An article for use in contact with a tissue layer of a person and capable of holding its position with respect to the contacted tissue layer while reducing the opportunity for damage to the tissue layer comprises a support structure and a contact layer associated with the support structure. The contact layer has an engagement surface adapted to contact the user's tissue layer. The contact layer is constructed so that the engagement surface has a first state adapted to inhibit movement of the article with respect to the tissue layer of the user, and a second state adapted to enhance movement of the article with respect to the tissue layer of the user. The engagement surface is adapted to transform from the first state to the second state upon application of a force greater than a threshold force.