Key adhesive properties include:  

• Biocompatibility – Safe for prolonged skin contact.  
• Skin adhesion – Strong enough to hold the device, but gentle enough to avoid irritation or damage.  
• Breathability – Allows moisture and air to pass through, reducing skin maceration.  
• Flexibility & conformability – Adapts to body contours and movement.  
• Durability – Maintains adhesion over the intended wear time.  
• Ease of removal – Should not leave residue or cause pain.  

Biocompatibility ensures that materials: 

• Reduces the risk of allergic reactions, irritation or toxicity. 
• Comply with regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 10993).  
• Are safe for diverse populations, including sensitive skin types and pediatric or elderly users.  

• Intended user, knowing the general user population can help select the right adhesive to avoid adverse events or fall off. For example, devices intended for infant use may benefit from silicone adhesives, which are well suited for more fragile skin due to their gentle removal and skin‑friendly performance.
• Where on the body it will be worn, is it an area that is high in perspiration, or somewhere that tends to get more dried out.   
• Wear time, how long will it be worn for.  
• Device size and weight, this can impact the skin adhesive performance, so choosing one that is right for your device is important.  

• Skin-contact materials – Must be soft, breathable, and biocompatible.  
• Backing materials – Should support flexibility and durability.  
• Adhesive chemistry – Acrylics, silicones, and hydrogels offer different benefits.  
• Device housing – Impacts surface energy and adhesive compatibility.  

• Skin-contact layer – To secure the device to the body.  
• Component bonding – To attach sensors, batteries, or housings.  
• Assembly bonding – For internal structural integrity.  
• Overlay or cover layer – For protection and aesthetics.  

Wear time affects device performance, user comfort, and data accuracy. Influencing factors include: 

• Device weight – Heavier devices require stronger adhesives. 
• User activity level – Active users need adhesives that resist sweat and movement. 
• Age of the user – Elderly or pediatric skin may be more delicate. 
• Placement on the body – Areas with more movement or sweat (e.g., joints) challenge adhesion. 
• Environmental conditions – Humidity, temperature, and water exposure can degrade adhesives. 
• Device shape – Curved or irregular shapes may need conformable adhesives. 

 Tip: It's best to consult with our team for tailored recommendations based on your device specs and user profile. 

A wear time study evaluates how long an adhesive maintains effective skin contact under real-world conditions. It helps: 

• Validate product performance. 
• Optimize adhesive selection. 
• Ensure user safety and comfort. 
• Meet regulatory and clinical requirements. 

An overlay is a secondary adhesive or film layer placed over the device to: 

• Reinforce adhesion. 
• Protect the device from moisture or mechanical stress. 
• Improve aesthetics or branding. 

Use an overlay if: 

• Your device needs extended wear time. 
• It's exposed to harsh environments. 
• You want to reduce edge lift or improve skin contact. 

• Skin-contact materials – Must be soft, breathable, and biocompatible. 
• Backing materials – Should support flexibility and durability. 
• Adhesive chemistry – Acrylics, silicones, and hydrogels offer different benefits. 
• Device housing – Impacts surface energy and adhesive compatibility. 

• Surface energy affects how well adhesives bond to device materials. 
• Type of plastic used – Low surface energy plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) are harder to bond. 
• Surface energy and its impact on adhesion – Higher surface energy = better adhesive wet-out and bonding. 
• Reusable vs. disposable devices – Reusables may need adhesives that allow clean removal and reapplication; disposables prioritize cost and simplicity.