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Medical-grade hydrogel:

the science
of gentle
adhesion

The same biocompatible material hospitals trust for 24/7 patient monitoring—now powering body-integrated audio. No insertion, no pressure, no fight. Just gentle contact your body accepts.

The material

What is medical-grade hydrogel?

Hydrogel is a water-based polymer network used in continuous healthcare wearables. It creates gentle adhesion to skin without pressure or irritation—the gold standard for medical devices requiring 24/7 skin contact. Think glucose monitors, heart rate patches, and continuous patient monitoring systems. If it stays on skin for days or weeks, it probably uses medical-grade hydrogel. This is the same material powering StéBuds adhesion.

If you’re adjusting it,
it’s not StéBuds
The mechanism

How hydrogel
adhesion works

Four molecular interactions create gentle, distributed adhesion across your skin’s surface.

Step 1: Surface Contact (0-3 seconds)

Hydrogel polymer network makes initial contact with skin surface. Water content allows material to conform to microscopic skin topology. Result: Full surface contact without air gaps or pressure.

Step 2: Molecular Adhesion (3-10 seconds)

Hydrogen bonds form between hydrogel polymers and skin proteins. Van der Waals forces create additional molecular attraction. This is chemistry, not pressure. Result: Secure adhesion through molecular interaction.

Step 3: Skin Compatibility (10+ seconds)

Biocompatible polymer network allows skin to breathe. Moisture balance maintained. Natural skin function continues uninterrupted. Result: Body accepts material as compatible, not foreign.

Step 4: Stable Adhesion (hours to days)

Molecular bonds maintain consistent adhesion over time. No degradation from sweat, moisture, or movement. Performance stays stable. Result: Reliable all-day (or multi-day) adhesion.

Biological neutrality

Skin was always the answer. We just stopped forcing the canal.

StéBuds adheres to skin — not in ear canal. Using medical-grade hydrogel proven in continuous healthcare wearables, audio becomes part of your body instead of something your body has to tolerate.

Launching soon. Join the waitlist