3M Durapore Silk Cloth Hypoallergenic Tape

Answer: Just as the name suggests, the 3M Durapore Silk Cloth Hypoallergenic Tape has a silk-like feeling, it is not a paper tape.

Answer: Yes, after choosing the appropriate tape, place the tape without tension onto the
skin. In general, do not encircle a limb completely with tape since subsequent
swelling or an infiltration may compromise circulation. The adhesives on the
surgical tapes are "pressure sensitive".

This means that they are designed to
adhere best when gentle, but firm, finger or hand pressure is applied to the tape,
rubbing it into place. Skin has hills and valleys. Just laying a piece of tape on the
skin only gives you contact with the top of the hills. Gentle, but firm strokes along
the tape allows the adhesive to come into contact with more of the skin surface.

This will increase initial adhesion and decrease the risk of "rolling" or losing your
tape to friction. Usually, the tackier - or stickier - the tape, the less pressure is
needed.

Answer: Most of the tapes stick best to clean, dry skin. Few tapes adhere well to truly wet
areas. The nose is a challenge because:
(1) the skin tends to get oily and/or
diaphoretic and
(2) nasal secretions often saturate the tape surrounding the tube.

Durapore tape is a great tape for NGs if the nose is dry when the tape is applied
and remains dry. However, when patients are diaphoretic or have skin that
continues to produce large amounts of oil, the Durapore tape may soak up the
moisture/oil, becoming translucent in appearance and losing some of its
adhesion.

If using Durapore tape on oily skin: before applying the tape, cleanse
the skin, removing the surface oil, and pat it dry. If the tube is critical and swelling
is not anticipated, some clinicians apply a thin layer of tackifier such as
Compound Benzoin Tincture (CBT) before applying the tape. However, some
people’s skin may be irritated by CBT, particularly if it is not allowed to dry before
a tape is applied.

3M™ Cloth Adhesive Tape (CAT): Like Durapore tape, CAT has a strong
backing with good bi-directional tear and adheres well to dry surfaces. Unlike
Durapore tape, the new CAT appears to maintain good adhesion despite/when
secretions, blood, or sweat are present. However, CAT is not water resistant and
adhesion should be reassessed routinely and as needed when wet conditions
are present.

Answer: Plasticizers are used in many medical grade PVC tubes to make them soft,
pliable, and more comfortable for patients. Plasticizers tend to "leach" out of the
tubing and interact with the tape adhesive, leaving a sticky, gummy residue. 3M Durapore Silk Cloth Hypoallergenic Tape is often used to secure tubing. In general, the longer the Durapore
tape is on the tubing, the gummier it will be when the tape is changed.

Answer: Although an expiration date is not required for surgical tapes in the U.S., an
expiration date is required by a number of other countries. You might think of it
as a "best quality if used by…". In general, we do not expect changes in
performance shortly after the expiration date, but 3M ensures performance within
that time frame. The recommended shelf life for 3M Durapore tape is 5 years under
normal storage conditions.