Kendall Hypoallergenic Paper Tape — Gentle on Fragile Skin, Easy Tear, 4 Sizes (formerly Tenderskin)

Strong enough to hold. Gentle enough for skin that can't take much. Kendall Hypoallergenic Paper Tape by Covidien (formerly sold as Tenderskin) is a general-purpose medical paper tape built specifically for patients who need frequent dressing changes — where the tape itself becomes the problem. The naturally porous paper construction lets skin breathe under the tape, reducing maceration and irritation that builds up with repeated applications. The hypoallergenic adhesive holds dressings securely while leaving minimal residue on removal, making it the standard choice for sensitive skin, fragile or thin skin, elderly patients, and any application where tape trauma from repeated change cycles is a concern. Strong and tangle-free, easy to tear by hand without scissors, and manageable with or without gloves. Available in four widths from 1/2 inch through 3 inches, each on a 10-yard roll.

✔ Hypoallergenic Adhesive — Gentle on Sensitive & Fragile Skin    ✔ Naturally Porous Paper — Breathable, Skin Can Breathe Under Tape    ✔ Minimal Residue on Removal — Ideal for Repeated Taping    ✔ Easy to Tear — No Scissors Needed    ✔ Tangle-Free — Easy to Handle With or Without Gloves    ✔ Latex-Free

Product Details & Available Sizes

Indicated For — Uses & Applications

• Securing wound dressings on sensitive or fragile skin — primary indication
• Frequent and repeated dressing changes where tape trauma and adhesive buildup are concerns
• Elderly patients with thin, papery, or delicate skin
• Patients on long-term corticosteroids — where skin fragility is a known side effect
• Radiation-damaged or compromised periwound skin
• Pediatric patients requiring gentle adhesive removal
• Securing IV lines, tubing, and catheters — particularly where standard tape causes irritation
• Post-surgical wound dressing securement
• Ostomy appliance and pouch securement on periostomal skin
• General-purpose dressing tape for any patient where hypoallergenic adhesive is preferred

Why Paper Tape for Sensitive Skin — What Makes It Different

Medical tapes fall into several categories — plastic (Transpore-style), cloth (silk or polyester), foam, and paper. Each has a specific strength. Paper tape is the go-to for sensitive and frequently taped skin for two reasons that the other formats don't match:

• Natural porosity — paper tape is inherently breathable. Unlike plastic or foam tapes that create an occlusive layer over the skin, paper tape allows moisture vapor and air to move through the tape backing continuously, preventing the moisture buildup under the tape that causes maceration and adhesive dermatitis with repeated long-term use.
• Minimal adhesive residue — Kendall's hypoallergenic adhesive is formulated to release cleanly from skin with minimal residue left behind. On patients who are re-taped daily or multiple times per week, residue accumulation from standard adhesives becomes a significant source of skin irritation and breakdown. Paper tape's clean release breaks that cycle.

The tradeoff with paper tape is water resistance — paper tape is not waterproof and will lose adhesion when wet. For IV sites, wounds exposed to bathing, or applications requiring a waterproof barrier, a transparent film dressing or waterproof tape is more appropriate. For dry wound dressing securement on sensitive or frequently-taped skin, paper tape is the clinical standard.

Choosing the Right Width

• 1596C (1/2") — Narrowest width. Best for securing small dressings, anchoring IV lines or tubing, pediatric applications, and narrow wound sites where a full-inch tape would overhang the dressing. Box of 24 rolls.
• 1914C (1") — The standard general-purpose width. The most widely used size for routine dressing securement across wound types and patient populations. Box of 12 rolls.
• 2419C (2") — Wide format for larger dressings, abdominal wound coverage, and applications where a single strip of wider tape replaces multiple strips of narrower tape. Box of 6 rolls.
• 3394C (3") — Maximum width. Post-surgical sites, large torso or abdominal dressings, and any application requiring broad coverage from a single tape strip. Box of 4 rolls.

Not sure which width is right for your application? Call 1-866-218-0902 — Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm EST

Application & Removal Tips

• Ensure the skin is clean and dry before applying — paper tape loses adhesion on wet or oily skin
• Apply with light, even pressure — do not stretch the tape as it is applied; stretching creates tension that causes skin tenting and trauma on removal
• Tear to length by hand — the easy-tear paper construction tears cleanly across the width without scissors
• To remove: lift one edge and peel slowly parallel to the skin, not perpendicular — on very fragile skin, use an adhesive remover wipe to dissolve the adhesive before peeling
• Allow any adhesive residue to air dry before reapplying — a brief alcohol wipe will remove residue cleanly without damaging the skin
• Do not use on open wounds — paper tape is for skin and periwound surface use only; do not apply directly over open wound tissue
• Not waterproof — replace if the tape becomes wet

Why Buy From Medical Department Store?

• 30+ years serving home medical and clinical supply customers — A+ BBB Rated
• 110% Low Price Guarantee — we beat any competitor
• Medical supply specialists on the phone, not a call center
• Ships to all 50 states — 5 Southwest Florida locations for local pickup

Questions about Kendall Paper Tape or any medical tape? Call 1-866-218-0902 — our team is ready to help.