Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a compatible blend of (1) a gel preferably comprising a copolymer of an organosiloxane and a siloxane having a plurality of reactive functionalities reacted with a cross-liking agent; and (2) a pressure sensitive adhesive that preferably is essentially non-reactive with the reactive functionalities of said copolymer gel or the copolymer cross-liking agent of said gel, wherein the essentially non-reactive pressure sensitive adhesive is a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive and has a higher adhesive strength than said gel and is blended with said copolymer during cross-linking of said copolymer to form said gel.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition particularly suitable for use as a protective skin barrier material for sealing the faceplate of an ostomy appliance, such as the faceplate of a one-piece or two-piece urostomy or an ileostomy appliance, to skin surfaces surrounding a patient's stoma. The composition includes a blend of two viscoelastic adhesive elastomers, specifically, high molecular weight polyisobutylene and a styrene block copolymer, which, along with a plasticizer (preferably petrolatum) and a suitable tackifier and antioxidant, form a continuous phase in which hydrocolloids such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin are dispersed. The composition is exceptional for its durability, flexibility and strength, even when saturated, and for its controlled swelling upon hydration.

Abstract: A thermal blanket particularly suitable for post-operative therapy and a thermally-conductive, fluid-absorbing interfacing pad for use therewith. The pad includes an intermediate or core layer of a pliant, liquid-absorbing, hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material having both wet and dry tack, a thin backing layer on one side of the intermediate layer, and a porous, fluid-transmitting (and preferably fluid-absorbing) facing layer on the opposite side of the intermediate layer. One or more adhesive patches detachably secure the blanket and pad together, such patches being formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive material preferably having greater affinity for the surface of the blanket than for the surface of the backing layer of the pad. In one embodiment, the pad's facing layer is provided with openings that expose areas of the adhesive intermediate layer for direct contact between the intermediate layer and a patient's skin.

Abstract: A conformable, gas and vapor permeable, moisture-absorbing adhesive dressing particularly suitable for use as a skin-protecting covering over and about an intravenous injection site. The dressing includes a thin, stretchable, and conformable base layer of moisture-absorbing skin barrier material having both dry and wet tack and having a generally central site-inspection opening therethrough, and a thin, transparent, and conformable cover layer formed of a gas and vapor permeable polymeric film having an underside coated with a gas and vapor permeable layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive that secures the film to the upper surface of the base layer and to a patient's skin in the area defined by the opening in the base layer. An arrangement of release sheets covers the underside of the dressing, such sheets being formed and folded to facilitate application of the dressing to a wearer.

Abstract: A male external catheter having an insert of flexible plastic secured within the funnel-shaped end portion of the catheter. The insert reinforces the catheter's end portion and carries an antimicrobial agent to reduce risks of urinary tract infection for the wearer.