3M Company Applies Its Adhesive Know-How To Improve Wearable Medical Devices

New acrylic-based, nonwoven tape offers long-term wear on skin, enabling engineers to solve tough medical device design challenges

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When Joe’s heart-rate monitor kept falling off, he asked his doctor, “Isn’t there a better way to make it stick?” Thanks to 3M, there is. The company that makes everything from Post-it® Notes to structural adhesives that hold airplanes together, also makes advanced medical adhesives that can hold for up to two weeks.

“Sticking to skin presents a major challenge to the medical device industry”

When considering adhesive science and the challenges of a substrate like skin, design engineers know sticking-to-skin is trickier than you would think. With the addition of 3M™ 4076 Extended Wear Medical Tape to its extensive portfolio, 3M’s Medical Materials and Technologies business has given medical device manufacturers and engineers a long-term wear, acrylic-based adhesive solution designed to increase patient comfort and provide a strong and reliable bond in challenging applications.

The non-sensitizing, conformable adhesive was developed for long-term wear, providing a bond that is firm yet comfortable so patients may not even realize they are wearing a device. This allows engineers and manufacturers to focus solely on their device’s design and application, spurring innovation while ensuring their timeline and budget requirements are met.

“Sticking to skin presents a major challenge to the medical device industry,” said Diana Eitzman, Ph.D., director of agile commercialization, 3M Critical and Chronic Care Solutions Division. “By equipping our customers with the latest adhesive technology, we’re giving them the power to solve their toughest design challenges and positively impact patients’ lives globally.”

Compliant with ISO:10993 and ISO:10993-10, medical industry regulations assessing a product’s potential to produce irritation and skin sensitization, 4076 Extended Wear Medical Tape is approved for use on intact skin. The tape is part of the extensive adhesives product line 3M offers the medical device manufacturing, design and supply industries. Through the company’s diversity of technologies – paired with its 55 years of experience in the medical adhesive business and team of experts – 3M provides medical device professionals with the tools they need to satisfy their project requirements and confidently navigate their way to market.

To learn more about 4076 Extended Wear Medical Tape and how 3M products can stick with you, please visit 3M.com/MedTech.

About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom

3M is a trademark of 3M Company.

Contacts

3M Contact:
Marcello Napol, 651-733-7397
mnapol@mmm.com
or
Inprela Communications Contact:
Jack Doyle, 612-677-2027
Jack@Inprela.com

Back to news