Item Brochure

17
Considerations in Choosing a Tape
for Tube or Dressing Secural
I. Degree of importance of tube or dressing
• The more critical the tubing/dressing, the higher the adhesion required.
• Strength of adhesion and backing may be more important than gentleness.
• Gentle tapes with higher adhesion may be used without increasing the risk
of skin trauma if properly applied and removed.
• Some tapes are less gentle (e.g., 3M
TM
Durapore
TM
Tape and 3M
TM
Cloth
Adhesive Tape) but are used for:
- high initial adhesion
- high long-term adhesion
- high strength of backing
II. Surface characteristics
• Heavy tubings require higher adhesion.
• Bulky dressings require high conformability and may require greater adhesion.
• Individual results may vary.
III.Activity level of patient
The more active the patient, the higher the adhesion required.
IV. Potential for skin surface distention or movement
The risk of skin damage may be reduced by using tapes that stretch with skin
distention or movement.
V. Anticipated wear time
Tape adhesion generally builds over time. Occlusive plastic tapes promote
moisture build up. They are best used short term since adhesion decreases
over time. Breathable tapes should be used for longer-term wear.
VI. History and current medical conditions
(e.g., allergies/sensitivities to medical adhesives, medications, medical conditions)
Skin
• Dry
• Damp
• Diaphoretic
• Wet: secretions, leaking tubes
• Weeping
• Macerated
• Oily
• Hairy
• Edematous
• Intact vs. impaired skin integrity
• Elastic vs. non-elastic
• Fragile skin (elderly, very young)
• “At-risk” (e.g., patient on
systemic corticosteroids,
chemotherapy; malnourished)
• Flexing
Dressing
• Material
• Weight
• Conformability
Device
• Contour
• Weight
• Material: metal, plastic, other
Tubing
• Diameter: small, large
• Texture: smooth, ribbed, other
• Material: PVC, silicone, other
• Weight
• Length
• Potential for drag or pull
• Other support (e.g., sutures,
tunnelling)