Medical Tape Guide: Paper, Cloth, Transparent & Silicone

Medical tape is a small item with a big impact on securement, comfort, and skin health. The right tape holds dressings and devices reliably without damaging fragile skin. Here's how to choose.

Tape types

• Paper tapegentle, breathable, ideal for fragile or sensitive skin.
• Cloth tapestrong, conformable securement for higher-demand applications.
• Transparent film tapewaterproof, allows visualization of the site.
• Silicone tapesecure yet atraumatic on removal, for at-risk skin.

Balance adhesion and skin safety

Stronger isn't always better. For fragile or frequently re-taped skin, gentler adhesives reduce medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI). Match the tape to the patient and the task.

Sizing and stocking

Keep a range of widths for different applications, and standardize the tapes your staff reach for most. Browse medical tapes and pair with wound care and gauze & sponges.

Equipping a facility? Request a bulk quote and a Mediplies specialist will send an itemized quote with volume pricing, freight, and lead times, typically within one business day.