1984 - Lars Backsell, while working as a General Manager at Coloplast, identified an untapped niche in the plaster market for band aids that help relieve blisters from certain sports. Lars conducted a clinical trial with the Swedish army to test a prototype that was used to develop a skin barrier for bandaging purposes based on hydrocolloid technology. The initial product used an ostomy sheet and sold as a blister protective bandage through pharmacies to consumers. 1986 - Compeed was first sold in Sweden before being registered in the USA in the category of antiseptic cleaning tissues as a trademark under serial number 73589785. 1988 - Compeed got FDA approval. 2002 - "Compeed X-TREME Flex" plaster by Jan Marcussen included into MoMA design collection. 2002 - The brand sold to Johnson & Johnson in May 2002 2004 - "Compeed X-TREME Flex" plaster wins Danish Design Award. 2007 - Compeed was awarded Nicholas Hall's New Product of the Year.
Technology
Hydrocolloidal plaster contains croscarmellose sodium, and tackifier resins. Top level of plaster is made of elastomer and polyurethane film. When applied to the blister, it starts to absorb body liquids turning into a soft mass that cushions the blister. It seals the blister forming so-called "second skin". The plaster doesn't heal the wound. It prevents the blister from developing and helps new skin to grow underneath the plaster. Cushioned zone created by the plaster relieves pain and protects the wound from rubbing. The plaster repels water, and stops dirt and germs from entering the wound, thus preventing infection. At first the plaster absorbs all the moisture from the blister but over time it becomes more permeable so the wound dries out. Unlike ordinary dressings hydrocolloidal plaster stays on the wound for several days and it stays on even in the shower. Corn removing plaster works in a similar way. Only that it absorbs the moisture resulting from salicylic acid acting on the corn.
Consumer research
Compeed conducts consumer insight researches. 2014 research showed that British women own 25 pairs of shoes but 5 of them are never used because they are too painful to wear. 2012 research indicated that 58 percent of women take off their shoes during a night out because of the pain. It also showed that the average heel worn by British women is 3.3 inches - highest heels across Europe.
