A Hydrofiber is defined as a soft, sterile, non-woven pad or ribbon dressing composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, which is incorporated in the form of a fleece held together by a needle-bonding process. This conformable material can absorb a large amount of wound fluid, such as exudate with bacteria.
Hydrofibers are neither hydrocolloids nor alginates, but a separate category incorporating the benefits of both, while also addressing their weaknesses (eg cohesive gelling, aggressive adhesion etc).