Hydroactive wound dressings

Advanced HARTMANN Dressings for Modern Wound Management

Hydroactive wound dressings are designed to support modern wound management by interacting with wound exudate and helping to maintain conditions appropriate for the different phases of wound healing.

Unlike conventional absorbent dressings, hydroactive dressings can provide specific functions such as wound cleansing, exudate absorption, moisture management, wound bed preparation and maintenance of a moist wound environment.

HARTMANN offers a comprehensive portfolio of hydroactive wound dressings for professional wound care, including HydroClean®, HydroTac®, Hydrocoll® and PermaFoam®. The individual dressing technologies are designed for different wound conditions and stages of wound management.

What Are Hydroactive Wound Dressings?

Modern dressings that actively manage moisture and exudate

Hydroactive wound dressings represent an important part of advanced wound care.

Depending on their technology, they can absorb wound exudate, donate moisture, support wound cleansing or help maintain a balanced moist wound environment.

This makes hydroactive dressings relevant for different stages of wound management, from wound cleansing and wound bed preparation through granulation to epithelialisation.

The appropriate dressing should always be selected according to the condition of the wound rather than simply according to product type.

Important factors include:

• wound type
• wound healing phase
• level of exudate
• condition of the wound bed
• condition of the surrounding skin
• wound depth and location
• requirement for wound cleansing
• required absorption capacity
• need for moisture donation
• dressing change strategy

HARTMANN Hydroactive Wound Dressings

Different technologies for different wound conditions

HARTMANN structures its hydroactive wound dressing portfolio around several technologies. Depending on the market, the current range includes polyacrylate dressings, hydrocolloids, foam dressings, hydrogels and alginates.

Important product families include:

• HydroClean®
• HydroTac®
• HydroTac® Transparent
• Hydrocoll® Classic
• PermaFoam® Classic
• Hydrosorb® Gel
• Sorbalgon® Classic

For V-MEDTECH, this allows Hydroactive Wound Dressings to function as the central category for advanced dressing technologies, while Superabsorbent Dressings, Silicone Superabsorbent Dressings and conventional Absorbent Dressings remain clearly separated in the Wound Care structure.

HydroClean® Hydroactive Wound Dressings

Wound cleansing and wound bed preparation

HydroClean® is designed particularly for wound cleansing and wound bed preparation.

The dressing combines absorption with the release of Ringer's solution, creating a hydroactive rinsing-absorption mechanism. This helps remove wound debris and supports the preparation of the wound bed while maintaining a moist wound environment. HARTMANN positions HydroClean particularly for wound bed preparation and the management of hard-to-heal wounds.

Depending on the market and configuration, the HydroClean family includes products such as:

• HydroClean®
• HydroClean® Advance
• HydroClean® Cavity
• HydroClean® Mini

This makes HydroClean particularly relevant during the cleansing and wound bed preparation phases of professional wound management.

HydroClean® for difficult-to-heal wounds

Chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds can require systematic wound bed preparation before subsequent phases of wound healing can progress appropriately.

HydroClean provides a specialised hydroactive approach for this purpose and therefore occupies a different role from conventional absorbent or superabsorbent wound dressings.

Rather than focusing solely on fluid absorption, the technology combines moisture delivery and absorption as part of the wound cleansing process.

HydroTac® Hydroactive Foam Dressings

Absorption and moisture management in one dressing

HydroTac® combines an absorbent polyurethane foam with a hydrogel-containing wound contact surface.

The foam absorbs wound exudate while the hydrogel functions as a moisture reservoir. HARTMANN states that this combination helps maintain a moist wound environment and reduces adhesion of the dressing to the wound surface.

HydroTac is intended particularly for wounds during the granulation and epithelialisation phases with low to moderate exudation.

This makes HydroTac suitable for situations where both exudate absorption and appropriate moisture management are required.

HydroTac® variants for different anatomical areas

Wound location can influence the choice of dressing considerably.

The HydroTac range therefore includes different configurations designed for specific applications, including shaped versions for anatomical areas such as the sacral region, heel or elbow. For example, HARTMANN describes HydroTac Concave as a specially shaped version for the heel or elbow.

Depending on the product range available, this allows clinicians to select the dressing according to both wound condition and anatomical location.

HydroTac® Transparent

Transparent hydrogel dressings for low-exuding wounds

Transparent hydroactive dressings can be useful where moisture management needs to be combined with visual assessment of the wound area.

HydroTac® Transparent is a transparent hydrocellular gel dressing intended particularly for dry or lightly exuding wounds during granulation and epithelialisation. HARTMANN currently lists both HydroTac Transparent and HydroTac Transparent Comfort within its international hydroactive range.

The transparent design allows the wound area to remain visible without removing the dressing solely for visual inspection.

Hydrocoll® Classic Hydrocolloid Dressings

Hydrocolloid technology for moist wound management

Hydrocoll® Classic represents HARTMANN's hydrocolloid technology within the hydroactive wound dressing portfolio.

Hydrocolloid dressings absorb wound exudate while supporting a moist wound environment.

HARTMANN describes Hydrocoll Classic as a self-adherent, absorbent hydrocolloid dressing for non-infected exuding wounds.

Different configurations are available for different wound locations and requirements, including:

• Hydrocoll® Classic
• Hydrocoll® Classic Thin
• Hydrocoll® Classic Concave
• Hydrocoll® Classic Sacral

The range therefore provides options for both standard applications and more anatomically demanding areas.

PermaFoam® Hydroactive Foam Dressings

Foam dressings for medium to highly exuding wounds

PermaFoam® Classic is a hydrophilic polyurethane foam dressing designed to absorb wound exudate while maintaining a moist wound environment.

HARTMANN currently indicates PermaFoam Classic for medium to highly exuding acute and chronic wounds, including examples such as venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, donor sites, abrasions and incisions.

This gives PermaFoam a different position within the hydroactive portfolio from HydroTac.

In simplified terms:

The exact product selection must always be based on the individual wound and the manufacturer's intended use.

Hydroactive Dressings for Acute Wounds

Hydroactive wound dressings can be used for different types of acute wounds where their individual characteristics correspond to the clinical requirements.

Depending on the product, applications may include:

• surgical wounds
• incisions
• abrasions
• donor sites
• traumatic wounds
• wounds requiring controlled exudate management

The decisive factor is not simply whether a wound is acute or chronic, but its wound bed condition, healing phase and exudate level.

Hydroactive Dressings for Chronic Wounds

Hydroactive wound dressings are particularly important in modern management of chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds.

Depending on the individual product and clinical situation, they may be relevant for wounds such as:

• leg ulcers
• pressure ulcers
• diabetic foot ulcers
• other chronic wounds
• difficult-to-heal wounds

Different stages may require very different dressing technologies.

A wound requiring intensive wound bed preparation, for example, has different requirements from a granulating wound with moderate exudation.

Wound Cleansing & Wound Bed Preparation

HydroClean® during the cleansing phase

Wound bed preparation can be particularly important where debris, slough or devitalised tissue interferes with subsequent wound management.

HydroClean is specifically positioned by HARTMANN to support this stage through its hydroactive mechanism.

Once the wound condition changes, another dressing technology may become more appropriate.

Hydroactive wound management should therefore be understood as a dynamic treatment concept rather than the permanent use of a single dressing.

Granulation

Maintaining an appropriate wound environment

During granulation, moisture management becomes particularly important.

The wound should be protected while excess exudate is managed appropriately.

Products such as HydroTac can combine absorption with moisture donation, making them relevant during the granulation phase when the wound characteristics correspond to their intended use.

Epithelialisation

Supporting the later stages of wound management

As the wound progresses towards epithelialisation, exudate levels may decrease and the requirements placed on the dressing can change.

HydroTac and selected transparent hydrogel dressings are among the HARTMANN solutions positioned for granulation and epithelialisation.

The choice should continue to be based on the actual wound condition and not solely on the original diagnosis.

Hydroactive vs. Conventional Absorbent Dressings

Hydroactive and conventional absorbent dressings should not be treated as identical product categories.

Conventional absorbent dressings primarily provide absorption and protection.

Hydroactive wound dressings use specialised materials and technologies to manage moisture, exudate or wound bed conditions more actively.

This is why keeping Hydroactive Wound Dressings and Absorbent Dressings as separate V-MEDTECH categories is useful both medically and from a customer-navigation perspective.

Hydroactive vs. Superabsorbent Wound Dressings

The same distinction applies to superabsorbent dressings.

Superabsorbent wound dressings are primarily selected where substantial exudate absorption and retention are required.

Hydroactive dressings cover a broader therapeutic spectrum. Depending on the product technology, their role may involve:

• wound cleansing
• wound bed preparation
• absorption
• moisture donation
• moist wound management
• protection during granulation
• support during epithelialisation

Therefore, Superabsorbent Wound Dressings should remain a separate category rather than being merged into Hydroactive Wound Dressings.

How to Choose a Hydroactive Wound Dressing

What is the condition of the wound bed?

A wound requiring cleansing and wound bed preparation may require a different technology from a clean granulating wound.

How much exudate is present?

Exudate level is one of the most important selection criteria.

Low, moderate and high levels of exudation place very different demands on a dressing.

Is moisture donation required?

Some wound situations may benefit from a dressing capable of providing moisture rather than simply absorbing fluid.

What phase of wound healing has been reached?

The requirements during wound cleansing, granulation and epithelialisation can differ considerably.

Where is the wound located?

Anatomical location can influence dressing shape, fixation and required flexibility. Specially shaped versions may therefore be useful for areas such as the sacrum, heel or elbow.

Does the dressing require additional fixation?

Some non-bordered dressings require an appropriate secondary fixation product. HARTMANN, for example, states that the non-bordered HydroTac dressing should be secured with a suitable secondary dressing.

HARTMANN Hydroactive Wound Dressing Families

HARTMANN's international portfolio currently places these technologies within its wider hydroactive wound dressing range, although individual product availability can vary by country.

Hydroactive Wound Dressings for Hospitals & Wound Clinics

Hospitals and specialised wound clinics frequently need several dressing technologies rather than a single universal solution.

Hydroactive dressings can support structured wound management across different stages, from wound cleansing through granulation and epithelialisation.

Typical professional environments include:

• hospital wards
• wound care clinics
• outpatient departments
• surgical departments
• diabetic foot services
• chronic wound management
• postoperative care

A structured selection according to wound phase and exudate level makes it easier to identify the appropriate dressing technology.

Hydroactive Wound Dressings for Medical Practices

Medical practices and outpatient facilities may also require hydroactive wound dressings for both acute and chronic wound care.

Depending on the clinical setting, this may include:

• postoperative wound management
• chronic wound care
• dressing changes
• wound bed preparation
• management of exuding wounds
• management of granulating wounds
• follow-up care after surgical procedures

The appropriate dressing should always be selected according to the individual wound assessment and the manufacturer's intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydroactive Wound Dressings

What is a hydroactive wound dressing?

Hydroactive wound dressings use specialised materials to interact with moisture and wound exudate. Depending on their technology, they can absorb exudate, donate moisture, support wound cleansing or maintain a moist wound environment.

Which HARTMANN products are hydroactive wound dressings?

Important HARTMANN families include HydroClean®, HydroTac®, Hydrocoll® and PermaFoam®. The broader international portfolio also includes hydrogel and alginate solutions within the hydroactive category.

What is the difference between HydroClean and HydroTac?

HydroClean focuses particularly on wound cleansing and wound bed preparation, while HydroTac combines absorption and moisture management and is intended for wounds during granulation and epithelialisation with low to moderate exudation.

What is the difference between HydroTac and PermaFoam?

HydroTac is positioned for low to moderately exuding wounds during granulation and epithelialisation. PermaFoam Classic is indicated for medium to highly exuding acute and chronic wounds.

Are hydroactive dressings suitable for chronic wounds?

Depending on the product and wound condition, hydroactive dressings can be used for chronic wounds. The individual dressing must be selected according to wound condition, exudate level, healing phase and its specific intended use.

Are hydroactive dressings the same as superabsorbent dressings?

No. Superabsorbent dressings primarily focus on absorbing and retaining larger quantities of exudate. Hydroactive wound dressings encompass different technologies for wound cleansing, moisture management, absorption and moist wound care.

Buy HARTMANN Hydroactive Wound Dressings at V-MEDTECH

At V-MEDTECH, hospitals, wound clinics, medical practices and other healthcare professionals can find HARTMANN hydroactive wound dressings for different stages and requirements of professional wound management.

The portfolio includes specialised technologies for wound cleansing, wound bed preparation, exudate management, moist wound care, granulation and epithelialisation.

With product families such as HydroClean®, HydroTac®, Hydrocoll® and PermaFoam®, HARTMANN provides differentiated solutions for modern acute and chronic wound care.