Description
The Cutimed Alginate is a soft, sterile non-woven dressing of calcium and sodium alginate fibers that drinks up heavy exudate and turns it into a gel that fills the wound bed. Three sheet sizes and a flat rope cover surface wounds and deep cavities alike.
- Seaweed fiber build – natural alginate fibers, 80% calcium and 20% sodium, gel on contact with exudate.
- Fills dead space – the soft gel adapts to the wound bed, including deep and cavity wounds.
- One-piece removal – a hidden integrity layer gives the wet dressing the strength to lift out whole.
Heavy Exudate, Gelled Into the Shape of the Wound
Moderately to highly exuding wounds drown plain dressings, and fluid left standing in a cavity holds healing back. The alginate fibers absorb that exudate and convert it into a soft gel that settles into every contour of the bed, minimizing the dead space where fluid would pool. A hidden integrity layer keeps the gelled dressing strong while wet, so it removes in one piece instead of shredding into the wound. The fibers also carry hemostatic properties, helping to stop minor bleeding at the surface. Latex free and gelatin free, the dressing works under compression bandages and can stay in place for up to seven days.
Features and Benefits
The construction is simple on purpose, fiber, gel and strength, with nothing else added.
Absorption and Gel
- Highly Absorbent Fibers: the calcium and sodium alginate blend takes up moderate to high exudate volumes.
- Fast Gelling: the fibers gel quickly on contact, locking fluid into a soft, cohesive layer.
- Moist Wound Healing: the gel maintains a moist environment at the bed while it absorbs.
Fit and Removal
- Adapts to the Wound Bed: the soft gel conforms to the surface and fills cavities, minimizing dead space.
- High Wet Stability: a hidden integrity layer gives the dressing high wet tensile strength.
- One-Piece Removal: the gelled dressing lifts out whole, and a dry dressing can be saturated with sterile saline first to ease release.
Use and Handling
- Cut or Fold to Fit: sheets trim or fold to the wound size, and the rope loosely fills deep wounds without overlapping the margins.
- Both-Side Application: either face of the dressing can sit against the wound.
- Compression Compatible: the dressing is suitable for use under compression bandages.
Product Specifications
All four configurations are sterile alginate dressings. Each configuration below carries its own BSN Medical reference number.
Product Details
- Product Type: sterile, non-woven calcium sodium alginate wound dressing
- Composition: 80% calcium alginate and 20% sodium alginate fiber from natural seaweed, latex free and gelatin free
- Indications: moderately to highly exudating wounds including surface trauma, cavity wounds, pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, donor sites and post-surgical wounds
- Exudate Level: moderate to high
- Wear Time: up to seven days depending on wound condition, exudate level and saturation of the secondary dressing
- Sterility: sterile
- Secondary Dressing: required, for example a transparent film or hydrocolloid cover
Sizes and Item Numbers
- Item number 7263412: 2 in x 2 in dressing, box of 10
- Item number 7263413: 4 in x 4 in dressing, box of 10
- Item number 7263414: 4 in x 8 in dressing, box of 10
- Item number 7263415: 1 in x 12 in flat rope, box of 10
Explore the wider MedicalEx range of advanced wound care and alginate dressings for exuding and cavity wounds.
Why Choose the Cutimed Alginate?
Cavity wounds need a dressing that becomes the shape of the hole, not one that bridges over it. This alginate gels into the space, manages the fluid inside it and still comes out in one piece.
- Gel that fills – dead space disappears as the gel conforms, so exudate has nowhere to pool.
- Clean exits – wet strength means removal leaves no fiber shreds behind in the cavity.
- Bleeding support – hemostatic properties help stop minor surface bleeding at dressing changes.
- Rope for depth – the flat rope packs deep and narrow wounds that a sheet cannot reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wounds does it suit?
It is indicated for moderately to highly exudating wounds, including cavity wounds, pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, donor sites and post-surgical wounds. It is not the dressing for dry wounds, because the fibers need exudate to gel.
How does the rope fill a deep wound?
Lay the rope loosely into the cavity so it contacts the bed without packing tight, and keep it inside the wound margins. As it absorbs, it gels and takes the shape of the space.
Does it need a cover dressing?
Yes, a secondary dressing such as a transparent film or a hydrocolloid cover secures it and manages the outer surface. Change that cover before it saturates through.
How is it removed?
Lift the gelled dressing out gently, ideally in one piece thanks to its wet tensile strength. If the wound looks dry, saturate the dressing with sterile saline first so it releases without pulling.
Can it be used under compression?
Yes, it is suitable for use under compression bandages. That makes it a practical primary dressing for venous leg ulcers on a compression routine.
How long can it stay in place?
It can remain for up to seven days, depending on the wound, the exudate level and the secondary dressing. Heavily draining wounds will call for earlier changes.
