Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions
Compeed

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - Compeed® USA

New to using Compeed® hydrocolloid blister patches? We’ve put together some answers to your frequently asked questions, including Compeed® instructions to help you use the patches properly and get the best results. We explain how hydrocolloid bandages for blisters work, how they help to protect your feet and plenty of key information, so you understand the products you’re using.

01

General

What do others say about Compeed® after using it?

After trying a free sample of Compeed®, over 20,000 Pinchme.com members gave Compeed® a 4.6 star rating! Positive feedback was largely around added comfort when wearing/breaking in new shoes, immediate pain relief, and long lasting protection. Compeed® cushions are meant to – and actually do – stay on for up to several days! After trying Compeed®: 88% said they will recommend Compeed® Blister Cushions to family & friends, 78% said that Compeed® exceeded their expectations and performed better than what they typically use to treat blisters, and 50% said “long lasting protection” was a key benefit that Compeed® performed better on vs. other blister products typically used.

Where can I buy Compeed® Cushions?

Compeed® Blister Cushions and Corn Cushions are sold online and at select stores, including Amazon, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, CVS, Giant, Stop & Shop and Safeway. Please visit the “Where To Buy” page to find the complete store list.

Why are Compeed® Blister Cushions better than regular adhesive bandages?

Unlike ordinary bandages, Compeed® Blister Cushions are made using hydrocolloid – a moist wound healing dressing. Our skin is made up of many cells, and has the ability to heal itself. The liquid around a blister or skin wound contains important cells needed for natural wound healing. Allowing blisters or other skin wounds to heal in open air, or covering them with an ordinary bandage may cause the wound to dry out, allowing for scab formation. This slows down the healing process as the cells needed for wound healing grow more slowly in a dry environment. And, once the scab falls off, a scar can appear. Compeed® Blister Cushions protect and isolate the blister or skin wound, support the natural moisture balance needed for skin repair. Unlike ordinary bandages, Compeed® Blister Cushions stay in place for up to several days, while the blister heals. It is designed to look and fit like a second skin, giving you longer lasting pain relief, protection, and faster healing than ordinary bandages.

02

Product Benefits and Characteristics

What is hydrocolloid technology?

A hydrocolloid is a moist wound healing dressing. It is an active gel containing particles that absorb excess wound liquid. The dressing swells to form what appears to be a white bubble, creating a shock-absorbent layer which protects the wound from further rubbing. The hydrocolloid in Compeed® Blister Cushions acts as a second skin to maintain the natural moisture levels, allowing fast wound healing with no scab and therefore reducing the risk of scarring.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions medicated?

No, there is no ‘active’ or ‘medicinal’ ingredient contained in Compeed® Blister Cushions. However, they are made using hydrocolloid – an active gel that contains particles that absorb excess wound liquid. The dressing swells to form what appears to be a white bubble, creating a shock-absorbent layer which protects the wound from further rubbing. The hydrocolloid in Compeed® Blister Cushions acts as a second skin to maintain the natural moisture levels, allowing fast wound healing with no scab and therefore reducing the risk of scarring.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions sterile?

No. Compeed® Blister Cushions are non-sterile dressings.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions sweat-resistant?

Yes, Compeed® Blister Cushions are made with a polyurethane film which allows the skin to breathe and lets excess moisture evaporate. It also insulates the blister/wound from water, bacteria and other impurities and maintains optimal moisture levels to support the natural healing process.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions waterproof?

Yes. Compeed® Blister Cushions are made with a polyurethane film. This film provides a protective barrier that insulates the blister/wound from water, bacteria and other impurities and maintains optimal moisture levels to support the natural healing process.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions latex-free?

Yes. Compeed® Blister Cushions do not contain latex, and no natural rubber. They are safe to use for people who suffer from allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and warts. However, they should not be used on areas of fragile skin such as around eyes, face, and genitals, or directly on affected areas of skin in the case of psoriasis and eczema. People suffering from diabetes, mycosis or any other infection should not use Compeed® Blister Cushions without seeking medical guidance first.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions hypoallergenic?

Yes. Compeed® Blister Cushions are hypoallergenic.They can be used for people who suffer from allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and warts. However, they should not be used on areas of fragile skin such as around eyes, face, and genitals, or directly on affected areas of skin in the case of psoriasis and eczema. People suffering from diabetes, mycosis or any other infection should not use Compeed® Blister Cushions without seeking medical guidance first.

03

Product-related Questions

Do Compeed® Cushions have an expiration date?

Yes. Compeed® Cushions have a “use by” date or an expiration date, which is of 3 years. The date of expiry can be found on the pack, on the back or the bottom of the pack.

How big/small are the Compeed® Blister Cushions?

There are several sizes and shapes available. The “Medium” Compeed® Blister Cushion dimensions are 4.2 x 6.8 cm (1.6 x 2.6 in). The “Small” Compeed® Blister Cushion – sold as part of the Mixed Sizes pack – dimensions are 2.0 x 6.0 cm (0.7 x 2.3 in). The “Toe” Compeed® Blister Cushion – sold as part of the Mixed Sizes pack – dimensions are 1.7 x 5.1 cm (0.6 x 2.0 in). The “Sports Medium” Compeed® Blister Cushion has the same dimensions as “Medium”, however it has a honeycomb structure, offering 20% extra cushioning vs. “Medium”. The “Underfoot” Compeed® Blister Cushion – sold as part of the Sports Mixed pack – has the same dimensions as “Medium”, but is designed for the sole of the foot and provides cushioning for high impact. The “High Heel” Compeed® Blister Cushion has the same dimensions as “Medium”, however it has a unique butterfly shaped design with translucent edges, offering ultimate discretion.

Can I cut a Compeed® Blister Cushion to better fit the size of my blister?

No. Compeed® Blister Cushions are designed using hydrocolloid and adhesive particles that are spread across the whole bandage. The amount of hydrocolloid and adhesive particles varies depending on the shape and size of the bandage. Compeed® Blister Cushions are also designed with a tapering shape to ensure they stick well and provide optimal absorption of excess fluid. There are a range of sizes and shapes of Compeed® Blister Cushions available to fit your blister without needing to cut them.

Is it normal if I see a white bubble forming under Compeed® Blister Cushions? What does it mean?

Yes. Within 24 hours of application, you may see a white gel or bubble starting to form in the center. This is normal. It is actually a visible sign that the Compeed® Blister Cushion is working. That is, it is absorbing the excess fluid around your blister and forming a protective “cushion” so you don’t feel the pain of continued rubbing and pressure on your blister.

04

Product use

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions easy to remove?

Compeed® Blister Cushions are designed to stay in place for up to several days while the blister heals. It will start to detach around the edges on its own when it’s ready to be easily removed. To remove the cushion before it detaches itself, do NOT pull upwards. Instead, slowly stretch along the skin. If desired, baby oil or warm water can be used to help remove it.

Are Compeed® Blister Cushions easy to apply?

Yes. To apply:

  1. Clean and dry skin before use, ensuring blister area is free of creams and oils.
  2. Remove the bottom paper. Do not touch the adhesive side.
  3. Apply cushion firmly over the blister, ensuring the edges are firmly smoothed down against skin.
  4. Leave in place until it starts to detach around edges on its own. It may stay on for up to several days while the blister heals.
  5. To remove the cushion before it detaches itself, do NOT pull upwards.  Instead, slowly stretch along the skin.  If desired, baby oil or warm water can be used to help remove it.

Are Compeed® Cushions reusable?

No. Compeed® Blister Cushions and Corn Cushions are indicated and designed for one-time use only.

Can I use Compeed® Blister Cushions for fever blisters / cold sores?

While the shape of the Small and Medium sized Compeed® Blister Cushions is designed for blisters on heels, they can be used anywhere on the skin and can also be used for fever blisters. However, the size of the cushions may not be ideal, and they should not be used on fragile skin, such as burns, or around eyes and sensitive areas. We suggest you use a specific cold sore patch, such as the Mederma® Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch.

Can I use Compeed® Blister Cushions on minor cuts, burns, or scrapes?

While Compeed® Blister Cushions are indicated and designed to fit blisters specifically, the hydrocolloid (moist wound healing technology) in Compeed® is proven to be effective for many types of minor skin wounds. However, they should not be used on fragile skin, such as burns, and you should avoid use around eyes, face, and genitals.

Do I have to apply the Compeed® Blister Cushion directly to my skin, or can I apply it to my shoe?

Apply Compeed® Blister Cushions directly to clean, dry skin. They are designed to look and fit like a second skin. Leave in place until it starts to detach on its own around the edges. It may stay in place for up to several days while the blister heals.

Can I use Compeed® Blister Cushions only on heels, or can I use them on other parts of the foot or body?

While the shape of the Small and Medium sized Compeed® Blister Cushions are ideal for blisters on heels, they can also be used on sides or soles of the feet, toes, fingers, palms of hands,  and other parts of the body. They should not be used on areas of fragile skin such as around eyes, face, and genitals. Compeed® Blister Cushions are designed to fit like a second skin. They are made with a polyuerethane film which is flexible, waterproof, and allows the skin to breathe. The tapered shape ensures optimal adherence so the Compeed® Blister Cushion stays in place giving you instant pain relief, long lasting protection, and faster healing.

When is it best to apply Compeed® Blister Cushions? Before or after the blister pops?

Compeed® Blister Cushions can be applied before or after the blister pops open or breaks, but the sooner you apply Compeed®, the sooner it can start to work. Compeed® Blister Cushions can be used to help prevent blisters from forming, for example when wearing new shoes, or participating in a sport activity. They can also be applied as soon as the first sensation of rubbing or burning appears. Compeed® Blister Cushions provide a barrier against further rubbing, relieve pain, and prevent the blister from fully developing. They can also be applied to fully developed blisters. Compeed® will provide instant pain relief and long lasting protection while accelerating the natural healing process by supporting the natural moisture balance of the wound.

Can I use Compeed® Blister Cushions to prevent a blister from forming?

Yes. Compeed® Blister Cushions can be used to help prevent blisters from forming, for example when wearing new shoes, or participating in a sporting activity. They can be applied as soon as the first sensations of rubbing or burning appear. Compeed® Blister Cushions provide a barrier against further rubbing, relieve pain, and prevent the blister from fully developing. They can also be applied to a fully developed blister. Compeed® will provide instant pain relief and long lasting protection while accelerating the natural healing process by helping to maintain the optimal moisture levels of the wound.