|
What is a hydrofiber dressing?
|
|
A Hydrofiber is defined as a soft, sterile, non-woven pad or ribbon dressing composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, which is incorporated in the form of a fleece held together by a needle-bonding process. This conformable material can absorb a large amount of wound fluid, such as exudate with bacteria. This is then transformed into a soft gel, which creates a moist environment to support the body's healing process. The gel also aids the removal of non-viable tissue from the wound (autolytic debridement), without damaging newly formed tissue.
Hydrofibers are versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of dressing formats. Hydrofibers are neither hydrocolloids nor alginates, but a separate category incorporating the benefits of both, while also addressing their weaknesses (eg cohesive gelling, aggressive adhesion etc).
Hydrofiber dressings also come in a variety of formats for different wound types and situations, for example Aquacel Hydrofiber ribbon can be used in deep cavity wounds. Different shapes and sizes of dressings are also produced for specific anatomical areas.
|
|
What are the advantages of Hydrofiber Dressings?
|
|
• Cost effective
• Highly absorptive
• Conforms to wound shape
• Comfortable
• Balances inflammatory response
• Easy to remove
• Can be worn for several days
|
|
Are there any disadvantages of Hydrofiber Dressings?
|
|
• Should not be used on patients sensitive to silver
• New concept in dressings
• Not compatible with oil-based products (i.e. petrolatum jelly)
• Secondary dressing may be needed to secure the dressing
|
