Latex free!!

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Anyone else out there having issues with latex free tape (pink, ETT, bio occlusive) not sticking at all? Almost all of our supplies in the NICU have gone to latex free and nothing (ng tubes/of tubes/nasal cannula) sticks at all. Even if you use skin prep or benzoin before applying the tape everything comes loose in a few hours (if not minutes). We are now going to latex free ETT tape and I'm very nervous about the accidental extubations we are about to experience. Any ideas? Thoughts?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Do they make NICU sized ETT holders? My facility no longer allows the taping of ETTs in place other than in the OR where the expectation is that it's only going to be in place for a short time and closely monitored by anesthesia staff. Our tape is latex free and generally works well with all but those with thick beards. Maybe try another brand if that's the only option?

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Specializes in NICU.

We use Neobars on all of our ETTs and LOVE them. They are manufactured by Neotech, and we rarely have babies self-extubate when their tubes are secured with one.

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Specializes in ICU.

I second the neobar recommendation. Just watch out in giraffes with greater than 75% humidity, they start to get gooey and peel up. I also can't stand the big baby sized peach colored ones, they never stick ( I think the ends are a different material). We use mastisol under stretchy brown tape cut in an H for the fatties.

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Thanks for the input, definitely will look into the Neobar. What about NG/OG tubes? Do you use pink tape? Has anyone noticed that latex free is significantly less sticky? Especially on faces that are moist/wet?

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Specializes in NICU.

We cut tegaderm patches for og and ng tubes. They do peel off though, especially with high humidity.

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