How practitioners use underwrap and micropore tape

Underwrap sports tape sits between skin and athletic tape. Foam underwrap tape (also known as pre wrap or prewrap) shields skin from friction and irritation from adhesive, especially at places like the ankle, wrist and areas that have been taped frequently in the same week. Foam underwrap is normally used before zinc oxide or rigid strapping tape is applied and makes removal easier after the training period.

Micropore tape does a different job. Micropore surgical tape is a porous fixation tape that holds dressings, gauze, electrodes and light strapping without requiring a rigid adhesive. Micropore dressing tape is less irritating to the skin than zinc oxide and is commonly used by those with sensitive skin and for temporary fixation purposes.

Underwrap vs micropore vs zinc oxide: what's the difference

These three products get confused often enough that it's worth being direct about it.

• Underwrap tape (foam underwrap, pre wrap) is a thin foam wrap strip applied first, directly to skin, to protect it before rigid taping goes on. It has little to no supportive strength on its own.
• Micropore tape is a fixation and dressing tape. Not intended for joint taping but rather for holding down bandages, pads, or light strapping, it does so without the risk of irritating the skin as other more adhesive tapes do.
• Zinc oxide tape is the rigid, high tack tape for taping joints and ligaments is zinc oxide tape. Should you be stocking any of these two along with your variety of taping, they complement each other instead of competing with one another.

Hapla felts and foams for padding and offloading

The products that are often used in podiatry and sports therapy as pads or cushions for pressure offloading include Hapla adhesive felt and Hapla foam products, specifically for bony prominences and regions that may have friction problems. Hapla's adhesive system is designed in such a way that it is hypoallergenic in nature, and this is an important factor when the patient is required to undergo multiple applications because normal adhesives may irritate the skin in the long run.

Selecting the proper product for the task

• Protecting skin before taping: foam underwrap tape or pre wrap headband material for smaller areas
• Securing a dressing or light strapping: micropore tape or micropore surgical tape
• General fixation across a shift or clinic day: strappal tape for a stronger, low-cost hold
• Padding or offloading a pressure point: Hapla adhesive felt or foam, selected by firmness

Ordering for clinics and organisations

trimbio supplies NHS Trusts, private clinics, sports clubs and individual practitioners with underwrap, micropore tape and Hapla products as part of a wider taping and strapping range. For bulk orders or departmental use, please feel free to contact the team. Any order exceeding £75 (excluding VAT) will be eligible for free standard shipping, to be dispatched within 2 working days.

Explore our Zinc Oxide & Fixation Tapes for rigid strapping options, our Kinesiology Tapes range, or Taping Accessories for scissors, adhesive spray and related tools.

Frequently asked questions

What is underwrap tape used for?

Underwrap tape is a thin foam layer applied to skin before rigid athletic tape or zinc oxide strapping. It protects skin from friction and adhesive irritation and makes tape easier to remove after a session. It's sometimes called pre wrap or foam underwrap tape.

Is micropore tape the same as microporous surgical tape?

Yes. The terms "micropore tape" and "microporous surgical tape" refer to almost identical products, referring to a light and porous tape used to fix dressings, gauze, or strapping. It is less aggressive compared to the zinc oxide tape.

Can pre wrap be used under kinesiology tape?

Pre wrap is generally not needed under kinesiology tape, since kinesiology tape is designed to be low-irritation and applied directly to skin. Pre wrap is more commonly used under rigid strapping and zinc oxide tape, where the adhesive is stronger.

Is prewrap tape suitable for hair or wig application?

No. The underwrap and pre wrap products in this range are sports and clinical taping products, designed for use on skin beneath athletic or strapping tape. They're not intended for hair styling or wig preparation, which is a separate product category outside trimbio's range.

What are Hapla adhesive felt and foam used for?

Hapla adhesive felt and foam are used for padding, cushioning and offloading pressure from bony areas or friction points, commonly in podiatry and sports therapy. Hapla's adhesive is formulated to be hypoallergenic, which suits patients needing repeated or long-term application.

Do you supply underwrap and micropore tape to NHS Trusts and clinics?

Yes. trimbio is an NHS-approved supplier and regularly supplies underwrap, micropore tape and Hapla products to NHS Trusts, private clinics and sports clubs. For bulk quantities or purchase order enquiries, contact the team by phone or email.