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Aquacel Ribbon & Hydrofiber dressings in Canada — shop ConvaTec's Hydrofiber primary wound contact dressings, including ribbon dressings for packing cavity and tunnelling wounds and a flat Hydrofiber sheet with strengthening fibre. All products in this collection require a secondary cover dressing.
Three product types in this collection:
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Aquacel Ag+ Ribbon (1 cm × 45 cm and 2 cm × 45 cm) — silver-containing Hydrofiber ribbon for packing cavity wounds, tunnelling wounds, abscesses, sinus wounds, and fistulas. Contains ionic silver with ConvaTec's More Than Silver technology for enhanced antimicrobial action.
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Aquacel Hydrofiber Ribbon (1 cm × 45 cm and 2 cm × 45 cm) — the same Hydrofiber ribbon construction without silver, for packing wounds where antimicrobial protection is not required.
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Aquacel Hydrofiber with Strengthening Fiber (15 cm × 15 cm flat sheet) — a single-layer Hydrofiber dressing reinforced with strengthening fibres for use as a primary wound contact layer on shallow wounds.
How ribbon dressings work: The Hydrofiber ribbon is gently packed into the wound cavity, filling it to about 80% capacity. On contact with wound fluid, the ribbon gels and expands to conform to the wound shape, absorbing exudate and maintaining a moist healing environment. Always leave at least 2.5 cm of ribbon extending outside the wound opening for safe retrieval at dressing changes. A secondary cover dressing — such as an Aquacel Foam dressing, transparent film, or gauze — is then placed over top to protect the wound and secure the ribbon in place.
Who are these dressings for? Ribbon dressings are designed for deep or tunnelling wounds that need to be packed — this includes cavity wounds, abscesses after incision and drainage, sinus tracts, and fistulas. The flat Hydrofiber sheet is used on shallow wounds as a primary contact layer. For all-in-one foam dressings that don't require a secondary cover, see the Aquacel Ag Foam Adhesive or Aquacel Foam Adhesive collections.
Finding your product: Use the Sort option to view by price or alphabetically. If you know your exact SKU, the search bar at the top of the page is the fastest way to find it. For flat sheet Hydrofiber dressings with silver, see the Aquacel Ag+ Extra Hydrofiber collection. For all Aquacel product lines, visit the Aquacel hub page.
Aquacel Ribbon & Hydrofiber Dressings FAQ
What is the difference between the 1 cm and 2 cm ribbon widths?
Both ribbons are 45 cm long — the difference is the width. The 1 cm ribbon is designed for packing smaller cavity openings, narrow tunnelling wounds, sinus tracts, and fistulas. The 2 cm ribbon is suited for larger cavities where more surface coverage and absorption are needed. Your clinician will determine which width is appropriate based on the wound dimensions.
Should I choose the Ag+ (silver) ribbon or the plain Hydrofiber ribbon?
The Aquacel Ag+ Ribbon contains ionic silver for antimicrobial protection — it's designed for wounds that are infected or at risk of infection. The plain Aquacel Hydrofiber Ribbon provides the same absorption and gelling properties without silver. Your clinician will determine whether antimicrobial protection is needed based on the wound's condition and infection risk.
How do I pack a wound with Aquacel ribbon?
Cleanse the wound with an appropriate wound cleanser first. Gently pack the ribbon into the wound cavity, filling it to about 80% capacity — do not pack tightly, as the ribbon will expand when it absorbs fluid. Always leave at least 2.5 cm of ribbon extending outside the wound opening so it can be retrieved safely at the next dressing change. Cover with a secondary dressing and secure in place. Wound packing should be performed by or under the direction of a healthcare professional.
How long can Aquacel ribbon dressings be worn?
Aquacel ribbon dressings can be worn for up to 7 days, though they should be changed earlier if clinically indicated — for example, if there is leakage, excessive bleeding, increased pain, or signs of infection. ConvaTec recommends reassessing the need for these dressings after 14 days. Always follow your clinician's guidance on dressing change frequency.
What secondary dressing should I use over the ribbon?
The secondary dressing depends on the wound's exudate level. For moderate to heavily exuding wounds, a foam cover dressing such as
Aquacel Foam works well. For lightly to moderately exuding wounds, a transparent film or thin hydrocolloid dressing may be appropriate. Your clinician will recommend the best secondary dressing based on your wound type and drainage levels.
