When Standard Medical Adhesives Aren’t Enough: Custom Adhesive Solutions Make Sense

by | Sep 6, 2026

Medical device manufacturers frequently begin evaluating standard pressure-sensitive adhesive materials because they support many healthcare applications. Standard constructions are commonly used across wearable devices, wound care products, diagnostics, surgical drapes, and other skin-contact medical products.

As application requirements become more specific, however, manufacturers may determine that a standard construction does not fully align with the intended use. Factors such as wear duration, substrate compatibility, flexibility, moisture management, and breathable materials often influence material selection. In these situations, a custom adhesive construction may better align with application-specific requirements.

Standard Medical Adhesives Support Many Applications

 

Standard medical adhesive materials continue to play an important role throughout the medical device industry. Many products successfully utilize established adhesive constructions that provide reliable adhesion and consistent manufacturing performance.

Depending on the intended application, manufacturers may select breathable films, transfer adhesives, foams, woven and non-woven materials, polyester films, or polyethylene films. Understanding the intended use, environmental conditions, substrate compatibility, and wear duration helps determine whether a standard construction is appropriate.

When Requirements Become More Complex

 

As products evolve, adhesive materials often need to accommodate additional requirements. Wearable medical devices, diagnostics, wound care products, and other skin-contact applications may require unique combinations of flexibility, breathability, moisture management, adhesion, and durability.

Rather than selecting an adhesive based solely on product type, manufacturers frequently evaluate the complete adhesive construction to determine whether it aligns with the application. Medical device manufacturers can also reference the FDA’s Medical Devices resources for broader information regarding medical devices and regulatory considerations.

How Custom Adhesive Coating Supports Application-Specific Requirements

 

Custom adhesive coating allows manufacturers to evaluate adhesive materials, substrates, and release liners that align with specific application requirements.

DermaMed supports medical device manufacturers through coating, laminating, slitting, and testing capabilities. By evaluating the complete adhesive construction, manufacturers can identify materials that support product objectives while maintaining manufacturing consistency.

Factors to Consider

 

Important considerations include intended application, required wear duration, substrate compatibility, flexibility, breathable material requirements, moisture management, manufacturing processes, and testing requirements.

Reviewing these factors early can help identify adhesive materials appropriate for the intended medical application.

Supporting Medical Device Manufacturers

 

DermaMed supports medical device manufacturers by assisting with material selection and providing custom adhesive coating, laminating, slitting, and testing capabilities.

The company works with a broad range of pressure-sensitive adhesive materials used across wearable devices, diagnostics, wound care, surgical applications, and other skin-contact medical products. The goal is to help clients identify adhesive constructions aligned with application-specific requirements.

If your medical application has requirements beyond a standard adhesive construction, DermaMed can support your team through material selection, custom adhesive coating, laminating, slitting, and testing capabilities aligned with your application-specific requirements.

F.A.Q.’s

When should a custom adhesive solution be considered?

When application-specific requirements extend beyond a standard adhesive construction.

What is custom adhesive coating?

It is the process of applying adhesive materials aligned with specific application requirements.

Can custom adhesive coatings support wearable medical devices?

Yes. They are commonly evaluated for wearable devices requiring flexibility, breathability, and extended wear.

What factors influence adhesive material selection?

Wear duration, substrate compatibility, flexibility, moisture management, and manufacturing requirements.

Does DermaMed provide custom adhesive coating services?

Yes. DermaMed supports medical device manufacturers through coating, laminating, slitting, and testing capabilities.