This leaflet has been produced to provide you information about Coban™ (cohesive bandage) and aims to answer any questions you may have. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to discuss these with your therapist.
What is Coban?
Coban is an elasticated bandage, which sticks to itself. It provides gentle compression to help reduce swelling in your finger and hand.
How do we apply it?
Coban comes in a variety of sizes and your therapist will give the most suitable size for you. There are two ways you can apply your Coban tape and the most suitable way will be demonstrated to you. As a reminder, the two ways are described below:
Method 1
Start to apply Coban at the tip of the finger, leaving the tip exposed. Then wind the Coban approximately half the width to overlap each time, keeping tension firm but not too tight. Finish at base of the finger, where the Coban will stick to itself.
Method 2
Cut a length of Coban that matches the length of the finger. Wrap the piece around your finger in the direction it stretches, gently tug and pinch together on the back. Carefully cut any excess Coban off. You can slide the Coban off and on as required.
Warnings
- Coban contains rubber latex. If you experience any allergic reaction, discontinue use.
- The Coban should be removed before getting your finger wet as Coban shrinks when it is wet.
- The tip of your finger should always be visible. If the tip changes colour or you get pins and needles/numbness, take it off and reapply with less tension. If this has the same effect, take it off and discontinue use.
- Remove Coban before going to bed.
- If you have any concerns, remove it and discontinue use, and inform your hand therapist.
Contact numbers
If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:
The James Cook University Hospital
Hand Therapy Team
Telephone: 01642 835595 or 01642 854453
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Email: [email protected]
Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including LARGE PRINT, CD, in Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
Patient experience team (PET)
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact the patient experience team who will help you to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01642854807
Freephone: 0800 0282451
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850
Friarage Hospital
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911