Advanced Skin Adhesives for Wearable Medical Devices

Meeting the Demands of Next-Generation Wearable Devices

Wearable medical devices are transforming patient monitoring, drug delivery, and chronic condition management. From heart rate monitors to continuous glucose monitoring systems, these devices depend on skin adhesives that can remain secure over time while being gentle on the skin.

A high-performance adhesive for skin must balance long wear duration, skin safety, moisture resistance, and ease of removal. These requirements vary depending on the patient population, use case, and duration of wear, which is why Avery Dennison Medical offers a broad range of adhesive platforms tailored to medical-grade applications.

What Is a Medical Grade Adhesive for Skin?

A medical grade adhesive for skin is specifically engineered to meet healthcare regulatory standards, ensuring safety and performance during skin contact. These adhesives undergo rigorous biocompatibility testing and are designed to prevent irritation, allergic reactions, and damage to sensitive or fragile skin.

Key characteristics of a high-quality medical adhesive include:

• Secure adhesion for long wear durations

• Breathability to minimize skin maceration

• Compatibility with a variety of substrates including films, foams, and non-wovens

• Repositionability in select formulations

Avery Dennison Medical’s adhesives are validated for consistent peel strength, shear resistance, and gentle removal, enabling wearable devices to perform reliably without compromising skin integrity.

Skin Adhesive Technologies Tailored to Application Needs

Different medical applications demand different adhesive properties. Long wear applications, such as multi-day monitoring or infusion therapy, require adhesives that can withstand sweat, water, and skin movement without lifting.

Our portfolio includes silicone-based adhesives, hydrocolloid blends, and acrylic formulations optimized for specific wear durations and skin types. Whether the need is for a breathable adhesive for a wearable ECG patch or a robust, long-lasting adhesive safe for skin for insulin pump securement, Avery Dennison Medical offers tailored solutions.

Long Wear and Comfort-Driven Performance

Wear time is one of the most critical metrics for evaluating skin adhesive performance. Avery Dennison’s long wear adhesives are designed to remain in place for up to 7 or more days, and in some applications even up to 28 days. This is all depending on device configuration and skin condition.

These adhesives maintain secure attachment while accommodating skin flex and movement. Long wear capability also reduces the frequency of dressing or device changes, supporting patient comfort and treatment compliance.

Equally important is the adhesive’s ability to maintain comfort during extended use. Our formulations are designed to reduce skin stripping and irritation upon removal, minimizing the potential for medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).

Adhesives Safe for Skin Across Patient Populations

The need for adhesives safe for skin extends across age groups and clinical indications. Pediatric, geriatric, and immunocompromised patients require special consideration due to heightened skin sensitivity.

Avery Dennison Medical’s skin adhesive technologies are designed with these populations in mind. We test for low cytotoxicity, minimize residuals after removal, and ensure clean peel performance, even after prolonged wear.

These characteristics are essential for maintaining skin integrity and reducing the risk of adverse skin reactions in high-risk patients.

Enhancing Device Functionality and Patient Experience

Adhesive performance can make or break the effectiveness of a wearable device. A patch that lifts prematurely or causes discomfort can undermine therapy adherence and lead to increased healthcare costs.

Our skin adhesives are engineered to support device stability while delivering a positive patient experience. Features such as transparent backing, patterned coating for breathability, and cohesive integration with device housings help manufacturers produce reliable, user-friendly products.

We also provide support with selection and testing, ensuring that each adhesive solution matches the demands of the intended application. Whether for daily monitoring or long-term therapeutic use, our adhesives enable better outcomes through better securement.

Scalable Solutions with Regulatory Confidence

Avery Dennison Medical’s adhesives are produced in ISO certified facilities, and our solutions are aligned with global regulatory expectations. We work closely with medical device manufacturers to ensure adhesives meet compliance requirements for skin contact and are ready for market entry.

Our skin adhesive materials can be integrated into a wide range of devices, from low-profile sensor patches to complex multi-layered systems. With a consistent supply chain and extensive technical support, our partners can scale production while maintaining quality and reliability.

Innovation in Adhesive Science for Medical Devices

As the wearable device market continues to expand, so does the demand for high-performance adhesives. Avery Dennison Medical invests in R&D to advance the science of skin adhesives. Our focus areas include:

• Next-generation adhesives for extended wear

• Adhesives compatible with smart sensing technologies

• Materials that optimize breathability and skin moisture regulation

• Clear adhesive options for improved cosmetic appearance

By pushing the boundaries of adhesive performance, we empower device manufacturers to deliver innovative solutions that improve patient care.

Partnering with Avery Dennison Medical

Choosing the right skin adhesive is critical for device functionality and user satisfaction. Avery Dennison Medical partners with product development teams to deliver medical grade adhesive for skin that meets the specific needs of wearable healthcare technologies.

From prototyping through commercialization, our team provides expertise in skin-safe adhesion, long wear performance, and seamless integration with medical-grade materials. We help you choose the right adhesive for your application, reducing development risk and accelerating your path to market.

Discover how Avery Dennison Medical’s skin adhesive technologies can power your next wearable innovation. Visit medical.averydennison.com to learn more.

Adhesive Solutions for Medical Wearable Devices

Avery Dennison Medical's specialists are here to support you to find the right adhesive for your project.