Silver dressings
Silver dressings release ionic silver into the dressing and wound bed to help reduce bacterial load in infected wounds and in wounds at high risk of infection. MEC stocks Mölnlycke Mepilex Ag and Mepilex Border Ag silver foam dressings with Safetac soft silicone, and Convatec AQUACEL Ag Extra and AQUACEL Ag+ Extra Hydrofiber dressings for moderate to heavily exuding wounds.
How to choose a silver dressing
| Dressing | Type | Exudate level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mepilex Ag | Non-bordered silver foam with Safetac | Low to moderate | Can be cut to size and used under compression bandaging. Needs a secondary retention dressing. |
| Mepilex Border Ag | Bordered all-in-one silver foam with Safetac | Medium to high | Showerproof backing. Suits pressure injuries, leg and foot ulcers, surgical wounds, skin tears and partial thickness burns. |
| AQUACEL Ag Extra | Hydrofiber with ionic silver (two layers) | Moderate to high | Gels on contact with exudate. Needs a secondary cover dressing. |
| AQUACEL Ag+ Extra | Hydrofiber with ionic silver and anti-biofilm technology | Moderate to high | Designed to disrupt and absorb biofilm as well as bacteria. |
Mepilex Ag and Mepilex Border Ag start to inactivate wound-related pathogens within 30 minutes, with a sustained effect for up to seven days. Safetac soft silicone is designed to minimise pain and skin damage at dressing changes, which matters for fragile skin and painful infected wounds.
Silver is not the only antimicrobial option. PHMB dressings such as the Kendall AMD antimicrobial foam dressing and Excilon AMD drain and IV sponges are an alternative where silver isn't suitable.
Important: silver dressings are for wounds that are infected or at high risk of infection, and should be used under the guidance of a health professional. Don't use them on anyone with a known sensitivity to silver. Antimicrobial dressings are usually used for a set period and then reviewed — if a wound isn't improving, have it reassessed.
Silver dressing FAQs
What are silver dressings used for?
Silver dressings are used on wounds that show signs of infection, or that are at high risk of infection or re-infection — such as leg ulcers, pressure injuries, burns, surgical wounds and traumatic wounds. The silver helps reduce the number of microorganisms in the wound, which can also reduce odour.
What is the difference between Mepilex Ag and Mepilex Border Ag?
Mepilex Ag is a non-bordered silver foam that can be cut to shape and needs a secondary dressing or bandage to hold it in place. Mepilex Border Ag is an all-in-one bordered dressing with an adhesive silicone border and a showerproof backing, and handles more exudate.
What is the difference between AQUACEL Ag Extra and AQUACEL Ag+ Extra?
Both are two-layer Hydrofiber dressings with ionic silver for moderate to heavily exuding wounds. AQUACEL Ag+ Extra adds technology designed to disrupt biofilm, so it is often chosen for wounds where biofilm is suspected.
How long can a silver dressing stay on?
Wear time depends on the dressing, the wound and the amount of exudate. Mepilex Ag and Mepilex Border Ag have an antimicrobial effect for up to seven days. Follow the product instructions and your clinician's dressing plan.
Ordering silver dressings for a clinic, ward or aged-care facility? Contact our team for volume pricing. See also foam dressings.