Wear time

While the requirements regarding wear time are crucial in selecting the right adhesives for a wearable device, other factors like biocompatibility and user comfort are also important in the design of an effective medical product. 

Adjusting for wear time poses a unique challenge in selecting adhesives for medical wearable devices, as the adhesive must be tailored to accommodate different durations—short, medium, or long—of on-body wear. Each duration presents its own set of requirements, emphasizing the need for a carefully chosen adhesive that meets the specific on-body wear time demands, ensuring the device's functionality and user comfort are maintained throughout use.

The adhesive material should offer a secure bond throughout the intended wear time but also dispose of breathable, flexible, and hypoallergenic characteristics to minimize skin irritation or damage. Besides requirements regarding wear time, other factors play an important role in selecting the right adhesive for a wearable device, such as its user’s age, skin type, and activity level.

Wear time studies are extremely helpful in evaluating the device’s performance in terms of wearability, adhesive strength, and user comfort. Nowadays it is possible to design medical devices that offer functionality and comfort during extended wear time (+21 days), thanks to the continuous development of high-performing adhesive materials.