I had two peg tubes, one for five years with intermittent use, and for the most part, didn't use any gauze or buffer either. I found the moisture from them promoted bacteria, even though drying the area with a hair dryer, and applying Bactrim or clotrimizole ointment when needed, and some doctors said you can develop a resistance from frequent use of the antibacterial or antifungal. They were probably trying to talk me into taking the peg out after treatment was done, but it wasn't my first or would be my last treatment, and I didn't want to go through removing and putting one back in again like before, so I kept it, and eventually needed it again.

I've used the mesh type band to secure it sometimes, other times nothing. Tape made my skin itchy and red also.

Good luck