3M announced in early February 2023 the launch of a medical adhesive that can stick to the skin for up to 28 days. The news comes less than a year after 3M launched a 21-day adhesive skin tape. Prior to 2022, the standard medical adhesive wear time was up to 14 days, according to the Maplewood, Minnesota–based manufacturing giant.
The new “3M Medical Tape 4578” can provide longer wear time for a wide array of health monitors, sensors, and long-term medical wearables. Think glucose and heart monitors — and much more. “Our 3M scientists created a technology and then pushed that tech to its boundaries without compromising skin health,” Chad Reed, Director of Global Business for 3M Medical Materials and Technologies, said in a news release. “Medical wearables are a cornerstone for the future of health care, and we’re committed to unlocking its potential with our world-class materials science.”
On top of being able to stick for up to 28 days, 3M Medical Tape 4578 medical adhesive boasts liner-free stability. It is possible to store it for up to one year, providing device makers more flexibility in the design process.
3M has more than 55 years of skin adhesion science. Design engineers can visit FindMyAdhesive.com for help selecting the right medical adhesive for their next medical device project.
REFERENCE: Medical Design & Outsourcing; 06 FEB 2023; Chris Newmaker