Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressings

Tegaderm is 3M's line of transparent film dressings — thin, breathable, waterproof barriers that let you see a wound or IV site without disturbing it. The clear film blocks water, dirt, and bacteria while allowing oxygen and moisture vapor to pass through, so the skin underneath can breathe. That combination is why clinicians reach for Tegaderm to cover IV catheters, secure central lines, protect surgical incisions, and manage superficial wounds, blisters, and minor burns.

This collection spans the everyday and the specialized. The 3M Nexcare Tegaderm Transparent Dressing (4 x 4-3/4 inch, latex-free) is the go-to for waterproof coverage over cuts, scrapes, and post-procedure sites, while the Nexcare Tegaderm+ Pad adds a non-adherent absorbent pad for lightly draining wounds — you get film protection and a wound pad in one step. For sites that weep more, the Tegaderm Absorbent dressing pairs an acrylic polymer pad with the transparent film to handle moderate exudate in oval and rectangular sizes.

A common question is which Tegaderm to use for an IV or PICC line. For those, look at the securement-specific options in our 3M PICC / CVC Securement Device + Tegaderm range, which combines a StatLock-style catheter anchor with the film dressing to reduce line movement and dressing changes. Standard clear film works well for peripheral IVs and general skin coverage; the securement versions are built for central lines.

All dressings here are sterile and single-use. Choose your size based on the site — leave a margin of intact skin around the wound so the adhesive seals to healthy skin. Browse the full 3M Tegaderm selection to compare sizes, absorbent versus plain film, and IV securement formats.