The Different Types of Medical Tape
Medical tape is a tape that is designed for safe and comfortable use on the skin, often to protect or prevent injuries. There are lots of different types of medical tape available, each designed with a specific function in mind — and some tailored towards specific injuries. That being said, there tends to be four main types.
The four main types of medical tape are: micropore, retention, strapping and sports (more often known as zinc-oxide tape).
Find out more about what each medical tape does, and when you might need to use them, in this guide.
Micropore Tape
Micropore tape is a lightweight tape that is designed to secure plasters, dressings and bandages. It’s a non-stretch medical tape, which makes it easy to tear by hand, and is most suited for frequently changed bandages (without leaving a sticky residue).
Tiny holes, or micropores, in the tape make micropore tape breathable.
As a low-allergy paper tape, micropore tape is suitable for sensitive skin (as well as for “at risk” skin).
Sports Tape (Zinc Oxide)
Sports tape is a strong non-stretch cotton fabric that provides rigid support, and can immobilise joints. It’s designed for extended wear as a long-lasting and kind-to-skin adhesive. This tape tends to work well in humid environments, and can tolerate high levels of sweat and movement.
Most zinc oxide tapes are suitable for delicate skin because there is a reduced risk of skin tears and tape burns.
You might use zinc oxide tape to prevent soft tissue damage and other sports injuries, as well as to protect wounds and stabilize injuries.
Strapping Tape
Similar to a sports tape, medical strapping tape is designed to stabilise and fasten an injured joint or sprain.
Most strapping tapes are hypo-allergenic and wash-proof, with a strong adhesive for long-lasting wear.
You might need to use this after an injury to protect yourself from injuring yourself further when you’re ready to get back into exercise or your preferred sport.
Rigid strapping tape can also be used to prevent injuries. It does this by supporting your joints and tendons to minimise painful or excessive movement.
Retention Tape
Retention tape is ideal for fixing dressings to the skin. As a soft, pliable and porous non-woven polyester fabric tape, it conforms to all areas of the body and causes minimal trauma to the patient upon removal.
Retention tape is, however, permeable to air and water vapour.
At morSafe, we stock a range of high-quality and reliable medical tapes, with free next day delivery available. If you need more guidance, please contact us on 01686 611 377 or sales@morsafesupplies.com.
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