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If you use a CGM, do you currently have an adhesive overpatch on your sensor to help it stick?
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I do use them sometimes though, Especially when I’m traveling
I use the over patches supplied by Dexcom. They work great.
I use Skin-Prep under a Libre 2. I have not had a sensor come off prematurely ever with this combination.
Absolutely 100% of the time. Not nearly as physical as I once was, but need to guarantee with ABSOLUTE certainty the @*(#@*# thing STAYS on, if I brush into anything, or get bumped into things….when it comes out early that is a lethal problem IMV
Mostly I use clear tape over tape that comes with the sensor.
I use Dexcom stinckers purely for decoration when I do wear one. But right now I don’t with it on my abdomen no one sees but me I don’t waste the extra stickers.
Overpatch goes on after a bath to assist the sensor patch after it starts to peel
Dexcom G6. ALWAYS with skin protectant (Cavilon) and Dexcom-supplied overpatches.
The Whole thing came off
I’ve rarely needed to use an adhesive patch for my G6 but have done so occasionally when the original adhesive begins to peel…usually on day 8, 9 or 10. It’s nice to have that option with patches supplied for free by Dexcom.
Don’t have one on now but do use them – typically after the first or second restart (G6).
Pretty much always do within 3-4 days of starting a new sensor.
Also, has anyone else noticed that their online order form for these things has been broken for like a month or more?
https://dexcom.custhelp.com/app/OverPatchOrderForm
Form doesn’t accept input in the required fields for zip code and city. If they don’t want people to use the form, why don’t they just take it down and say “please call” or whatever?
I don’t remember the online order system EVER working. I always have to call Dexcom for overpatches, after I go through the wasted time of trying to order on the online site. They should save us all time and just take down the site.
Same here. Form didn’t ever work as far as I know. Made me cranky.
I order my Dexcom supplies through American Diabetes Supplies (ADS). They automatically send overpatches with each order. I don’t know if this is an insurance thing or not. I rarely use and have a stockpile of unopened packages. If someone is having trouble getting these, msg me. I’d be willing to share/ship.
I found that the form works more consistently in the summer than in the other seasons. However, I found an overpatch that has a larger footprint than the DexCom one but has the same double covers that keep the overpatch stable as you are putting them on. They are about $12 for 100. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081JK1XTJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That form never worked for me, so I have had to call them every 3 months for a few years.
It is a 100% necessity for me to use the Dexcom overpatches with my G6 sensors. Otherwise, they do not stay on. I am a very active person, and was unable to keep the sensors on for a single day before I got the overpatches. Sometimes, I still have problems, even with the overpatches.
I use a protective skin barrier that is sticky & SkinTac. CGM holds well.
I always use them when I expect to be in ocean waves. I’m home recovering from bilateral knee replacement right now and not active enough to challenge the sticking power of my G6. Looking forward to needing overpatches again!
I’ve only used the Dex overpatch once, recently, when the adhesive started to look shaky. Unlike my fit comrades on this chat, I’m embarrassingly NOT an active person, working at my desk all day. Plus side: I don’t sweat my sensor off. Down side: BG control, overall health. Better get my act together if I want to keep up with the awesome T1D long timers here!
Once when I didn’t have an over patch at work, I used clear packing tape. The tape was peeling off the next day, so I decided I’d have to finger stick for a couple days. I managed to get the tape off without pulling out the sensor. And big surprise, the sticky stuff from the tape somehow soaked through and the sensor wasn’t loose any more. It lasted until the end of the session!
I use the free Dexcom patch that you have to order. I don’t know why they don’t just send it with the sensors. Occasionally I use Simpatch when I either knock the sensor off or I get sweaty.
I’ve never needed to anchor the sensor, and don’t use the extra sticky prep-wipes for the sensor. I think I read somewhere long ago that it was bad form to do that. I do, however, always need to use the adhesive wipes and a piece of tape to keep my infusion site in place. Still haven’t figured out why my experience is opposite to most others, but not losing sleep over it.
Just the patch that comes with the G7. I’ve never had any problems with a sensor staying on.
I always have some but I seldom use one. Generally, I have no problem with the Dexcom staying on for the ten days. I use Skin-Prep Protective Wipes first.
Well, since nearly everyone here commented about the Dexcom sensors, I’ll add a comment about the Medtronic sensors. I do not use the patches sent by Medtronic as they irritate my skin. I use the Smith and Nephew IV3000 catheter dressing. It works well, keeps the sensor dry when I shower, and generally holds for a week.
Also apply an adhesive (brush on) to the bottom side of the cgm adhesive
No never have problems with the G6 Sensor sticking.
I have not found over-patches necessary.
Since I’m restarting my G6 nCGM I’ve been using G6 Adhesive Patches-36Pack Waterproof Adhesive Patches for G6 Premium Transparent Overpatch, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081JK1XTJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1,. They have helped me keep the sensor on for an additional 10 days.
No but last week I did need one!
I used to wear the overpatch all the time. Recently l have been going without. I accidentally tore off one sensor about 3 days early, but have been pretty good otherwise. The overpatches aren’t great. They come loose around the edges and look good when new but as the week wears on, are very messy…and expensive.
SimPatch
My libre stopped falling off once I stopped running into door frames
Those door frames have become increasingly aggressive running into me often also.
I’m on the Dexcom G7 now and they come with an overpatch.
Although I answered “No”, I do use Micropore Tape to hold the Sensor in-situ. Over the years I’ve had so many Sensors ‘detach’ from my body.
No, I use a non-allergic transparent patch under mine due to adhesive allergies.
I wear both a Dash pump and G6 cgm. I’ve only had a problem sticking once on a cruise with both fresh and ocean water with surprise the pump got loose but made it to the end.
I have used overpatches since I started. At first I had to buy them commercially, then I found out Dexcom offered them. But even with overpatches, I still have to tape the sides after about 5 days. I always wash the area before applying my sensor. But even so, they do not stick as I move around or put on and take off clothing.
I don’t use overpatch, but I use Skin Tac. Highly recommend, I have never had issues with sensors to stay 14 or 10 days.
I don’t us an over patch. I use Skin Tac, an epoxy like glue that keeps the CGM glued on.
My CGM has an over patch and I hate it. It gets all gummed up and I usually end up doing without.
I don’t really need an overpatch because my CGM is an Eversense and the transmitter has to come off at least every 2 days for charging. The transmitter is “glued” to a tape that goes over the sensor which is implanted under the skin. The charging, in my short experience thus far, means the tape comes off.
I wondered if it would cause any skin irritation with the constant tape removal and reapplying to the same spot, but it seems to be ok. The tape is very gentle. BUT, I haven’t had even a full month on it to know for sure.
So, the overpatch is not really necessary with an Eversense. If I did need one, I’d use Tegaderm.
I apply Smith & Nephew Skin Prep swab as an adhesive to skin area before I apply sensor and Dexcom overpatch. Overpatch stays on and intact for full 10 days. I get boxes of Smith & Nephew Skin Prep from Amazon.
Good question! LOL! Yesterday, I did need an overpatch to get through the 10th day, but as a rule, I do not require overpatches.