Durafiber Gelling Fibre Dressings

DURAFIBER is a sterile, highly absorbent non-woven gelling fibre wound dressing designed for the management of moderately to heavily exuding acute and chronic wounds.

The dressing is made from a blend of cellulose-based fibres. On contact with wound exudate, the fibres swell and form a soft, cohesive gel that conforms closely to the wound bed. The gel absorbs and retains excess fluid while helping maintain a moist environment that supports natural wound healing and autolytic debridement.

Key features:

• Highly absorbent gelling fibre dressing
• Non-woven cellulose-based fibre construction
• Suitable for moderately to heavily exuding wounds
• Rapidly forms a soft cohesive gel on contact with wound fluid
• Absorbs and locks exudate within the dressing
• Helps retain bacteria contained within wound fluid
• Limits lateral spread of exudate
• Helps reduce the risk of periwound maceration
• Closely conforms to the wound bed
• Helps reduce dead space beneath the dressing
• Supports autolytic debridement
• High wet tensile strength
• Designed for one-piece removal
• Minimal shrinkage when wet
• Can be cut to size
• Ribbon and narrow strip formats available for deeper or difficult-to-dress wounds
• Suitable for use beneath compression therapy where clinically appropriate
• May remain in place for up to 7 days, depending on the wound and exudate level
• Sterile
• Single use
• Medical device

How DURAFIBER works

When DURAFIBER contacts wound exudate:

1. The cellulose-based fibres absorb wound fluid.
2. The fibres swell and form a soft cohesive gel.
3. Exudate is locked within the gel structure.
4. Lateral movement of fluid towards the wound margins is reduced.
5. The gel conforms closely to the wound bed.
6. A moist environment is maintained to support healing and autolytic debridement.
7. The dressing retains sufficient strength when wet to facilitate removal substantially in one piece.

Its high structural integrity and limited shrinkage help maintain coverage of the wound bed throughout wear.

Suitable wound types

DURAFIBER is indicated for exuding acute and chronic wounds, including:

• Leg ulcers
• Pressure ulcers / pressure injuries
• Diabetic ulcers
• Surgical wounds
• Wounds healing by secondary intention
• Donor sites
• Traumatic wounds
• Partial-thickness burns
• Tunnelling wounds
• Fistula wounds
• Wounds prone to minor bleeding following surgical or mechanical debridement

It can be used for full-thickness, partial-thickness and shallow granulating wounds where appropriate.

The underlying cause of chronic wounds should also be appropriately treated, for example compression for suitable venous leg ulcers, pressure redistribution for pressure injuries and off-loading for diabetic foot ulcers.

How to use

1. Assess and cleanse the wound according to the prescribed wound-care protocol.
2. Dry the surrounding skin.
3. Select an appropriately sized DURAFIBER dressing.
4. The dressing may be cut to the required size or shape while dry.
5. Apply directly to the wound bed.
6. Ensure adequate contact with the wound surface.
7. Cover with an appropriate secondary dressing.
8. Secure according to the wound location and level of exudate.
9. Compression therapy may be used where clinically prescribed.

DURAFIBER is a primary gelling fibre dressing and normally requires an appropriate secondary dressing.

Cavity, tunnelling and deeper wounds

The 2cm × 45cm presentation is particularly suitable for appropriate:

• Cavity wounds
• Tunnelling wounds
• Sinus-type wounds
• Fistula wounds

When filling a cavity:

• Place the dressing loosely into the wound.
• Do not tightly over-pack.
• Allow room for the fibres to swell when they absorb fluid.
• Leave sufficient dressing visible or accessible to facilitate complete removal.

Ensure that all dressing material is removed at each dressing change.

Dressing changes

DURAFIBER may remain in place for up to 7 days, depending on:

• Exudate level
• Wound condition
• Dressing saturation
• Secondary dressing
• Clinical judgement

Change sooner if:

• The dressing becomes saturated
• Leakage occurs
• Exudate reaches the dressing edge
• The secondary dressing becomes saturated
• The wound needs reassessment
• The dressing becomes displaced

Heavily exuding wounds may require more frequent dressing changes.

Removal

When adequately hydrated, DURAFIBER forms a cohesive gel and is designed to maintain sufficient strength for straightforward one-piece removal.

If the dressing has dried or adhered because wound exudate has reduced:

1. Moisten it with sterile saline or sterile water.
2. Allow the fibres to soften.
3. Remove gently.

Do not forcibly remove dried dressing material from fragile healing tissue.

Dry wounds

DURAFIBER is intended for exuding wounds.

It should not normally be used on non-exuding or dry wounds, because wound moisture is required for the fibres to gel appropriately.

Infection

Standard DURAFIBER is not an antimicrobial dressing.

It can manage exudate from appropriately assessed wounds, but it does not replace appropriate treatment of wound infection.

Seek clinical assessment if there is:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Increasing pain
• Heat
• Purulent discharge
• Offensive odour
• Fever
• Rapid wound deterioration

Where a silver antimicrobial dressing is clinically indicated, DURAFIBER Ag or DURAFIBER Ag PRO should be considered as separate products rather than treating standard DURAFIBER as antimicrobial.

Bleeding

DURAFIBER may be used on wounds prone to minor bleeding, including wounds following mechanical or surgical debridement.

However, it is not intended to be used as a surgical sponge or to manage heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.

Important information

Do not:

• Use on non-exuding wounds
• Use as the sole treatment for significant bleeding
• Tightly over-pack wound cavities
• Reuse
• Re-sterilise
• Use if the sterile package is damaged or previously opened
• Use beyond the stated expiry date

Discontinue use and seek appropriate clinical advice if significant redness, sensitisation or another suspected reaction develops.

Product type: Gelling Fibre Wound Dressing
Material: Blend of cellulose-based fibres
Antimicrobial: No
Exudate level: Moderate to high
Forms gel with exudate: Yes
Supports autolytic debridement: Yes
Can be cut: Yes
Suitable for cavity wounds: Yes
Secondary dressing required: Yes
Suitable under compression: Yes, where clinically indicated
Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days
Sterile: Yes
Single use: Yes

Current UK sizes and codes

DURAFIBER – 5cm × 5cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800559
• PIP code: 356-4275
• NHS code: ELY330
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700125

DURAFIBER – 10cm × 10cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800560
• PIP code: 356-4283
• NHS code: ELY331
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700126

DURAFIBER – 15cm × 15cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800561
• PIP code: 356-4291
• NHS code: ELY332
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700127

DURAFIBER – 4cm × 10cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800546
• PIP code: 356-4317
• NHS code: ELY334
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700128

DURAFIBER – 4cm × 20cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800547
• PIP code: 356-4325
• NHS code: ELY335
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700129

DURAFIBER – 4cm × 30cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800548
• PIP code: 356-4333
• NHS code: ELY337
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700130

DURAFIBER – 2cm × 45cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• Smith+Nephew code: 66800563
• PIP code: 356-4309
• NHS code: ELY333
• BNF/dm+d code: 20031700131

Manufacturer: Smith & Nephew Medical Ltd

The current UK dm+d database confirms that all seven standard DURAFIBER sizes remain active in August 2026. The current UK ordering data also confirms the pack sizes and Smith+Nephew, PIP and NHS codes above.