[mortis505]

A few weeks ago I had the chance to contact Minimed and ask for a sample pack of their adhesives. I did this because I am experiencing peeling of my infusion sites. A few days later I received them in the mail.

In the package were 4 tape type adhesives, and 4 liquid/wipe adhesives. I have decided to do a review of what I have used so far.

Each product was used with an application of Skin Prep wipe And a shaving of the area prior to use.

IV3000
Smith&Nephew
Nice all around product, however it is a bit large and could be reduced in size. Application was easy enough. Even insertion of my infusion set seemed less of a sting than usual. No problems during the 3.5 days wearing the set. And removal was quite easy at the next set change. Not to mention easy cleanup after removal.
I give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Polyskin
Kendall
Easy application and good adhesive quality. Not too large and easy to remove after the 3.5 days for my next site change. Insertion through the tape was easy and relatively painless.
5 out of 5

Tegaderm
3M
Good sticky but the removal wasn't easy and insertion was slightly painful. Slightly large for a quickset but perhaps a Silhouette. The problem with removal was more of an issue of getting ahold of it.
3 out of 5

Tegaderm HP
3M
Easy application generally good product. It kept sticking to my shirt after application and removal was difficult. It got alot of dirt around the edges of the tape.
2 out of 5

Mastisol
Ferndale Laboratories
Very sticky liquid. Went on very easily. Removal was easy when detachol was was used.
5 out of 5.

Bard Protective Barrier Film Wipe
Bard Medical Division
Easy application and cleanup but didnt hold the tape of the set very well after 2 days. Had some serious peeling of the the set by the time for the next site change.
2.5 out of 5.

I.V. Prep Wipe
Smith&Nephew
Good standard product. Hold relatively well and doesnt give up after a day. Holds strong for the 3.5 days I used it. Removal using detachol was a breeze.
5 out of 5.

Skin Prep Wipe
Smith&Nephew
Easy application but doesn't hold the tape well. Removal is easy enough.
3 out of 5.

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This is the way everything worked for me. If anyone has any questions I will be glad to answer them.

[xMenace]

While you are at it, try some Friar's Balsam and Gorilla Snot if you can find it.

[mortis505]

Still looking for it. Any ideas for drugstores?

[notme]

Gorilla Snot can be purchased at music stores. Not sure about Friar's Balsam.

[condensr]

Great review! Thanks for posting it. Maybe it could be stickied as the 'adhesives' thread? I know I've needed info like this before more than once.

An addition to the review- I guess different people have different needs, eh? For the very reason mortis505 doesn't like Tegaderm (edges stay stuck down very well), I find it perfect for me. My problem with the adhesives has been peeling up at the edges (with IV3000 anyhow, have not tried the Kendall stuff), so the Tegaderm + Skin Prep has been perfect for me. I've found it helpful to rub the edges a bit with a Uni-Solv pad when it is time to take it off.