Superabsorbent Wound Dressings

Advanced Exudate Management for Moderate to Highly Exuding Wounds

Superabsorbent wound dressings are designed for professional wound care where effective absorption and retention of larger quantities of wound exudate are required.

Unlike conventional absorbent dressings, superabsorbent dressings contain specialised superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that absorb fluid and retain it within the dressing core. This makes them particularly relevant for moderately to highly exuding acute and chronic wounds.

HARTMANN offers specialised superabsorbent wound dressings including Zetuvit® Plus and RespoSorb® Super. The current HARTMANN portfolio positions both products within its dedicated superabsorbent dressing category.

What Are Superabsorbent Wound Dressings?

High absorption and retention capacity for professional wound care

Exudate is a natural component of wound healing. However, when larger quantities of fluid are produced, effective exudate management becomes an important part of wound care.

Excessive wound exudate can increase the demands placed on the dressing and surrounding skin.

Superabsorbent dressings are specifically designed to:

• absorb larger quantities of wound exudate
• retain fluid within the absorbent core
• reduce the risk of leakage and strikethrough
• support exudate management
• protect the surrounding environment
• provide cushioning and protection
• support structured management of highly exuding wounds

The appropriate dressing should always be selected according to the individual wound condition, exudate level and intended use of the product.

How Do Superabsorbent Dressings Work?

SAP technology for absorption and fluid retention

The abbreviation SAP stands for Superabsorbent Polymer.

These specialised polymers can absorb and retain significant quantities of liquid within the dressing structure.

HARTMANN's Zetuvit Plus, for example, uses an absorbent core containing cellulose fluff combined with fluid-retaining superabsorbent polyacrylate polymers. A distribution layer helps transport fluid through the dressing, while the wound-facing hydrophilic layer transfers exudate towards the absorbent core.

The result is a dressing designed not only to absorb wound fluid but also to bind and retain exudate within its core.

This is the fundamental difference between a superabsorbent wound dressing and a conventional absorbent dressing.

HARTMANN Superabsorbent Wound Dressings

Professional solutions for high levels of exudate

HARTMANN currently lists two products in its German standard superabsorbent wound dressing category:

• Zetuvit® Plus
• RespoSorb® Super

Both are positioned as high-performance superabsorbent dressings for heavily exuding wounds.

Within V-MEDTECH, these products form the core of the Superabsorbent Wound Dressings category.

Silicone-containing SAP dressings such as RespoSorb Silicone and Silicone Border remain in the separate Silicone Superabsorbent Dressings category.

Zetuvit® Plus Superabsorbent Dressings

High-performance exudate management from HARTMANN

Zetuvit® Plus is one of HARTMANN's central products for the management of moderately to highly exuding wounds.

The dressing consists of multiple functional layers designed to absorb, distribute and retain wound exudate.

The absorbent core combines soft cellulose fluff with superabsorbent polymers. The wound-facing layer rapidly transfers exudate towards the absorbent core, while the outer side incorporates a water-repellent but air-permeable layer.

This construction provides high absorption and retention capacity while helping protect clothing and bedding from wound fluid.

Absorption and retention of wound exudate

A major characteristic of Zetuvit Plus is that absorbed liquid is retained within the dressing core.

HARTMANN describes the dressing as capable of absorbing and retaining high levels of exudate. The dressing is also designed to remain highly absorbent under compression.

This makes the product particularly relevant where conventional absorbent dressings may not provide sufficient fluid management.

Zetuvit® Plus for Acute Wounds

Zetuvit Plus can be used for superficial, moderately to severely exuding acute wounds.

HARTMANN lists examples including:

• traumatic wounds
• postoperative wounds
• lymphatic wounds

The current international HARTMANN information also includes superficial moderately to severely exuding acute wounds within the intended applications of Zetuvit Plus.

The actual suitability of a dressing must always be assessed according to the individual wound condition.

Zetuvit® Plus for Chronic Wounds

Exudate management for difficult wound situations

Chronic wounds can produce substantial quantities of exudate and therefore require reliable absorption and retention.

HARTMANN lists Zetuvit Plus for different chronic wound situations, including:

• pressure ulcers
• venous leg ulcers
• arterial leg ulcers
• mixed leg ulcers
• tumour wounds

Depending on the individual wound, these applications can place considerable demands on exudate management.

Superabsorbent dressings therefore provide an important option within professional chronic wound care.

Zetuvit® Plus Under Compression

Superabsorbent wound care and compression therapy

Exudate management can be particularly important when wound care is combined with compression therapy.

HARTMANN explicitly states that Zetuvit Plus can be used under compression bandages. Its superabsorbent core is designed to retain fluid even when external pressure is applied.

This makes the dressing particularly relevant for professional wound care where compression forms part of the overall treatment concept.

The indication and type of compression therapy must, of course, be determined independently according to the patient's clinical situation.

RespoSorb® Super

HARTMANN superabsorbent dressing for highly exuding wounds

RespoSorb® Super is another HARTMANN superabsorbent dressing for heavily exuding wounds.

Its absorbent core consists of soft cellulose fluff combined with fluid-retaining superabsorbent material. The dressing incorporates a fluid-distributing nonwoven layer and a moisture-repellent, air-permeable outer surface.

This construction is designed to provide high absorption capacity while helping retain exudate within the dressing.

RespoSorb Super therefore belongs alongside Zetuvit Plus within the V-MEDTECH category Superabsorbent Wound Dressings.

Superabsorbent Dressings for Highly Exuding Wounds

When absorption capacity becomes a key selection criterion

The amount of exudate produced by a wound can vary considerably.

For highly exuding wounds, conventional absorbent materials may reach their capacity more quickly.

Superabsorbent wound dressings are specifically designed for situations where high absorption and reliable fluid retention are required.

Typical professional considerations include:

• amount of exudate
• viscosity of wound fluid
• dressing saturation
• leakage
• condition of the wound edges
• condition of the surrounding skin
• required dressing size
• anatomical location
• use under compression
• frequency of dressing changes

A superabsorbent dressing should therefore be selected as part of the overall wound management strategy rather than solely according to wound diagnosis.

Exudate Management & Protection of the Wound Environment

Why fluid retention matters

Effective exudate management involves more than simply removing liquid from the wound surface.

The absorbed fluid should also remain securely contained within the dressing.

This is one of the principal functions of SAP technology.

Zetuvit Plus is designed to absorb and retain high levels of exudate, while its backing helps reduce leakage and strikethrough.

This can be particularly important for highly exuding wounds where reliable fluid management is required over the planned wear period.

Reducing the Risk of Maceration

Managing excess moisture around the wound

When wound exudate is not managed adequately, excessive moisture can affect the wound edges and surrounding skin.

A dressing with appropriate absorption and retention capacity can help manage this moisture load.

HARTMANN specifically positions Zetuvit Plus as a superabsorbent dressing capable of absorbing and retaining high levels of exudate, helping to reduce the risk of maceration.

The condition of the periwound skin should nevertheless remain part of every wound assessment.

Superabsorbent Dressings for Different Anatomical Areas

Size and shape matter

Highly exuding wounds can occur in anatomically challenging areas where a conventional rectangular dressing may not always provide the most practical solution.

HARTMANN has expanded the Zetuvit Plus range with different sizes and anatomical shapes.

The current German range includes additional configurations such as:

• small formats
• large rectangular formats
• Oval
• Multisite
• Heart-shaped configurations

HARTMANN specifically positions these additional shapes for challenging anatomical areas such as the sacral region, trochanter and lower leg.

This allows the dressing to be selected not only according to exudate level but also according to wound size and anatomical location.

Superabsorbent vs. Conventional Absorbent Dressings

Although both categories absorb wound fluid, their intended role differs.

For this reason, keeping Absorbent Dressings and Superabsorbent Wound Dressings as separate V-MEDTECH categories is useful for both professional selection and customer navigation.

Superabsorbent vs. Hydroactive Wound Dressings

Superabsorbent and hydroactive dressings can overlap in some technological characteristics, but their primary roles differ.

Superabsorbent wound dressings focus primarily on:

• high absorption capacity
• fluid retention
• exudate management

Hydroactive wound dressings represent a broader group of technologies that can additionally focus on:

• wound cleansing
• wound bed preparation
• moisture donation
• moist wound management
• granulation
• epithelialisation

This distinction supports the separate V-MEDTECH categories Hydroactive Wound Dressings and Superabsorbent Wound Dressings.

Superabsorbent vs. Silicone Superabsorbent Dressings

This distinction is particularly important within the new V-MEDTECH Wound Care structure.

Standard superabsorbent dressings such as Zetuvit Plus focus on high absorption and retention.

Silicone SAP dressings additionally incorporate a silicone wound contact layer and, depending on the version, may also include a silicone adhesive border.

HARTMANN currently separates its standard superabsorbent category from its silicone SAP dressing category.

Examples from the silicone category include RespoSorb® Silicone and RespoSorb® Silicone Border, with some markets still showing the former Zetuvit Plus Silicone naming.

For V-MEDTECH, maintaining these as separate categories therefore makes sense both technically and commercially.

How to Choose a Superabsorbent Wound Dressing

How much exudate does the wound produce?

The amount of exudate is the primary selection criterion.

Superabsorbent dressings are particularly relevant when a wound produces moderate to high levels of fluid and substantial absorption and retention capacity is required.

What size is the wound?

The absorbent area should correspond appropriately to the wound dimensions and surrounding clinical requirements.

HARTMANN offers Zetuvit Plus in multiple dimensions and, depending on the market, specialised anatomical shapes.

Where is the wound located?

Anatomical location can influence the required size, shape, conformability and fixation of the dressing.

Is the dressing used under compression?

When wound care is combined with compression, the selected dressing must be suitable for this application.

Zetuvit Plus is specifically indicated by HARTMANN as suitable for use under compression bandages.

Is a silicone wound contact layer required?

If a silicone wound contact layer or silicone border is required, a product from the separate Silicone Superabsorbent Dressings category may be more appropriate.

Is additional fixation required?

Standard superabsorbent dressings without an adhesive border generally require appropriate secondary fixation.

The fixation method should be selected according to the anatomical area, dressing configuration and clinical situation.

HARTMANN Superabsorbent Dressings at a Glance

*For V-MEDTECH, these silicone variants belong in the separate Silicone Superabsorbent Dressings category. HARTMANN's current portfolio similarly distinguishes standard superabsorbers from silicone SAP dressings.

Superabsorbent Wound Dressings for Hospitals & Wound Clinics

Superabsorbent wound dressings are particularly relevant in professional environments where highly exuding wounds require structured and reliable exudate management.

Typical areas of use include:

• hospital wards
• wound clinics
• outpatient wound care
• vascular medicine
• diabetic foot services
• chronic wound management
• postoperative care
• long-term care facilities

The appropriate product should always be selected according to wound assessment, exudate level and the manufacturer's intended use.

Superabsorbent Wound Dressings for Medical Practices

Medical practices and outpatient facilities may require superabsorbent dressings for patients with acute or chronic exuding wounds.

Potential applications include:

• chronic wound care
• postoperative wound management
• treatment of leg ulcers
• pressure ulcer management
• management of highly exuding wounds
• dressing changes
• wound care combined with compression therapy where clinically indicated

Different sizes and configurations make it possible to adapt the dressing to the wound and anatomical location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Superabsorbent Wound Dressings

What is a superabsorbent wound dressing?

A superabsorbent wound dressing contains specialised absorbent materials, particularly superabsorbent polymers, designed to absorb and retain larger quantities of wound exudate.

What does SAP mean in wound dressings?

SAP means Superabsorbent Polymer. These polymers absorb fluid and retain it within the dressing core.

Which HARTMANN superabsorbent dressings are available?

HARTMANN's current standard superabsorbent category includes Zetuvit® Plus and RespoSorb® Super. Silicone-containing superabsorbent dressings are presented separately by HARTMANN.

For which wounds is Zetuvit® Plus suitable?

HARTMANN positions Zetuvit Plus for superficial, moderately to severely exuding acute and chronic wounds. Examples include traumatic and postoperative wounds, pressure ulcers, leg ulcers and tumour wounds.

Can Zetuvit® Plus be used under compression?

Yes. HARTMANN states that Zetuvit Plus can be used under compression bandages.

What is the difference between Zetuvit® Plus and silicone SAP dressings?

Zetuvit Plus is a standard superabsorbent dressing focused on absorption and retention. Silicone SAP dressings additionally feature a silicone wound contact layer and, in bordered versions, an adhesive silicone border.

Buy HARTMANN Superabsorbent Wound Dressings at V-MEDTECH

At V-MEDTECH, hospitals, wound clinics, medical practices and other healthcare professionals can find HARTMANN superabsorbent wound dressings for professional exudate management.

Products such as Zetuvit® Plus and RespoSorb® Super provide specialised absorption and retention technology for moderately to highly exuding wounds.

Different sizes and configurations allow the dressing to be selected according to wound dimensions, anatomical location and clinical requirements.

For applications requiring a silicone wound contact layer or adhesive silicone border, V-MEDTECH provides a separate Silicone Superabsorbent Dressings category.