ExpressionMed tapes are designed to last as long as you need them to, with easy removal for when you’re ready to change your sensor. Even with the best in the business of adhesives, skin type and activity can cause wearers to have different experiences in longevity. But how do I keep my tape on for longer?
Any customer can follow these care instructions to insure the longest possible wear time on your ExpressionMed tape, and remove it without any pain!
Factors that can improve your tape experience include:
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When applying your tape, avoid touching the adhesive (sticky part) with your fingers. Doing so, will definitely impact the longevity of use. The natural oils from your fingers counteract the adhesive.
To help avoid contact, our tapes were designed with a three part backing that allows for easy application.
Step 1: Remove the center backing
Step 2: Apply the tape over your device while holding on to the covered side(s).
Step 3: Once adhesive is placed, remove the remaining backings and smooth down avoiding creases if possible.
Photo credit: @giffindor
Wait at least 30 minutes from your last shower/bath, and avoid contact with water for at least a few hours after placing your tape. It takes time for the adhesive to fully adhere to your skin, and a shower for example could compromise the sticking process.
(That means you athletes and people in warm/humid climates!)
If you have oily skin, you may have trouble finding a tape that will stay on during those hot summer days or gym sessions. Never fear! We have a few tricks that will keep your tape secure throughout the entire wear time. Before applying the adhesive, try one of these prep options to ensure a better adhesion.
Option 1: Soap and water
Pros: Gentle on skin
Cons: not the strongest method
Use scent free soap and warm water to clean the area, let it dry, and then apply your sensor and tape. If your sensor is already on when you decide to use a tape, clean the area surrounding the sensor.
Option 2: Rubbing alcohol
Pros: Sterilizes are for maximum cleanliness and oil removal
Cons: Can cause long term damage if done too often. If you feel your skin itching or burning, switch back to soap and water
Finally if you have extra oily skin, use rubbing alcohol for at least 20 seconds to clean the skin before applying.
If you have particularly dry skin, you might find that you can’t get your tape to stay on either. Try the prep tips below before application for a longer wear time with your tape.
Option 1: Exfoliation
Pros: Removes dead skin cells that might cause the tape to lift
Cons: Long term method and not a short term solution
Adding exfoliation to your skin care routine can help remove the dead skin cells that could cause the tape to lift up. Don’t forget to always clean the area with soap and warm water.
Option 2: Moisturize
Pros: Skin is moist and hydrated before tape is applied
Cons: Could create a slippery barrier on top of dry skin causing tape to lift or slide.
Another option if exfoliation isn’t for you is to apply scent free lotion 10 minutes before applying your tape. This will ensure that the skin under your tape is moist and hydrated without getting excess moisture into the adhesive. Another way to prevent problems with any of your devices, start applying lotion to areas where you like to put sensors/pumps regularly.
So you’ve come to the end of your device’s wear and it’s time to remove it. First, if you can help it, remove the tape right after a shower or bath when the skin is at its most pliable. For extra help use an oil like olive or coconut or adhesive removers like unisolve. Do NOT rip it off like a regular bandage. ExpressionMed tapes are VERY sticky and this can cause skin trauma.
To remove safely and painlessly, lift an edge of the tape and begin to pull out instead of up (similar to a command strip!). This will stretch the tape out, separating the adhesive for easy removal. If it starts to come apart, that’s okay! While it’s satisfying to remove in one piece, the tapes are a one-time-use product and will just end up in the garbage anyway.
Photo Credit: @JessNiker
As if diabetes and wearing devices wasn’t enough to worry about, sensitive skin can make picking out tape or prepping for a long wear device quite the headache. While many sensitive skin customers swear by our tapes, we have a few tips to give you extra peace of mind.
I've never had a reaction to an ExpressionMed Tape, why am I having one now? Learn more about potential irritants and remedies on our skin care troubleshooting page to see the latest on recent studies.
Make sure to store your tapes in the packaging they arrived in between 50 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Failing to do so can compromise the adhesive.
Thanks for Reading! If you continue to have problems keeping your tape secure, we want to know about it! Please email us at hello@expressionmed.com and one of our talented customer service representatives will get back to you. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for EMed news, and fun diabetes related content.
Main Photo Credit: @aliceclones
