DISCUSSION
ADHESION, DECAY
The silicone‐based adhesive of the OxySoftN sensor does not appear to disrupt the skin barrier function, as evidenced by the TEWL results. Although TEWL rates were significantly elevated in those sites to which either the OxySoftN or MaxN sensors were attached compared to the intact skin of the control sites, it is important to understand that the degree of change, although statistically significant, is clinically very modest and iin‐line with previous findings.The protein removal results also demonstrated that the OxySoftN sensor removes much less skin than the MaxN. The amount of protein removal was significantly different, and the real difference is probably even larger, as the OxySoftN fell below the detection limit of the test. Lower dilution ratios than those used here would increase the concentration of protein in the assay, potentially allowing for a lower detection limit of protein on future adhesives. The results from the protein assay demonstrate that the OxySoftN adhesive removed less skin than the MaxN sensor, corroborating the difference in TEWL seen between the two devices in the sensor region.Peel force testing demonstrated that the adhesive on the OxySoftN sensor far outlasts the MaxN sensor. The OxySoftN adhesive was able to reposition up to 18 times, whereas the MaxN lost adhesion more quickly. The decay rate of adhesion can be estimated through the fitted parameters. The adhesion of OxySoftN decayed by 1.1% per reposition for both the tail and optical region. The typical lifetime of an adhesive is 1–3 days. Assuming the sensor is removed and placed at a new site every 4 h, 18 reapplications would not be uncommon. Here, OxySoftN retained adhesion over 18 removals and, on average, decreased by approximately 20%. This would also suggest that limit for re‐adhering the OxySoftN sensor was not achieved, even at 18 repositions.The reapplication testing was completed in rapid succession and therefore did not have a 4‐h dwell time, as would be expected in the NICU. However, increasing the dwell time would likely not impact the results for OxySoftN but increase the decay rate for the MaxN. Traditional adhesives, such as the MaxN, exhibit increased peel forces and reduced reapplication with longer dwell times as the adhesive can flow and fully wet the skin.Skin‐contacting adhesives form physical bonds with the skin, which requires the adhesive to be in close contact with the skin.