How to use 1UP Guard™ sweat protection patches
Ready to stop underarm sweat stains?
Follow these simple steps for the best results.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
1. Preparation
For the best results, start with clean, dry skin.
- Clean and Dry the underarm area thoroughly.
- Moisture or oils can weaken the adhesive bond & result in a less secure hold.
- For the best experience, we strongly recommend shaving or trimming the application area.
READY, STEADY, NO MORE SWEATY!
2. Application
Orientation: Removable Clear Liners face skin, Removable Paper Liners face outward away from skin.
STEP 1
FOLD
FOLD the patch along the side pill notch cutouts so the Paper Outer Liners touch.
STEP 2
PEEL - Inner
Slowly PEEL off one of the Clear Inner Liners.
We find starting with the bottom half works best, but choose whatever feels most comfortable for you.
STEP 3
STICK
Align & STICK the exposed half of the patch to the corresponding half of the underarm area with your arms raised to a 90° (laterally perpendicular angle).
Bottom half of the patch to the bottom half of your axilla, for example.
💡 Once the first half is secure, repeat steps PEEL & STICK for the other half while maintaining recommended arm angle.
STEP 4
PEEL - Outer
Apply even pressure across the adhesive border and once secured, slowly PEEL off the Paper Outer Liners gently ensuring the adhesion isn't compromised.
💡 Allow the adhesive to cure for a short duration.
OPTIMIZE!
💡 TIPS & TRICKS
- The first few times may take some practice.
- The novelty of a patch nestled in your underarm may fade quicker than expected.
-
Align & Streamline
When applying, align the folded patch so that the folded edge tucks snugly into your underarm crevice where the arm and torso meet.
Once familiar & comfortable with application, try peeling both Top & Bottom Clear Inner Liners and applying, rather than one by one.
-
Placement & Fit
Maintaining the proper arm angle (laterally at 90°) will help minimize 'anchoring', where you may feel some tugging or sagging of the patch with arm movements.
-
Border Cuts
For an extra flexible & conforming fit, try making small cuts in the adhesive border before peeling the Clear Inner Liners.
⚠️ Limit cuts to the adhesive border. STOP at the absorbent layer.
💡 Try applying without and with cuts to determine the more comfortable fit for you.
-
Reposition
The adhesive is designed with a degree of repositionability. If repositioning, carefully peel the desired section and re-apply.
⚠️ With repositioning, adhesive strength may be reduced. Please also be mindful of the adhesive rolling & sticking onto itself.
EASY DOES IT
3. Removal
- The underarm is a sensitive area with folds & wrinkles. It is essential to remove the patch gently. Remember: LOW & SLOW.
- AVOID pulling the patch off at a vertical angle (perpendicular) to the skin. NEVER rip off like conventional adhesive bandages.
- Below you will find 3 sample methods for removing medical tape recommended by healthcare professionals.
METHOD 1
180° Roll
- Carefully lift a corner or an edge of the adhesive.
- Hold & stabilize the skin at the peel line.
- Peel the tape - LOW & SLOW - by rolling it off over itself with your fingertip.
💡 Continue to support the skin close to the newly exposed peel line while peeling.
METHOD 2
Petroleum Jelly / Moisturizer
Petroleum Jelly and certain Moisturizers can also soften the adhesive, facilitating removal.
- While supporting the skin, apply a small amount of jelly/moisturizer to the peel lines continuously as you roll away the tape - LOW & SLOW.
METHOD 3
Stretch
Stretch the tape - LOW & SLOW - horizontally along the skin, away from the center.
BE MINDFUL
📌 PRECAUTIONS
- Some people can be sensitive to medical adhesives, including silicone-based adhesives.
- Exercise extra care during Application & Removal.
-
🛑 Vertical Pull
- IMPORTANT: NEVER pull the medical tape straight up at a vertical angle from the skin.
- Pulling at this angle increases the risk of Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries (MARSI).
-
Medical-grade Adhesive
- If allergic to silicone-based adhesives, consult a medical professional prior to use.
- This particular silicone-based adhesive is NOT readily dissolved by alcohol.
-
Additional Safeguards
- For sensitive skin, consider skin barrier options that act as a protective barrier between skin & medical tape prior to application.
- For potential adhesive residue after removal, consider bandage adhesive remover products.
- Consider moisturizing the skin between applications. Remember to prepare the skin properly prior to use.
-
📢 Exceptions
- The underarm/axilla can be a particularly sensitive area relative to other parts of your skin.
- If skin irritation occurs despite proper removal, rest the irritated area to heal on its own over the next few days.
- If irritation persists, immediately stop using the patches and consult a medical professional.