When you picture the term healthcare supplies, which comes to mind first: A stethoscope to hear a heartbeat? A syringe to give a needed shot? Perhaps even the "Ahhhhhh, open wide!" tongue depressor…
But what about medical adhesive tape? While it might not be your first thought when you think of medical supplies, medical tape is an essential and versatile tool for medical care.
At Strouse, we’ve helped build hundreds of custom medical adhesive products, which has allowed us to understand how businesses can utilize process planning to reduce medical manufacturing issues.
Before you risk choosing material that doesn’t fit your wound care solution, let’s discuss the different types of medical adhesive tape so that you better understand your wound care options.
What is Medical Adhesive Tape?
Medical adhesive tape, or surgical tape, is used to attach bandages, gauze, and other dressings to the skin around wounds.
Most adhesive tapes are pressure-sensitive tape; i.e., tape that sticks and stays in place with firm pressure. There's no need for heat activation or a solvent. Medical adhesive tape can be made from various materials, but most are breathable for comfort and ease of use.
HOW IS MEDICAL TAPE USED?
- Holding bandages and wound dressings
- Supporting medical devices
- Ostomy system care
- Surgical drapes
- and many other uses
5 Different Types of Medical Adhesive Tape
In the medical field, different types of adhesive tape are created for different purposes. While certain types have softer components, such as cotton, others are more elastic to support flexibility.
Here are some of the most common types of medical adhesive tape and how they differ.
1. MICROPORE PAPER TAPE
Micropore paper tape is hypoallergenic and can be used long-term without fear of skin irritation. It is commonly used to secure bandages and dressings to the skin without leaving a sticky residue.
Tiny holes, or micropores, in the tape, make it breathable (speeding up healing) and easy to tear (ideal for emergencies). Its adhesive sticks to the skin, underlying tape, or directly to dressing materials.
Micropore paper tape can function well in urgent or everyday situations. It is gentle on the skin (leaving no sticky residue) and stays in place for several days without falling off, even though it's not one of the strongest adhesive tapes. Although it can withstand some moisture and sweat, it's not waterproof and is not as flexible or malleable as other adhesive tapes.
2. TRANSPORE POLYETHYLENE TAPE
Transpore polyethylene tape is a hypoallergenic, translucent tape that sticks to the patient without sticking to surgical gloves or other surgical tools. It adheres well to wet surfaces — such as bleeding or sweating patients — so this powerful tape is often used to secure tubing or dressings. Although inflexible, transpore tape is breathable and made from a non-stretch film.
Medical professionals on the go, including EMS and ambulance workers, regularly use transpore polyethylene tape because it's efficient, durable, and sticks well to any surface, including those covered in hair, water, or blood. It's also waterproof, allowing patients to keep it on in the shower or swimming.
Transpore tape's breathable material allows adequate airflow for healing and allows sweat and other bodily fluids to pass through it. Because it's one of the stronger varieties, it can leave residue on the skin or irritate those with sensitive skin.
3. ZINC OXIDE TAPE
Zinc oxide tape, which is commonly used to prevent sports injuries, also helps protect wounds, accelerate healing, stabilize injuries, and protect athletes from soft tissue damage.
Zinc oxide tape is a very durable material that works well in humid environments and tolerates high moisture levels (sweat). It’s typically made from either rayon or non-stretch cotton and remains intact for hours, allowing athletes to bend, twist, run, and push their physical limits.
When you’re searching for medical adhesive tape that's strong, durable, and flexible, zinc oxide tape (sports tape) is the answer.
While regular adhesive tapes work best on flat areas of the body — forearm, shin, back — most athletic tapes are designed to conform to flexible, moving parts and stay put. Zinc oxide tape is strong enough to allow athletes to move easily without fear of losing the tape or injury.
4. DURABLE CLOTH TAPE
Cloth tape is one of the most versatile and widely used types of medical adhesive tape. It sticks best to the skin (not directly to a cloth dressing or bandage), doesn't leave a sticky residue when removed, tears in any direction, and is ideal for long-term use thanks to its breathability. Durable cloth tapes are flexible, comfortable, and often used to secure splints.
5. WATERPROOF SKIN TAPE
Although it’s specifically designed for use in water, waterproof tape for skin only works when applied to dry skin or if the tape itself is dry to begin with.
Most adhesive waterproof tape is exceptionally flexible and malleable. It conforms to the body and sticks to curved surfaces (e.g., between fingers and toes or on joints as they flex and move with the body). Despite its strength, waterproof tape can be torn by hand, making it perfect for fast-paced situations.
Waterproof adhesive tape isn't just for swimmers. One of its primary uses is protection against blisters and chafing skin. This tape sticks well to the skin but won't adhere to hair, so skin surfaces must be prepared.
Where Can You Find Adhesive Medical Tape?
If you’re looking for a single roll, you can find it from major suppliers like 3M. However, if you’re looking for custom medical tape rolls or unique shapes, you’ll want to consider working with an adhesive tape converter.
Before you can choose the right tape, you need to assess the specific adhesive tape skin uses and the required strength during care. You’ll also want to check that any medical grade adhesive is processed in the proper environment. Proper assessment likely requires the guidance of a knowledgeable material converter.
Wound care is a multi-faceted process that can strongly benefit from reliable custom medical adhesive tapes. Yet, with so many types of medical adhesives, many businesses benefit from the guidance of a converter to help them produce custom components.
If you’re interested in pursuing a custom medical adhesive tape solution, consider requesting a quote. Strouse’s experts will help you through the design and material selection process to ensure you receive the most efficient solution.
Do you still have questions? Our Learning Center has resources about the entire process from start to finish and more information about medical adhesive tape.
Originally published: September 13, 2022
