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Types of Medical Adhesive Tape

Medical tape is used for a variety of reasons in a healthcare setting, such as securing dressings or medical devices, like catheters, to a patient. Medical tapes are made from different materials, and have varied levels of adhesive backings, depending on the tape’s purpose. Wound care tape is generally moisture proof, and it may contain a zinc oxide adhesive. General-use tape offers less adhesion for easier tape removal.

  1. Paper tape

    • Paper tape is a breathable tape intended for general medical use. It offers a gentle adhesive that provides light adhesion to skin and surfaces. Paper tape is thin and leaves minimal adhesive residue on skin. It is easily removed, making it a good choice to use on patients with sensitive skin or the elderly, who have thin, easily damaged skin.

    Cloth tape

    • Medical cloth tape comes in a variety of materials, such as polyester and silk, and offers strong, yet gentle adhesion. Cloth tape is preferred for securing medical tubing, such as tubing and catheters, because of its strength and ability to mold well to surfaces and skin without losing adhesion. Cloth tape is breathable, but may not be water resistant and should be used with care on skin and surfaces that have the potential for becoming wet.

    Porous tape

    • Porous medical tape is generally clear, breathable and water resistant. This type of tape allows you to see the skin beneath and is suitable for securing dressings or medical devices that need to be monitored, such as an intravenous line. Small perforations allow the tape to breathe well, and make it easy to tear into desired lengths and widths.

    Foam tape

    • Foam tape is designed to stretch and adhere to the area of the body. The flexibility of microfoam tape makes it useful for bandaging and taping over joints, such as the elbow or knee, or on areas of the body that receive tension and movement, such as the palm of the hand. Foam tape is waterproof, hypoallergenic and comes in many widths. It is available in sterile rolls for surgical use.

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