3M medical tape that sticks for up to two weeks
The latest addition to 3M’s line of medical-grade tape can remain in place on the skin for up to two weeks, according to the company.
That’s good news for users of infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, glucose monitors, health monitors and other devices worn on the skin, who have long complained that existing adhesives are not good enough. Long-term adhesives have had issues with lift (in which part of the adhesive loses stick), pain at removal, and skin conditions under the adhesive.
3M 4077 is a single-coated, water-resistant, non-woven elastic blend with omnidirectional stretchability and improved air penetration. It combines adhesive with a white meltblown elastic nonwoven backing on a silicone release liner. It is compatible with ethylene oxide sterilization, electron beams and gamma sterilization, compliant with ISO:10993 sections 5 and 10, and is approved for use on intact skin.
Medical device manufacturers and engineers need long-term wear adhesive solutions that increase patient comfort and provide strong and reliable bonds in challenging applications when adhering to skin, according to Marcello Napol, global business director in 3M’s critical and chronic care solutions division.
“As soon as we launched the 4076 about a year ago, we knew we were going to have to produce 4077 to add to our family of go-to products, giving design engineers even more skin-friendly options,” Napol said. “Our newest product, 4077, is water-resistant, breathable and offers improved conformability with omni-directional stretch. Design engineers have a variety of factors to consider when selecting adhesives for skin, so we’re constantly iterating in response to market needs. We anticipate leveraging this technology to expand our long wear platform with additional products in the future.”
