THE LARGE PATIENT AND TAPELESS

The reality that individuals are becoming larger and heavier is a real phenomenon.  Whether the individual undergoes a surgical procedure or has a different chronic wound, dressing the wound becomes more of a problem as the size of the patient increases.

These larger patients require more wound dressing materials to cover and secure their dressings, have greater difficulty in keeping the dressings in place as they tend to slip, rub and bind and are more likely to have complications in trying to apply their dressings.  The ineffectiveness of the traditional dressing holders like rolls of gauze, elastic netting and other wraps are magnified in this patient population.

The advantages of Tapeless are maximized in this group.  No longer is a single roll of gauze enough.  No longer do these materials remain where placed without tape or another supplemental aid.  The combination of a supplemental dressing aid and extra rolls of wrap quickly increase the cost of care without even adding in the costs of increased numbers of dressing changes.  When a problem occurs from the traditional dressing, the expense to treat these complications is also magnified.  These problems range from skin reactions to adhesives, blisters from excessive pressure or constriction and slippage of the wound dressing from the intended site to the need of additional help to apply the primary/secondary dressings.

Tapeless, with its ability to be manufactured in any size while maintaining its anatomic shape, offers immediate obvious advantages.  The larger dressing holders are still reusable, still resist slippage, are non-constrictive, easy to apply and because they are breathable and non-bulky, create a better environment for wound care for both the patient and the healthcare provider.  Cost is reduced, care is optimized and the patient is more compliant.

Tapeless currently has bariatric sizes for several products, but as the field of bariatric medicine becomes more prevalent, Tapeless encourages these specialty centers to work with us to develop size ranges and product models for the more commonly occurring needs.  In this manner, costs can be controlled, needs can be effectively addressed and patient comforts still achievable.

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CHILDREN AND TAPELESS

CHILDREN AND TAPELESS

Tapeless offers children in general, and pediatrics specifically, something that none of the traditional secondary dressings can, i.e., anatomic sized wound dressing holders.  No longer are secondary wound dressings non-specific rolls of material that may or may not accommodate the needs of the patient,  The market potential for such a product is enormous and with an already clinically proven product like Tapeless, an opportunity awaits sales forces entrenched in the pediatric market.

The need of the healthcare provider is different from the desire of the child patient.  The healthcare providers want something that is cost effective, clinically proven, safe (non-constrictive) and has advantages over traditional secondary dressings.  Tapeless provides these qualities.  Children want something that is pain-free, soft to the touch and does not have any adhesives or a need to be pulled over a body part.  Tapeless has these characteristics.

Tapeless has developed specific anatomic wound dressing holders for epidermolysis bullosa children that are available to 2 different sizes that cover large age and size differences among the involved children. It is the goal of Tapeless to find a pediatric institution that has healthcare providers who wish to  help in identifying the most commonly needed dressing holders and the most commonly needed sizes.  Special ordered sizes are always available with Tapeless, but the need for a large number of variations of a particular product should not be needed due to the ability of the material to accommodate most changes in size.

With the absence of adhesives, ease of application,  soft feel and even the blue color of the material, compliance by the child will be higher.    It is then not only possible to change the primary dressing as often as is best for the care of the wound, but maybe even to enlist the older child to change his/her own wound dressing.  Changing the dressing may no longer be a test of wills between the healthcare provider and the child.

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THE ELDERLY AND TAPELESS 


Tapeless has more value to the elderly than any other single age group because of the accumulation of issues that the elderly deal with.   Although Tapeless is effective with all age groups, the elderly present more clinical challenges than do other age groups.

1.         THIN SKIN      This irrefutable event affects everyone as they age.   Special care must be considered when applying any material to skin to reduce concerns of allergies, abrasiveness, adhesives and response to moisture and heat.  Tapeless material has been used for decades for diapers and female sanitary napkins.  It contains no latex, no adhesives, is hypoallergenic and breathes.

2.         COST EFFECTIVENESS         The ability to wash and re-use the Tapless products makes them very cost effective to everyone, especially the elderly.

3.         BLOOD SUPPLY         With the aging process, arterial insufficiency and venous varicosities develop which translate into ulcers and decreased wound healing.  It is important to make sure that any wound dressing holder is not compressive or further compromises an already diminished blood supply.

4.         OTHER MEDICAL PROBLEMS          With the aging process, other medical problems become manifest and may affect healing.  Diabetes is one common example.  With treatment various medications such as steroids or chemotherapy agents may necessitate the avoidance of adhesives, constrictive materials or rough textures.  TapelessÔ may be used safely.

5.         DECREASED SENSATION     Some diseases and aging may diminish the patient’s ability to sense if a dressing is too tight, leading to significant complications.  The use of Tapeless can easily accommodate any increase in swelling and does not constrict as does COBAN.

6.         EASE OF USE              Certain medical problems develop with age, like arthritis and stiff joints, that impair the ability to reach certain body parts or perform the wrapping motion that is required by several competitors.  Tapeless is applied like a clam-shell and is not slipped over any painful or stiff joint.   Tapeless attaches simply with velcro, not needing to be wrapped or applied by a second person.

Tapeless simply works because it works simply.

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