In the fast-evolving realm of medical wearables, a staggering 49% of US consumers are embracing devices, apps, and digital assistants for health monitoring. As this trend surges, the demand for top-notch skin contact medical-grade adhesives is escalating, reshaping the landscape of wearable device designs.

 

At Deson Technologies, our commitment is to spotlight cutting-edge solutions from leading medical adhesive tape manufacturers such as Berry Global’s Polyken brand, Avery Dennison Medical, Flexcon, Mactac, DermaMed, and, prominently, 3M.

 

Today, we shine a spotlight on 3M and their latest breakthrough - the 3M™ Medical Tape 4578. This medical-grade PSA provides designers and OEMs in the medical wearables space with an extraordinary 28-day stick-to-skin adhesive option.

 

Extending the Reach of Wear Adhesives

 

For years, the gold standard for long-term wear medical adhesives was stuck at 14 days. However, in 2022, 3M exceeded expectations by introducing the 3M™ Medical Tape 4576, boasting a remarkable 21-day wear time. Yet, with the surge in health technologies and remote patient monitoring, the industry needed more.

 

In response to market demands, 3M set out to pioneer a next-gen medical adhesive. Led by Audrey Sherman, Division Scientist for 3M Medical Solutions Division, the team embarked on "Project Mercury." Their mission: to develop a 28-day wear medical-grade, skin-friendly adhesive in just one year.

 

The Path to Innovation

 

Sherman's team took swift action to double the industry standard wear time. First, they pinpointed existing medical grade PSAs with the potential for prolonged skin attachment. Then, they streamlined manufacturing processes, selecting three viable options. Real-life tests ensued, and all three samples triumphed in the first clinical trial.

 

The result? The groundbreaking 3M™ Medical Tape 4578, unveiled in February 2023.

 

Unveiling 3M™ Medical Tape 4578

 

This spunlaced polyester nonwoven fabric medical tape, coated with a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive, redefines possibilities. Ideal for various applications - cardiac monitors, blood glucose monitors, respiratory monitors, sensors, EKGs - it provides:

• Conformable solution with fast grip and high tack.
• Cohesive internal strength lasting 28 days, even under challenging conditions.
• Extended wear even without a release liner.

 

Cost-Efficiency and Sustainability

 

Experts agree: increasing wear duration is key to slashing daily consumer healthcare costs. With 3M™ Medical Tape 4578, patients can utilize a single wearable device for a month, significantly reducing expenses and waste. Moreover, these extended-wear adhesives aid OEMs in curbing waste, scrap, and promoting sustainability.

 

Deson: Your Trusted Partner in Adhesive Solutions

 

Whether a product requires skin adhesion for hours or weeks, the choice of adhesive is paramount. Deson, your partner in adhesive selection, die-cutting, and delivery, harnesses a vast network of material manufacturers, an in-house team of process engineers, and state-of-the-art die-cutting equipment to bring your design concepts to life.

 

Connect with us today, and let's transform your design ideas into reality.