Feeding tubes change so much more than how your body works, they shift how you feel in your skin, how others see you, and how you see yourself. It’s easy to feel like you’ve lost control. Like everything becomes medical, sterile, and impersonal. But sometimes, something small can shift everything, a splash of colour, a spark of personality, a moment of choice. That’s what Cheeky Tapes gave me.
Since getting my first tube in 2021, I’ve tried dozens of medical tapes, most left my skin sore or fell off mid-day. They felt functional at best, frustrating at worst. But Cheeky Tapes was different. It was the first tape that truly worked and made me feel like myself again.
At first, the thought of needing a feeding tube made me want to curl up and cry. I was 21, a dancer, someone who spent every day looking in the mirror, and the idea of being tethered to a tube felt like the end of everything I’d worked for. It was overwhelming, a moment that made me mourn the life I thought I’d have. For the first time, I felt more like a patient than a person.
Cheeky Tapes is a small, family-run business proving that even the most practical medical supplies can feel personal. Too often, products like tape are designed only for function, but Cheeky Tapes wanted to make something that works well and restores a sense of dignity and individuality. Their designs bring colour, comfort, and personality into a space that can otherwise feel overwhelmingly clinical.
Their range is one of the most thoughtful I’ve come across: strong, reliable tape available in an incredible variety of prints. There’s something playful and bright for children, but also plenty of stylish and subtle options for adults, which I really value. And if you want something truly personal, they can even create custom designs. When Ralph (my dog) and I were invited to Crufts, I had tape printed with Ralph’s face on it. That small detail meant my tube didn’t feel like a medical device; it felt like part of me, something that reflected who I am.
Choosing a design each morning might sound like a small thing, but when so much of life with chronic illness feels out of your control, having that choice is powerful. It gives me confidence, helps me feel more like myself, and turns something clinical into something personal. I know so many others who’ve shared that same joy when they find a pattern that reflects them, it’s about more than tape, it’s about identity.
Most of all, what shines through is the family behind the brand. They have been so supportive throughout my journey, encouraging me and countless others in the community. Supporting them isn’t just about buying a product, it’s about standing with people who are genuinely making life better for those of us who live with feeding tubes and other devices. Cheeky Tapes reminds me daily that even the most practical of products can be a source of comfort, confidence, and joy.
Visit the shop here and find a design that reflects you.
Millie wearing Floral Tape
Millie wearing Blue Tape with Ralph's face on, whilst holding Ralph
Millie wearing heart tape
Millie wearing pink marble tape
Millie wearing blue reindeer tape
Millie wearing pink floral tape, holding Ralph
Millie wearing light pink marble tape
Millie wearing white tape with gingerbread men on, holding Ralph
Millie wearing plain white tape with beige stripes
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and visit my website – it truly means the world to me. If you’ve found my posts helpful or inspiring, please consider liking, commenting, or sharing my story to help spread awareness. If you’re able to, a donation to my JustGiving page would go a long way in supporting my journey towards private medical treatment. Your kindness and support make all the difference, and I’m deeply grateful for every bit of it.
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