Short answer: non-woven is the economical all-rounder; spunlace is softer and more cloth-like; elastic cloth stretches for joints; PU film is thin, transparent and waterproof; PET film stops paste from bleeding through on cataplasm patches.
Brands usually start with the formula, but buyers judge a patch by how it sits on the skin. That is decided by the backing.
The five backings we use
| Backing | Strengths | Watch out for | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-woven | Economical, easy to print, white or skin color | Limited stretch | High-volume pain patches, navel and acupoint patches, blank sheets |
| Spunlace | Soft, cloth-like, breathable | Slightly higher cost than non-woven | Black plaster and cataplasm for daily use |
| Elastic cloth | Stretches with movement, stays on | Needs good adhesive balance | Shoulder, elbow and knee patches |
| PU film | Thin, transparent, waterproof | Less “traditional” look | Shower-proof and discreet patches |
| PET film (with elastic cloth) | Barrier against paste bleed-through, printable liner | Less breathable | Cataplasm patches |
Adhesive: hot-melt or oil-based
For blank sheets that clinics fill with their own paste, we supply non-woven sheets with either hot-melt or oil-based adhesive, in white or skin color, from 5×5 cm to 20×20 cm, plus PU sheets in the same range and a 13×6 cm toe patch. The full size table is on the blank patch backing page. Test both adhesives with your paste: the right one depends on how oily or watery the paste is.
Shape matters as much as material
A rectangle that works on the lower back will wrinkle on a knee. Die-cut joint and neck patches, a cross-shaped patch and small round acupoint patches keep the core in contact where the body bends.
Choosing quickly
- Lowest cost per patch: non-woven
- Most comfortable for daily wear: spunlace
- Joints and movement: elastic cloth or a shaped die-cut
- Water resistance: PU film
- Gel-paste that must not bleed: PET-backed elastic cloth
Request a quote
To get a useful quotation in one round, send us:
- The product (a link to our catalog is fine) and the size or volume
- Estimated quantity per order and per year
- Bare product, retail box or full private label
- Your target market and the documents your importer or regulator asks for
