Insulin pumps offer users a remarkable degree of control and flexibility in managing their diabetes. Unlike a long-wear sensor, these devices often require changing every 3 to 7 days. This shorter wear time presents a different set of adhesive challenges. The ideal adhesive must provide a secure bond for the life of the infusion set, yet be gentle enough for frequent reapplication on the skin. For device manufacturers, the adhesive tape must also integrate smoothly into high-speed assembly processes.
Security for Mid-Term Wear
While not as long as a CGM, a 3 to 7-day wear time still requires a dependable bond. The adhesive must withstand the rigors of daily life – showering, exercise, and clothing friction – without peeling or lifting at the edges. A secure attachment is non-negotiable, as it ensures the infusion set remains correctly placed to deliver insulin accurately. The goal is a tape that gives the user complete confidence, freeing them from worrying about their device becoming dislodged.
Prioritizing User Comfort and Skin Health
Because insulin pump sites are changed relatively frequently, skin health is a primary concern. The repeated application and removal of an adhesive can compromise the skin barrier if the wrong material is used. The solution is to use biocompatible, irritation-free, and sensitization-free skin-friendly tapes. At Adhesives Research, we engineer these adhesives to be gentle on the skin, minimizing trauma upon removal and allowing the site to recover quickly. By prioritizing user comfort, designers can improve the overall experience and encourage proper site rotation and device adherence.
Designing for Efficient Manufacturing
Beyond the user experience, the adhesive tape must also meet the demands of device manufacturing. For insulin patch pumps, where the tape is integrated directly into the device body, the ability to attach the tape quickly and permanently is key. This is where the choice of tape carrier and construction is important. Tapes designed for this purpose can be welded directly to the pump housing using heat or ultrasonic methods. This capability allows for quick, clean, and reliable attachment, making it highly suitable for automated, high-speed production lines.
To explore our complete portfolio of skin-friendly and device-bonding adhesives for diabetes care applications, visit our diabetes care solutions page.
