3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Surgical Tape

How to use 3M Medipore H Tape?

1. Unroll slightly beyond the desired length.
2. Slightly bend the rolled-out segment of tape to identify the perforation lines which are spaced every 2 inches along the entire roll.
3. Grasp the top edge of the tape closest to the perforation line, and quickly "tear" the tape apart.

Prior Application Instructions:

• Tape should be applied without tension to clean, dry skin.
• A clipper may be used to remove hair, if necessary.
• To protect at-risk skin, 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film may be applied and when thoroughly dry, tape may be applied over it.
• In general, do not encircle a limb completely with tape.
• If distention is anticipated, use a tape that stretches or a self-adherent wrap to secure the dressing or tubing.

How to Apply 3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Surgical Tape?

A. General taping

1. Apply the Medipore surgical tape without tension, gently but firmly stroking the surface to maximize adhesion.
2. The tape should extend at least one-half inch beyond the dressing.
3. Soft Cloth Surgical Tape should not be pulled or stretched when applied. 
4. If the swelling does occur, loosen and re-fasten or replace tape to relieve the tension.

B. When compression is needed:

1. Place the first section of tape without tension onto the skin on one side of the dressing, gently pressing downward.
2. With one hand, secure tape on one edge of the dressing while slightly stretching the next section of tape over the dressing.
3. Secure Medipore surgical tape on the opposite edge of the dressing.
4. Press the remaining tape onto the skin without tension.
5. Compression should come from the multiple layers of dressing material, not from excessive tension in the tape. 
6. Skin distention under tape may result in blistering and should be relieved as soon as possible.

C. When distention is anticipated:

1. 3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Surgical Tape has more stretch in the cross-direction and on the bias.
2. The direction of the stretch should be considered when securing a dressing or tubing to an area that is at high risk for distention, edema, hematoma formation, or movement. 
3. Anecdotally, applying soft cloth tape parallel to the incision appears to be associated with fewer skin tension injuries than taping perpendicular to the incision.

How to Remove Medipore H Tape?

Proper tape removal is critical in reducing the skin trauma: Loosen the edges of the tape. If necessary, press a small piece of tape onto a corner to start an edge of the tape. Stabilize the skin with one finger. Remove tape “low and slow” in the direction of hair growth, keeping it close to the skin surface and pulling it back over itself. Removing tape at an angle will pull the epidermis, increasing the risk of mechanical trauma. As 3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Tape is removed, continue supporting newly exposed skin.

What to Consider while 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 but are used for high initial adhesion, high long-term adhesion and high strength of backing.

II. Surface characteristics

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
• Heavy tubings require higher adhesion.
• Bulky dressings require high conformability and may require greater adhesion.
• Individual results may vary.

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, tunneling)

III. Activity level of the 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. Breathable tapes are used for longer-term wear. 

VI. History and current medical conditions

• History and current medical conditions should be studied, e.g., allergies/ sensitivities to medical adhesives, medications, medical conditions

3M Medipore H Tape Specifications

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