| Alginates | Fibrous dressing, derived from seaweed, that absorbs fluid; creates gel to keep wound moist; allows gas exchange; prevents contamination (e.g., Kaltostat, Sorbsan) |
| Bead dressings | Absorbs wound exudates, debris, and bacteria; a separate dressing is required to hold beads in place (e.g., Debrisan) |
| Foam dressings | Absorbs exudates into foam, keeping the wound moist (e.g., Lyofoam, Allevyn, Cavicare) |
| Hydrocolloids | Occlusive dressing that absorbs wound exudates and liquefies to keep the wound moist; impervious to gas, bacteria, and liquid (e.g., Coloplast, Duoderm) |
| Hydrogels | Flat sheets of starch polymer that absorb wound exudates or rehydrate the wound based on wound moisture levels (e.g., Geliperm, Intrasite Gel, Vigilon) |
| Semipermeable film dressings | Transparent film that keeps the wound moist; allows some gas exchange; impervious to bacteria (e.g., Bioclusive, Opsite, Tegaderm) |
| Wound dressing pads | Includes simple nonadherent dressings, knitted viscose dressings, and medicated or nonmedicated dressings (e.g., Adaptec, Silvadene, and Betadine impregnated gauze; sterile gauze; Tricotex) |