What Is Hypafix Tape? Uses, Sizes, and How to Apply It

Hypafix tape is a soft, non-woven fabric tape that holds wound dressings, tubing, and appliance edges securely in place while letting your skin breathe. Made by BSN Medical (Leukoplast), it is latex-free, gentle on skin, and you cut it to whatever size and shape you need. This guide covers what Hypafix is used for, the sizes it comes in, how to apply and remove it without hurting your skin, and how it compares to Cover-Roll.

In this article

• What is Hypafix tape?
• What is Hypafix tape used for?
• What sizes does Hypafix come in?
• How do you apply Hypafix tape?
• How do you remove it without hurting your skin?
• Hypafix vs Cover-Roll: which should you use?
• Frequently asked questions

What is Hypafix tape?

Hypafix is a wide-area dressing retention tape: a stretchy, non-woven fabric with a skin-friendly adhesive across the whole back. Instead of taping down just the corners of a dressing, you cover the entire dressing and a margin of skin around it, so nothing lifts at the edges.

It is breathable, which lets moisture and air pass through and helps the skin underneath stay healthy during longer wear. The adhesive is hypoallergenic and the tape is latex-free, so it suits sensitive skin and people who react to other tapes. You can read the manufacturer details on the Leukoplast Hypafix page.

What is Hypafix tape used for?

Hypafix is used anywhere a dressing or device needs to stay put on the skin. The most common uses are:

• Holding wound dressings in place after surgery, an injury, or a skin procedure, especially on larger or awkward areas a small adhesive pad cannot cover.
• Securing tubing, drains, and catheters so they do not pull or shift.
• Supporting scar care during healing, including after procedures where a clinician recommends fixation tape.
• Framing the edge of an ostomy wafer or flange, often called picture-framing, to add security when a barrier lifts at the edges.

Because you cut it to size, the same roll works for a small dressing on a finger or a wide strip across the abdomen. For a deeper walkthrough on dressings specifically, see our guide on how to keep a wound dressing in place.

What sizes does Hypafix come in?

Hypafix comes in different widths and pack sizes. The width you want depends on how big an area you need to cover. Here is how the options on our shelves compare:

Option	Width	Best for	Price
Tape, 4" x 10 yd (3 boxes)	4 inch	Most dressings and ostomy edges	$32.00
Tape, 4" x 10 yd (6 boxes)	4 inch	Stocking up, frequent changes	$64.00
Sheet roll, 4" x 10 yd (2 pack)	4 inch	A lower-cost way to start	$23.00
Sheets, 6" x 10 yd	6 inch	Large dressings and wide areas	$35.71

If you mostly cover standard dressings, a 4 inch width handles the majority of jobs. Step up to the 6 inch sheets when you need to cover a large dressing in one piece.

How do you apply Hypafix tape?

Applying Hypafix well takes about a minute and makes the difference between a dressing that holds and one that peels. Here is the method:

1. Start with clean, dry skin. Wash and fully dry the area. The adhesive will not grip damp or oily skin.
2. Cut the piece you need and round the corners. Cut Hypafix a little larger than the dressing so it overlaps onto skin on every side. Rounded corners are far less likely to catch and lift than sharp ones.
3. Peel back part of the paper backing. Expose one edge of the adhesive, then position that edge first.
4. Lay it down without stretching. Smooth the tape onto the skin as you peel away the rest of the backing. Apply gentle pressure and avoid pulling the tape tight, since tension can tug the skin and cause soreness.
5. Press the whole surface for a few seconds. Warmth from your hand helps the adhesive bond. Run a finger around the outer edge to seal it.

How do you remove Hypafix tape without hurting your skin?

Remove Hypafix slowly and low to the skin. Lift one corner, then peel it back on itself (almost folding it flat against the skin) rather than pulling straight up. Support the skin with your other hand as you go. For stubborn edges or fragile skin, a medical adhesive remover wipe makes it painless. We cover this in detail in how to remove medical tape without hurting your skin.

Hypafix vs Cover-Roll: which should you use?

Choose Hypafix for breathable, cut-to-size coverage on flatter areas and sensitive skin, and choose Cover-Roll when the area bends and moves, like a knee or shoulder, and needs more stretch. Both are made by BSN Medical, both are latex-free, and both are cut to size, so the decision comes down to how much the area flexes.

	Hypafix	Cover-Roll
Material	Soft non-woven fabric	Elastic non-woven fabric
Stretch	Some give, conforms well	More stretch for moving joints
Best for	Flat or wide areas, sensitive skin	Knees, elbows, shoulders, active areas
Latex-free	Yes	Yes

Frequently asked questions

Is Hypafix tape waterproof?

Hypafix is water-repellent and breathable rather than fully waterproof. It can usually handle a quick shower, but it is not designed for soaking or swimming. Pat it dry afterward and check that the edges are still sealed.

Is Hypafix latex-free?

Yes. Hypafix is latex-free, and its adhesive is hypoallergenic, which is why it is often chosen for sensitive skin and for people who react to other tapes.

How long can you leave Hypafix on?

Hypafix can stay in place for several days, and often up to about a week, depending on the site, your skin, and how much the area moves. Always follow the wear time your nurse or healthcare provider recommends for your situation, and change it sooner if the edges lift or the skin underneath looks irritated.

Can you use Hypafix on an ostomy bag?

Many ostomates use a strip of Hypafix to frame the edge of a wafer or flange for extra security when a barrier tends to lift. It does not replace your skin barrier or ring, it backs it up. If leaks are your main worry, our guide on why your ostomy wafer keeps leaking walks through the usual causes.

Is Hypafix tape FSA or HSA eligible?

Yes. As a wound-care and dressing-fixation product, Hypafix is generally eligible for FSA and HSA spending. Keep your receipt for your records.