Silver Hydrofiber Dressings (Aquacel Ag): What Patients Should Know About This Advanced Wound Treatment

If you’ve been told you need a silver dressing—such as Aquacel Ag—for your wound, you might be wondering how it works and what makes it different from regular bandages. Silver hydrofiber dressings are widely used for infected or high-risk wounds, and many studies show that they can help wounds heal faster and with fewer complications.

This guide explains what they are, why they’re used, and what you should expect during treatment.

What Are Silver Hydrofiber Dressings?

Silver hydrofiber dressings are advanced wound dressings used for acute and chronic wounds that:

• have moderate to heavy drainage, or
• may be infected or at high risk of infection.

Common wound types include:

• Venous leg ulcers
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure injuries (bedsores)
• Open surgical wounds
• Traumatic or accidental wounds

These dressings contain ionic silver, a powerful antimicrobial ingredient that helps control bacteria in the wound.

How Do They Work?

Silver hydrofiber dressings use two technologies:

1. Hydrofiber Technology

• Turns into a soft gel when it absorbs wound fluid
• Keeps the wound moist (ideal for healing)
• Locks in exudate and harmful bacteria
• Helps reduce slough and odor

2. Controlled Silver Release

• The dressing slowly releases ionic silver
• This kills a broad range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains
• Helps prevent or control infection

Together, these effects help the wound transition into a healthier healing environment.

What Does the Research Show?

Studies and meta-analyses have shown:

Faster healing

Compared to non-silver dressings, wounds treated with silver hydrofiber dressings are:

• More likely to heal (odds ratio 1.43)
• Faster to reach full healing
• More likely to have infection resolved (OR 0.56)

Better infection control

They reduce:

• Bacterial burden
• Odor
• Slough
• Clinical signs of infection

Effective for many chronic wounds

Especially:

• Venous leg ulcers
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Pressure injuries

Better comfort for patients

Compared to some silver foams (such as Acticoat), Aquacel Ag often results in:

• Less pain
• Fewer dressing changes
• Easier removal
• Greater comfort

✔ Lower wound-care costs

Cost-effectiveness studies show:

• Higher probability of healing
• Fewer wound complications
• Lower overall wound management costs
• Better quality of life outcomes

Important note:

Silver dressings work best for wounds with drainage and infection risk. They are not always superior for clean, dry, or uncomplicated wounds.

When Should Silver Hydrofiber Dressings Not Be Used?

These dressings are not suitable for everyone.

Do NOT use if you have:

• A known silver allergy
• Sensitivity to any dressing component

Not recommended for:

• Dry wounds (they require moisture to activate)
• Deep cavity wounds where removal is difficult
• Long-term use after infection has resolved
• Patients at risk of silver buildup (rare), such as those with certain metabolic or systemic conditions

Your wound-care clinician will assess whether these apply to you.

How Long Will You Need This Dressing?

The duration varies depending on your wound, but general guidelines are:

• Typically used for 2–8 weeks
• Dressing changes every 1 to 7 days, depending on drainage
• Stop using once infection is controlled and the wound begins to granulate (grow healthy red tissue)

Long-term or unnecessary use may slow healing or affect new skin growth.