Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Coban is a 3M brand of cohesive (self-adherent) elastic wrap: a stretchy bandage roll that sticks to itself but not to skin, hair or clothing. Clinics use it to hold dressings in place, to give light compression and to support a joint. This page covers what the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) say about versions, warnings, wear time and reuse.
Who uses it: nurses and clinic staff who secure dressings or devices, clinicians who apply light compression or support, and the supply buyers who stock it.
What Coban is
Coban is a cohesive elastic wrap. According to 3M’s IFU for the non-sterile product, it is made from a nonwoven material and elastic fibers, and its cohesive properties let the wrap stick to itself but not to other materials or skin. The IFU lists three purposes: to provide compression, to provide support, or to secure dressings or devices. It lists no known contraindications.
“Coban” is 3M’s product name; the same kind of product is generally called a cohesive bandage, self-adherent wrap or self-adhering wrap. For the clip-fastened elastic bandage that is a different product, see what an elastic bandage is, and for the wider family see what a bandage is.
How it is built
The wrap combines a nonwoven material with elastic fibers and is supplied as a roll. Because it clings to itself, it needs no clips, pins or tape. 3M’s usage guide for the latex-free hand-tear version describes it as an adhesive-free self-adherent wrap that adheres only to itself and will not stick to skin, hair, clothes or drapes, and says that version tears by hand without scissors.
Types and variants
| Version | Typical use (per 3M) | Key difference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Coban self-adherent wrap, non-sterile | Compression, support, securing dressings or devices | The IFU carries a caution that the product contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions; supplied non-sterile | 3M IFU (issue date 201103) |
| 3M Coban LF latex free self-adherent wrap with hand tear | Securing dressings and devices; immobilization and support | Latex free; tears by hand; 3M describes it as hypoallergenic with low potential for skin irritation (a 3M claim) | 3M Coban LF usage guide (2012, 2014) |
Sizes and specifications that matter
| Specification | Value stated by 3M | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Roll length, most products in the IFU | 5 yards (4.5 m), stretched | 3M IFU |
| Roll length, item 1584L | 6.5 yards (6 m), stretched | 3M IFU |
| Packaging | Boxes of individually packaged rolls | 3M IFU |
| Storage | Room temperature, away from excessive heat and humidity, in the individual package until use; shelf life follows the date on the primary carton | 3M IFU |
How to choose
The 3M documents give only a few choice points. First, the purpose: the IFU describes compression, support, or securing dressings and devices. Second, latex: the standard non-sterile product carries a natural rubber latex caution, while 3M also makes a latex-free version. See what a latex glove is for the related allergy background. Third, the IFU says the wrap should be used in a compression wrap system only under the supervision of a wound care specialist, with adequate arterial flow confirmed. Product and size selection for a particular person is a clinical decision for a health care provider.
How to use Coban and safe handling basics
These points come from the 3M IFU and usage guide and are general product information.
- Applying it: the IFU says to unwind about 12 inches and let it relax, apply one full wrap without stretching and overlap it, then apply tension only for the desired compression, pressing the overlap lightly. The end is cut or torn and pressed gently into place.
- Do not wrap too tightly. 3M warns that a wrap that is too tight can impair circulation and cause serious injury, and that the risk is higher for children.
- Monitor it. The IFU says to check no less than every 24 hours for swelling, discoloration, pain, numbness, tingling or other changes in sensation; if any appear, remove the wrap immediately and contact a health care provider.
- Not on an open wound. 3M says not to place the wrap in direct contact with an open wound, because it may lead to infection. Use a wound dressing underneath.
- Single use. The IFU says “Do Not Reuse.”
- Removal: 3M’s usage guide says to unwrap it or cut it away with bandage scissors.
For graduated compression garments rather than wraps, see what a compression sock is.
Common mistakes
- Stretching the wrap tightly on the first turn, when the IFU says to apply the first full wrap without stretching.
- Applying tension all the way along the roll instead of only as much as the desired compression needs.
- Leaving the wrap unchecked for longer than 24 hours.
- Reusing a roll. The manufacturer’s IFU says do not reuse.
- Placing it directly on an open wound.
- Assuming every roll is latex free; the standard non-sterile product carries a latex caution.
FAQ
How do you use Coban?
According to 3M’s IFU: unwind about 12 inches and let it relax, make one full wrap without stretching and overlap it, add tension only for the compression wanted, then cut the excess and press the end down. Check the area at least every 24 hours and remove the wrap at once if there is swelling, discoloration, pain, numbness or tingling. Your health care provider decides how it should be applied for a given person.
Does Coban stick to skin?
3M states the wrap adheres only to itself and does not stick to skin, hair, clothes or drapes.
Is Coban latex free?
Not always. The standard non-sterile product’s IFU says it contains natural rubber latex; 3M’s Coban LF is the latex-free version.
Can Coban be reused?
The 3M IFU says do not reuse.
Sources
- 3M, Coban Self-Adherent Wrap (non-sterile), instructions for use, issue date 201103, checked 2026-10-29: IFU (PDF)
- 3M, Coban LF Latex Free Self-Adherent Wrap with Hand Tear, Suggested Usage and Application-Removal Guide, 2012, 2014, checked 2026-10-29: usage guide (PDF)
Related supplies: elastic bandages.
