacterial Dressing, 0.8"x12", 5 dressings/Box, MedHeal by MedvanceTM on Amazon.com FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders . 50: 9240: Kendall Calcium Alginate Dressing, 4 in. What is a CMC gelling fiber dressing? Alginate Silver is a material contains calcium alginate and silver alginate. The dressings can fill wound dead space and absorb up to 20 times their weight in exudate depending on the manufacturers process. WHRI3857 MA236, 2013, Data on le, ConvaTec Inc. 16. Some brands can be left in place up to 5 days. It is a moisture retentive topical dressing which can release silver within the dressing for up to 14 days [3]. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Scientific Background Report. Contact with exudate causes the material to take on a softer, gel-like form that can be shaped or packed into the wound bed. Common Hydrofiber and hydrogel dressings include: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); FREE Shipping on Orders over $89 with Account -, Hydrofiber vs. Calcium Alginate Dressings. The subject device has all features and benefits associated with, a fibrous gelling dressing and the added benefit of an antimicrobial dressing. AQUACEL Ag adds ionic silver for improved antimicrobial action. Remove AQUACEL Ag SURGICAL Dressing when clinically indicated (i.e., leakage, excessive bleeding, suspicion of infection or at seven days). , Cuticell BSN Medical Inc., an Essity Company. Effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. The dressings uniquely gel as they come in contact with wound exudate to provide a moist wound environment that facilitates autolytic debridement. They are suitable for minor injuries such as grazes, cuts or areas of delicate skin. For medium- to heavy-exudate wounds, Hydrofiber and calcium alginate dressings are two common solutions. They are designed to enhance clinical outcomes and facilitate patient mobility. can hold up to 20 times their weight in wound fluid. Moist wound healing is the practice of keeping a wound in an optimally moist environment in order to promote faster healing. However, I'm often asked: what really is the difference? One option is to use calcium alginate dressings, which are not as common as other dressings, but can be highly effective for both wounds that have exudate as . How long can silver alginate stay on wound? DermaGinate/Ag Calcium Alginate Dressing with Antibacterial Silver is a topical wound dressing for moderately to highly exudating partial- to full-thickness wounds including pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, post-operative wounds, trauma wounds, leg ulcers, grafts, and donor sites. Posted by Manny Aguila on October 20, 2020. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If the wound continues to grow lar, If you have difficulty removing the dressing, it should be soaked with water or sterile saline until it removes easily. What are the five major reasons humans create art? Ideal for wounds that are at risk of infection: abrasions, minor cuts, scalds and burns. Aquacel Ag applied to heavily exuding or sloughy wounds may need replacing daily initially, but as healing progresses and the amount of exudate decreases, the interval between changes may be extended to up to 14 days in burns. The unique Advantage formulation contains ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and benzethonium chloride (BeCl), two agents that enhance performance by providing more rapid and sustained antimicrobial activity within the dressing, as compared with AQUACEL Ag Extra dressing (without the Advantage Technology) and . The silver fibres kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms associated with bacterial colonisation and infection of wounds. Plus the smaller box (I have two) was much more better for wound care to me; plus cost . Composition-wise, calcium alginate dressings come as non-woven, non-occlusive and non-adhesive pads, ropes and sheets that can be cut to the wounds shape. However, many factors are converging to exacerbate this problem, and clinician burnout poses a large threat to the health care system in the United States. (For partial thickness burns, please refer to the Partial Thickness Burns sec. Use as a primary dressing on shallow wounds. This action helps generate a moist wound healing environment that aids in removing necrotic tissue and the granulation process. What is the difference between Aquacel and Aquacel Ag? Melgisorb AG is a sterile, absorbent, calcium alginate dressing for moderately to heavily exuding partial to full thickness wounds. They can absorb heavier amounts of exudate and are removed from wounds . What is capital as a factor of production? When to use Melgisorb Ag Melgisorb Ag is indicated for the management of all moderate to heavily exuding partial to full thickness wounds including post-operative wounds, trauma wounds, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, graft and donor sites, cavity wounds and superficial and partial thickness burns. Retail Price: $43.16. Neither dressing needs to be moistened before application. This action means that. The key component of AQUACEL EXTRA dressings, Hydrofiber Technology: . Of more interest to our practice was a study on 134 non-ischaemic diabetic foot ulcer patients comparing Aquacel Ag to a calcium alginate (Jude, 2004). Dressing change. Wound Care Today-Product Pyramid-Superabsorbent Dressings. Longer wear time reduces clinician labor costs, a significant factor in overall wound care costs. After stirring for 15 min, the solids are transported . Calcium alginate dressings contain an ionic silver complex - silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate. WHRI3875 MA239, 2013, Data on file, ConvaTec Inc. *AQUACEL Ag Advantage is not a drug. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Place a 2" x 2" Opticell dressing in the square above. On exposure to high levels of wound exudate, Silvercel retained its shape and mechanical strength, and remained at the site of application. Cardinal Health. All content of this Internet site is owned or controlled or to post comments. If the wound bed is relatively dry, it is recommended that AQUACEL Ag Dressing is placed in the wound and then moistened with sterile saline over the wound area only. by . , Curity Sodium Chloride Dressing. These dressings can be used on no- and low-exudate wounds. The dressing can be left in place for up to seven days subject to regular clinical assessment and local dressing protocol. There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups with respect to cosmetic outcome and infection rate. AQUACEL Ag with Hydrofiber (Aquacel Ag), silver impregnated antimicrobial dressing is a soft, sterile, non- woven pad or ribbon dressing composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 1.2% ionic silver which allows for a maximum of 12mg of silver for a 4 inch x 4 inch dressing. Create a moist healing environment that diverts exudate from the wound and holds onto bacteria to reduce the spread of infection. The longer wear time of these dressings minimizes the number of times the wound bed is disturbed which may improve healing outcomes. AQUACEL Surgical is designed to stay in place for up to 14 days or more, subject to clinical assessment. However, not all wounds are dry. Maintains a moist healing environment. When using AQUACEL Ag Advantage enhanced Hydrofiber dressing with silver and strengthening fiber in deep wounds, only fill the wound up to 80%, as the dressing will expand to fill the wound space on contact with wound fluid. Product: 420673. Based on these results, we find that Alginate Silver is better than Aquacel Ag to cover the skin graft donor site. Hydrocolloids. The vertical absorption of the dressing will help to maintain the moist area over the wound only and reduce the risk of periwound maceration. Antimicrobial activity against CA-MRSA and prevention of biofilm reformation by AQUACEL Ag+ Extra dressing. 2. Aquacel Ag is an absorbent wound dressing made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and impregnated with 1.2% silver. Sale Rank No. Do not use Aquacel on dry wounds. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. All anti-microbial activity occurs within the dressing. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Is Aquacel AG the same as silver alginate? Superabsorbent dressings also have the ability to manage exudate for moderately to heavily draining wounds. (. For patients discharged from the acute care setting, the road home can be laden with potholes and speed bumps. Alginate Silver is a material contains calcium alginate and silver alginate. Aquacel AG is listed as having an approximate inhibition of 7% when used in combination with Santyl. Let the dressing be lifted off or rinsed away with minimal trauma to the wound bed. Results: Silvercel was found to be significantly more effective in terms of wound exudate management than Aquacel Ag. . Here is a direct comparable and another little known hydrofiber from a great supplier. AQUACEL Ag is a versatile primary dressing indicated for moderate to highly exuding chronic and acute wounds where there is infection or an increased risk of infection. Item# 04992505INM. Use for a skin protection as part of a comprehensive protocol of care. However, due to composition and strength, both Hydrofiber and calcium alginate dressings are not designed for use with no- to low-exudate wounds. 91, no. Hydrofiber dressings accomplish 2 things better than a calcium alginate. We often have heavily exudating wounds for many different reasons. The most popular hydrofiber dressing in the market has been a staple for advanced wound care services for many years. Are designed for use in moderately to heavily draining wounds, Are non-adherent, conformable and can be cut and manipulated in the wound bed, May contain silver which can provide antimicrobial protection in the dressing, Should not be used for dry wounds since they can adhere to the dry wound bed, Expand in the wound due to the natural swelling of the dressing as it comes in contact with exudate, avoid overfilling the wound space, Can be left in place for several days depending on the condition of the wound. These aspects: Calcium alginate dressings include two standard types: Note that a secondary dressing will be needed to hold any calcium alginate solution in place. Despite possible theoretical disadvantages, water has to be considered when a product licence states that 0.9% saline cannot be used, for example when using Acticoat silver dressings. AQUACEL Foam dressing has a soft absorbent Foam pad, an AQUACEL interface, a gentle silicone adhesive, and a waterproof/bacteria barrier.