Long-Wear and Waterproof Adhesives for Sensitive Skin

Adhesive performance is critical for the success of wearable medical devices, especially when used on sensitive or fragile skin. Avery Dennison Medical offers long-wear and adhesives for waterproof solutions designed to meet these demanding applications.

The Importance of Long-Wear in Medical Adhesives

In the context of wearable devices, long wear refers to the ability of an adhesive to remain securely attached to the skin for extended periods, often several days, without losing strength or causing discomfort. For patients who rely on continuous monitoring or therapeutic delivery, a reliable long wear adhesive improves outcomes and reduces device maintenance.

Avery Dennison Medical's long wear adhesives are developed to maintain adhesion even through physical activity, perspiration, bathing, and exposure to environmental moisture. These formulations ensure devices remain in place, perform accurately, and support user comfort.

The long wear characteristics of these adhesives address a fundamental challenge in wearable medical technology – balancing secure attachment with patient comfort. When devices detach prematurely, this can compromise data collection, interrupt therapy, and necessitate costly replacements. Our long wear solutions minimize these disruptions while allowing patients to maintain their normal routines.

For conditions requiring continuous monitoring, such as cardiac rhythm disturbances or glucose fluctuations, the reliability of long wear adhesives directly impacts treatment efficacy and patient engagement. By developing materials that maintain consistent contact over multiple days, we help ensure more complete data collection and improved clinical decision-making.

Adhesive Technologies for Waterproof Medical Device Securement

Waterproofing is a key requirement in many medical adhesive applications. Whether used in patch covers, heart monitors, or wearable infusion pumps, waterproof cover materials must create a durable barrier without compromising breathability or skin health.

Our adhesives for waterproof patches are engineered to withstand showering, swimming, and sweat while preserving adhesion. These adhesives offer a reliable solution for devices such as waterproof cover for heart monitor systems, waterproof sensor patch covers, and drug delivery wearables and infusion systems. In addition to moisture resistance, Avery Dennison Medical's adhesives also maintain breathability, reducing the risk of skin maceration beneath the patch.

The waterproof cover for heart monitor applications is particularly critical, as these devices often need to function continuously for several days or weeks. Our specialized adhesive formulations ensure that even with regular exposure to water, the monitor remains securely attached and fully functional. This is achieved without creating an occlusive environment that could lead to skin irritation over time.

For active patients, the combination of long wear and waterproof properties allows greater freedom and confidence in their daily activities. From exercise to bathing, these adhesives maintain their performance while adapting to the natural movement of the body.

Medical Adhesive Patches Designed for Sensitive Skin

Patients with sensitive skin require medical adhesive patches that adhere gently and remove cleanly. Long wear alone is not enough. Comfort, safety, and skin compatibility are equally important.

Our adhesive materials are validated for biocompatibility. Formulations for sensitive skin minimize the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or skin stripping. These products are designed for pediatric applications, geriatric skin, post-operative care, and patients with chronic dermatological conditions. Whether the use case is a waterproof cover for a heart monitor or a skin adhesive tape for wearable biosensors, our long wear adhesives deliver consistent performance without compromising skin integrity.

The challenge of creating effective medical adhesive patches for sensitive skin involves understanding the physiological differences across patient populations. Pediatric skin, for example, has different barrier properties and sensitivity compared to adult skin. Our adhesive formulations account for these variations, offering appropriate adhesion levels without causing trauma during removal.

For elderly patients, whose skin is typically thinner and more fragile, our medical adhesive patches are designed to provide secure attachment while minimizing the risk of tears or stripping during removal. This balance is achieved through careful selection of adhesive chemistries and backing materials that work in harmony with the skin's natural properties.

Patch Covers for Wearable Sensors and Devices

Patch covers are critical to ensuring long-term functionality of wearable devices. These covers protect sensor elements from environmental exposure, reduce friction from clothing, and improve device stability during motion.

Avery Dennison Medical offers a full line of patch cover materials tailored for sensor protection and skin wearability. Our materials are available in rollstock or pre-cut formats, customizable for thickness, backing material, and adhesive strength, and engineered for use with a wide variety of sensor types. Patch covers also enhance cosmetic discretion and allow for printed branding or instructional content. Whether transparent or opaque, these components play a vital role in user comfort and compliance.

The design of effective patch covers involves consideration of both the technical requirements of the sensor and the practical realities of skin application. Our patch covers feature tapered edges that resist lifting, even in high-movement areas of the body. This design element helps prevent environmental contaminants from compromising sensor function while maintaining a comfortable patient experience.

For long-term wear applications, our patch covers incorporate materials that allow appropriate moisture vapor transmission, preventing the buildup of perspiration beneath the device. This feature is essential for maintaining skin health during extended wear periods and supports the overall performance of the attached sensor or device.

Skin Adhesive Tape Built for Durability and Comfort

Skin adhesive tape is often used for securing larger dressings, anchoring tubing, or reinforcing wearable devices. Avery Dennison Medical's skin adhesive tape products are engineered to remain intact under challenging conditions.

We offer a range of tape constructions, including non-woven skin adhesive tape for breathability, film-based skin adhesive tape for water resistance, and Polyurethane non-woven adhesive tape for conformability and cushioning. These tapes support long wear and are compatible with moisture-prone areas such as underarms, joints, or hair-bearing skin. Adhesion levels can be customized based on wear time, skin sensitivity, and removal preferences.

The versatility of our skin adhesive tape portfolio addresses the diverse needs of medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers. From securing continuous glucose monitors to (short term) cardiac monitoring, these tapes provide reliable attachment without limiting patient movement or comfort.

Our skin adhesive tape solutions are designed with both initial application and eventual removal in mind. Clean removal that doesn't damage the skin is particularly important for patients who need frequent tape changes or who have compromised skin integrity. Our formulations strike this critical balance between secure attachment and gentle removal.

Supporting Multi-Day Wear and User Confidence

Patients expect their wearable devices to remain secure and comfortable throughout daily activities. Our adhesive systems are tested for real-world performance, helping device manufacturers deliver reliable solutions that support patient lifestyles.

Key features of our long wear adhesives include:

• Adhesion retention from less than 1 day to 28 days

• Skin-safe removal with minimal residue

• Resistance to water, sweat, and friction

• Compatibility with flexible and rigid device structures

These characteristics are especially important in therapeutic areas such as cardiology, diabetes, wound care, and remote monitoring. Our adhesives ensure that devices work as intended and that patients feel confident using them.

The psychological impact of reliable adhesion should not be underestimated. Patients who trust their devices to remain in place are more likely to engage fully with their prescribed therapies and monitoring regimens. Our long wear and waterproof adhesive solutions contribute to this confidence, supporting better healthcare outcomes and improved quality of life.

Integrated Design for Next-Generation Wearable Patches

The performance of a wearable medical device depends not only on its core electronics or drug reservoir, but also on the materials that keep it on the skin. Avery Dennison Medical collaborates with OEM partners to integrate adhesives into total patch solutions that combine comfort, durability, and regulatory readiness.

From waterproof cover for heart monitor patches to long wear skin adhesive tape for biosensor applications, our materials help bring innovative therapies to life. Our solutions support transparent sensor covers for discreet wear, pre-applied adhesives for streamlined assembly, and die-cut designs for easy application and removal. We also provide prototyping and manufacturing scale-up services to accelerate development and improve commercialization outcomes.

By considering adhesive performance early in the device development process, manufacturers can optimize their designs for both technical function and user experience. Our collaborative approach helps identify potential challenges and opportunities before significant investments are made in production infrastructure.

The integration of long wear adhesives with device components creates a unified system that performs reliably throughout the intended wear period. This holistic design philosophy leads to products that better serve patient needs while supporting the business objectives of medical device companies.

Global Quality and Regulatory Support

Avery Dennison Medical produces its adhesive materials under rigorous quality and compliance standards. Our products have been tested  for long term wear and biocompatibility, in a variety of applications.  

We help manufacturers navigate material selection, documentation, and testing processes for successful product development and market launch.

Discover how Avery Dennison Medical's long wear and waterproof adhesive technologies can enhance your wearable devices. 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.