These foam solid gel electrodes from skintact. I opened the bag a while ago and it says to use them within 7 days. But as a hobbyist, I'm not going through that many so fast. So I was wondering why that warning exists and if I could store them in airtight containers after opening the bag. Using some "old" electrodes, they're not really working so well anymore so I guess they dry up(?) but wanted to confirm.
The 'solid' (less 'liquidy', but still tacky) gel electrolyte in such electrodes, still contains some water / moisture component. Thus can evaporate over time, reducing effectiveness of the gel. So yes, storing them in such a way as to reduce evaporation, should extend life. A small airtight zip-lock bag might suffice. (Rather than a larger air-tight plastic storage container.)
May also benefit by including a small square of slightly damp paper towel in the zip loc bag. This will keep the humidity high inside the bag, decreasing any evaporation that is happening.
I'm just speculating here, but it may be possible to 'revive' an old electrode, by first putting a small droplet of water on the gel portion, then letting it absorb for a period of time (determined experimentally). This is assuming you have not degraded the adhesive portion (with water or other substance), since the adhesive is needed for proper skin adhesion. It's also possible that the 'solid gel', if excessively dehydrated, may not recover, even if hydrated.
I simply keep my Skintact electrodes in a ziploc bag. I have not had any issues and have been storing in this way for at least a year. Hope this helps!
-RW
Comments
What electrodes are you referring to?
https://shop.openbci.com/collections/frontpage/products/skintact-f301-pediatric-foam-solid-gel-electrodes-30-pack?variant=29467659395
These foam solid gel electrodes from skintact. I opened the bag a while ago and it says to use them within 7 days. But as a hobbyist, I'm not going through that many so fast. So I was wondering why that warning exists and if I could store them in airtight containers after opening the bag. Using some "old" electrodes, they're not really working so well anymore so I guess they dry up(?) but wanted to confirm.
The 'solid' (less 'liquidy', but still tacky) gel electrolyte in such electrodes, still contains some water / moisture component. Thus can evaporate over time, reducing effectiveness of the gel. So yes, storing them in such a way as to reduce evaporation, should extend life. A small airtight zip-lock bag might suffice. (Rather than a larger air-tight plastic storage container.)
May also benefit by including a small square of slightly damp paper towel in the zip loc bag. This will keep the humidity high inside the bag, decreasing any evaporation that is happening.
I'm just speculating here, but it may be possible to 'revive' an old electrode, by first putting a small droplet of water on the gel portion, then letting it absorb for a period of time (determined experimentally). This is assuming you have not degraded the adhesive portion (with water or other substance), since the adhesive is needed for proper skin adhesion. It's also possible that the 'solid gel', if excessively dehydrated, may not recover, even if hydrated.
William
May be possible to check specs on similar electrodes online,
https://www.google.com/search?q=self+adhesive+ecg+electrodes
I simply keep my Skintact electrodes in a ziploc bag. I have not had any issues and have been storing in this way for at least a year. Hope this helps!
-RW