TAPE TIPS - And Other Infusion Site Information

TAPE TIPS - And Other Infusion Site Information

Tapes And Dressings
PolyskinTM (Kendall)
A transparent dressing which is compatible with most skin types and is reported to "stick" well. Polyskin comes in a convenient 2" x 2.7" size that is perfect for covering the infusion set. Available from MiniMed Sales Order (800-843-6687), or MiniMed's OnLine Store.

The tape will be more comfortable if a hole is cut in the center. This can be done by folding the tape in fourths and cutting off the folded corner to accommodate the Sof-setTM, as shown in the illustration.

TegadermTM or TegadermHPTM (3M)
A clear tape dressing similar to Polyskin. The Tegaderm HP is intended for people with allergies and sensitivities, it adheres well when exposed to moisture. Tegaderm and Tegaderm HP is available at pharmacies or through medical supply houses.

IV 30OOTM (Smith and Nephew United)
IV 3000 is a sterile dressing which keeps the covered area dry. IV 3000 pulls away from skin and hair easily during removal when the tape is stretched. IV 3000 comes in several sizes, the recommended size for insulin pump use is 2 " x 2Ê". IV 3000 is available from Smith and Nephew United (800-876-1261).

CompeedTM (Bruder Medical Products Division)
Compeed has good adherence when wet and is non-irritating. Available from Bruder Medical Products Division (404-425-5322).

Roll Tapes
HypafixTM (Smith and Nephew United)
A white roll tape with very good adhesive, however is not transparent. Hypafix can be used to cover the infusion set, to tape down the edges of another dressing, or to secure a safety loop. It is designed for sensitive skin. Hypafix is available at specialty pharmacies or from Smith and Nephew United (800-876-1261).

Hy-Tape, The Original Pink Tape (Hy-Tape Corporation)
A water proof roll tape with a zinc oxide adhesive base. Soothing to delicate skin and good for extended wear. Comes in 1" and 2" widths. Hy-Tape can be used in the same manner as Hypafix and is available from Hy-Tape Corporation (800-248-0101).

Transpore (3M) or Dermicell (Johnson and Johnson)
These clear roll tapes stick well and are used by many pump users to secure safety loops.

Silk Tape
Silk tape comes in ?" and 1" widths. It both sticks extremely well and comes off fairly easily when pulled. Like Hypafix, it is not transparent. Special care should be exercised to monitor the infusion site if it is used as the primary dressing over the infusion set. Pharmacies can order silk tape from various manufacturers.

Paper Tape
Some people who have extremely sensitive skin prefer paper tape next to the skin. Examples are Micro-pore and Duropore. However, paper tape does not adhere as well as other products on some people. If this is the case, try securing the edges of paper tape with another product that sticks better. Paper tapes are available from pharmacies and medical supply houses.

Skin Barriers (Skin Prep, Skin Tac "H" and ShieldSkin)
The following skin preparations will help prevent irritation and sensitivity problems by placing a barrier between your skin and the tape's adhesive. These products are also excellent to help tape "stick" better. Be sure that the infusion site dries thoroughly after applying these products, before trying to apply a tape or dressing.

Skin-Prep (United, Division of Howmedica)
A protective dressing for sensitive skin which is wiped on before placing tape onto the skin. Available at pharmacies or through United, Division of Howmedica, Inc. (813-392-1261). A similar product called ShieldSkin is made by the Mentor Company.

Skin Tac "H" (Mason Labs, Inc.)
A liquid adhesive which is brushed on the skin before applying tape. Available at medical supply houses or through Mason Labs, Inc. (800-523-2302).

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