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Tens unit pads & adhesive

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 7/21/2013 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I've had a rough summer.... no help from Cymbalta and so nothing but BT meds for pain. Recently, I've been trying to cut back on the latter by using my tens unit.

The pads, though, don't stay on... even fresh pads. Does anyone have recommendations for some adhesive or a specific pad brand?

Thanks.
Posted 7/21/2013 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
It's been a long time since I've used a TENS.... so others may know a special pad brand....

But when I need medical things to stay on -- I also use "Tegaderm" tape. It can be cut to appropriate size... and probably used a few times w/out replacing. This is the same type that keeps the fentanyl patches on and other things.

I wouldn't cover the whole thing as this could mess w/ the conduction etc but a small piece might keep it on?

Edit: Better yet - I just read that there is a TENS gel that makes the pads sticky and keeps them on... maybe look into that, or maybe someone here has used it.

Good luck!
Posted 7/22/2013 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
try wiping your skin dow with a medi wipe to clean any oils in/on your skin ive found this helps making my pads stick to the shin better
Posted 7/22/2013 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
When TENS company send me new pads they include alcohol wipes that I use prior to applying the pads. If I am going to be active - shopping, etc. -

I apply a heating pad over the pads for 10-15 minutes min so the adhesive will stick better..

Good luck
Posted 7/22/2013 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
..better explaination.
.heating pad over the TENS pads after they have been applied to your body..
Posted 7/22/2013 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
If you add a little bit of water (and I mean just a few drops) to the adhesive it sticks better. Also, make sure your skin is super clean- any oils, lotions, cologne, anything like that will decrease the stickiness. Heat can also help fuse the pads to your skin better. If all else fails, you can call your rep and find out if they can send you a different brand of pads or if they have any advice for them not sticking.

Empi (the maker of my TENS) has a belt for people who have issues with the pads sticking. Its' a wrap that has the pads built into it, and you just strap it around the area you're looking to treat. Maybe the company who makes yours has something similar? If not, you should be able to buy one from a TENS unit supply store...as long as the wires/pads are compatible with your unit...you should be able to use it...even if your particular company does not make/carry one.
Posted 7/22/2013 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
Cogito I haven't used a tens unit in a very long time (years and years ) I also had a hard time keeping the pads on, and I tried everything they even had me use various kinds of tapes to try and get them to stay on. Unfortunately they found I was allergic to most tapes (even the hyperallergenic ones the tapes would cause me to breakout and even cause my skin to blister) so that didn't work either.
.I eventually gave up on tens as it was not very effective for me anyway! I have empathy for you, I know how hard it can be to get those darn pads to stick and stay in place! If your skin is moist or you sweat or prespire easily like I do, getting those Ten's pads to stay in place is just about an impossible task! I found out the hard way if the pads do not have really good and total contact with your skin you can really get zapped good, and using the Tens unit can be shocking experience!

Good Luck to you!

White Beard
Posted 7/22/2013 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice. A belt seems particularly helpful, in part because I'm putting the pads on my back, which is hard for me to do.

They have been helping, masking at least one of the pains I have. Also, I've been having fun contracting neck and shoulder muscles, quickly turning the tens off and feeling a very pleasant release of tension.
Posted 7/23/2013 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Speaking of TENS units, does anyone here know if they make larger pads? I see pictures of them on the pad package, but whenever I request a larger pad, I end up getting the smaller ones. Also wondering if regular ppl like us (non-professional physical therapists, etc.) can purchase one of those heavy duty stim units that use electricity, as opposed to the dinky TENS unit that only uses a 9 volt battery? It would be so nice to have one available at home after a tough day. I crank my TENS unit up, but it's not as effective.
Posted 7/23/2013 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Try looking online for the larger pads. There are several TENS unit supply stores and I've seen larger pads there. As for the heavy duty stim units, I'm not sure...but I do know the majority of the legit supply sites won't sell you anything without a legit script first. But you could look online for that too I imagine.
Posted 7/23/2013 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
1 day at a time,

I have a 9v tens and at its higher settings it is too strong for me. Perhaps your battery is old? My tens is an "emsi 2001". They are quite cheap, allow for 4 pads, and have a fair number of adjustments.

As for larger pads, Amazon has various ones: 2x4, 4x6, 1.5x13, etc.
Posted 7/23/2013 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Adhesive issue solved...

Anyone looking for pads that stick well, try "Santa Medical Self-Adhering electrodes". They arrived today and WOW -- they're almost too sticky!


http://www.amazon.com/Santamedical-Re-Usable-Carbon-Electrode-Pads/dp/B006VKRWL8/ref=pd_sim_hpc_4
Posted 9/18/2013 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hey! I was looking for the same info. I originally was ordered an empi unit. Then I couldn't believe what they were going to try to charge my insurance. When she (incorrectly) told me my insurance no longer covers these she told me the actual cost they would charge me personally was about 400.00 less than they were going to charge the insurance!! Such a scam. I read online not to spend 100s of dollars on a unit because there are reasonable models for much less!

I ordered a variety of electrodes from lgmedical supply and otcwholesale

The best yet are the bio-flex brand. Very sticky and thin. They dont move.

I did they some pals platinum electrodes. Very thick...didn't think they were that great. I will stick with the bioflex.
Posted 9/18/2013 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi icepak,

Welcome to HW.

Yes, it is an outrageous scam that TENS units are being marked up into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, for the exact units we can buy for $40.

In addition to the Santa Medical, I've also found:
www.amazon.com/Resealable-Packs-Electrodes-Each-Total/dp/B00BISIHJ4/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&qid=1379517291&sr=8-44&keywords=tens+pads

Which are a bit cheaper and better quality - than the Santa. I just looked at the Bioflex -- about twice the price. I'm not sure if they are any more conductive, but I wonder if the Silver might help with skin irritation.
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