Curea Duo Active

Curea Duo Active is a dual-action superabsorbent wound dressing — the first in the world to use activated carbon — developed to provide reliable exudate management in wounds with moderate to high exudate. While the non-adherent contact layer facing the wound surface preserves tissue integrity, the highly absorbent core rapidly gels exudate, reducing the risk of leakage and maceration. Its moisture-balancing structure supports granulation tissue, contributes to longer dressing change intervals and offers clinicians predictable wound management.

Brand: Curea Medical
Stage: 04 · Exudate management
Size options: 5
Origin: Germany

What is it?

A superabsorbent wound dressing — the first in the world to use activated carbon — designed for chronic/acute wounds with moderate to high exudate that are infected and malodorous, combining exudate management, soft debridement and odor control in a single product.

What is it made of?

Curea Duo Active consists of nonwoven contact layers on both sides that allow soft debridement, a non-adhesive SuperCore core containing natural fibers and superabsorbent sodium polyacrylate, and an activated carbon layer integrated into this core. The carbon layer physically binds volatile compounds and microorganisms, while the SuperCore structure absorbs exudate with high capacity and prevents its release.

Why use it?

The assessments and comparisons in this section are the manufacturer’s own statements. Use of the product in a patient requires assessment by a physician.

By rapidly channeling heavy exudate into the core and holding it there, it reduces the risk of periwound maceration and leakage; this contributes both to preserving granulation tissue and to preparing a more stable foundation for epithelialization. The integrated activated carbon layer quickly suppresses malodor, improving both the patient’s quality of life and the tolerability of the care process; it also helps reduce the bacterial load through physical binding.

While standard foams or purely superabsorbent dressings generally focus on exudate management, Curea Duo Active offers the combination of exudate control + odor management + soft debridement in a single product. A published clinical study reported that Curea Duo Active with activated carbon showed superior performance in fluid management and odor control compared with a non-adhesive silver-containing foam; this makes it possible to support infection management without silver and without increasing the risk of resistance. (1)

Indications

Curea Duo Active is indicated for the management of wounds with moderate to high exudate. It helps control odor in malodorous wounds and supports stabilization of the exuding surface after debridement. It can be used safely on venous leg ulcers (under compression), pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. It contributes to exudate and odor management in traumatic and surgical wounds and in wounds that are infected or at high risk of infection. During the transition to the granulation and epithelialization phase, it can be chosen as a dressing that helps maintain the moisture and exudate balance.

Manufacturer’s warning

Curea superabsorbent dressings are not suitable for cutting to size.

Video

Application example — manufacturer’s video (on-screen text in German)

Video: curea medical GmbH. Pressing play connects you to YouTube — see our cookie policy for details.

Product images

curea P1 duo active layer structure, 3D exploded view
curea P1 duo active box, front (10 × 10 cm, 10 pieces)

How to use

01
Assess the wound

Carry out an initial assessment to determine the approach the wound requires.
02
Cleanse the wound

Debride appropriately if required.
03
Choose a size larger than the wound

Curea P1 Duo Active should cover the entire wound surface and leave a margin at the edges so that it can draw up exudate.
04
Place the correct side down

If odor or infection risk is pronounced, place the dressing with the carbon (gray) side facing the wound; otherwise the white side can face the wound. Apply suitable secondary fixation (bandage/film) over it. Where compression is required, it can be applied over the fixation.
05
The clinical situation sets the change interval

Plan according to the amount of exudate, odor and the overall clinical picture; change earlier in case of oversaturation, leakage or clinical need.

Catalog

The manufacturer’s catalog table, all 5 rows. For stock and supply status, contact us.

Catalog no.	Size
C1DUO-055075-1	5.5 x 7.5 cm
C1DUO-100100-1	10 x 10 cm
C1DUO-100200-1	10 x 20 cm
C1DUO-200200-1	20 x 20 cm
C1DUO-200300-1	20 x 30 cm

References

Probst, S., Saini, C., Rosset, C., & Buehrer Skinner, M. (2022). Superabsorbent charcoal dressing versus silver foam dressing in wound area reduction: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Wound Care, 31(2). © MA Healthcare Ltd.