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If you use a CGM, how often do you use additional adhesive tapes to help your sensors stick?
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Maybe once or twice a year, if that!
I use a Dexcom over patch. I do wish they included a supply of the over patches within each box of sensors. It’s a necessary and useful accessory and it’s an extra step to have to contact Dexcom to order more patches. Why not just include patches with the sensors?
ConnieT1D62:
I agree. I use the overpatches 100% of the time. I try to order them on Dexcom’s online site for reordering overpatches, but their site does not work (and has not for a long time). So, I have to telephone them each time. Also, it takes anywhere from three weeks to a month to receive the overpatches. I’ve been wishing for a long time that they would include the overpatches with each sensor that is distributed. It would save me time and another thing to do.
I asked why they don’t send them with the supplies because I always run out, then they pay extra to send and it makes no sense. Now I get them sent with every order
I rarely use them, but glad they are free.
In the summer going swimming is when it’s needed, but otherwise that sucker sticks!
I must wear a Dexcom overpatch 100% or the time, or my sensor loses contact with my pump. I’ve tried changing sites, and the only thing that works is the overpatch. See my other comment on how difficult it is to get the overpatches.
libre only falls off if I run into a door frame.
Just started G7. I use SkinTac liquid and dab on before I insert sensor. Stays on full 10 days. Use adhesive patch if swimming
I use a Guardian 3 and have trouble when I wear it in my right arm and I’m doing a lot of computer work. I’ve had to add another tape. I bought some off-brand tapes and was allergic so couldn’t use them.
G6. Never on first 10 days. Sometimes on restart(s).
Why not use the extra adhesive all the time when they are free! I do not get the 37%, really!!
I’ve never had one fall off so why bother?
SkinTac liquid works great for me. I’ve only used an overpatch once or twice when I’ve gone swimming.
My sensors adhere very well for a full 10 days unless I’m in the ocean. When I expect to be bodyboarding, I use an overpatch.
Since I moved away from my abdomen I’ve not had the need for extra adhesive. I use my middle to inner lower thighs.
Rather than wait for failure I always use skin tac before and for me it never fails and has zero affect on the sensor. Tac away helps to remove tape residue w/o skin injury
I used to require extra overlay tape for the Medtronic CGM, but never need with the Dexcom 6.
I put rarely because I always put down a clear dressing before inserting my Dexcom. I do this due to allergies.
With the Medtronic Guardian, the overtaping is required as part of the insertion, and kind of an elaborate PITA—one of the things I disliked about that system when I used it. But even with Dexcom it seems like I always have to use some before the end of a session. The stuff Dexcom sends (for free) is pretty easy to use, but I usually wait as long as possible into a session b/c the overtape doesn’t last for ever either. Sometimes I end up resorting to my old roll of medical tape, especially in the hot months, or when I’ve cheated and extended a sensor into a second session. Then it really starts to get ugly.
For me I find Dexcom doesn’t need extra tape, but when I wear on my arm I decorate them with Expression Med Tape.
I use Skin-Tac liquid adhesive on the CGM material adhesive and always have my CGM on for the full 10 days. When I switch to the Dexcom G7 sensor which I plan on doing when the Dexcom G7 integrates with my T-slim, I will probably use the Skin-Tac and the adhesive tape that will automatically come with the Dexcom G7 since the tape part looks quite small compared to the tape on the Dexcom G6 sensor
I’ve been Decom-ing since they first came out. I “paint” SkinTac on the adhesive patch part prior to inserting. I also use the overpatches from Dexcom as well. The work very well. When I use my upper arm – especially during warm weather when I am wearing sleeveless clothing, I use overpatches from Simpatch (available – like everything else in the world – from Amazon). Since I already have “ink” I paint the patches so they look like a tattoo. I want to be sure the sensor stays on cuz I definitely don’t want it to fall off and lose the transmitter. Those puppies are expensive.
For our son, we start with an IVPrep wipe which cleans skin, and leaves a slight tackiness. After a spray of Flonase has dried, and we’ve inserted sensor, we reinforce adhesive with strips of IV3000. It is water resistant vs waterproof which allows the skin to breathe. Usually, we have to reinforce once during sensor session.
I use the Dexcom overpatch, which is perfect.
Always use an overpatch. When I first started using the Dexcom G5 I ordered Griff Grips fabric overpatches. They helped keep it on but frayed and left lots of adhesive residue. As soon as Dexcom started offering the clear overpatch I started using them with great success. I definitely agree with the comments saying the overpatches should be included with each order of sensors.
My understanding, G7 will include the patch with sensor
Always, because I need to use a patch below to prevent adhesive burns.
I answered rarely. If the sensor is beginning to come free from activity or being bumped.
I live in the NW corner of the USA so the weather doesn’t get too warm most of the time. I sometimes use over patches but most of the time my DexCom stays on well.
I can sweat the sensor off in the summer and use skin tape.
I also have this superpower. In summer I move the sensor to my arm and wrap it with 3″ Corban during the day. No adhesive mess.
If you count the ‘overpatch’ that comes with Dexcom sensor, 100% of the time. No additional patches
I use the Dexcom overpatches, which work about half the time. The other times, they start to peel off too soon, most likely because I have been active and pulled at the skin, or because they are rubbed by tight clothing being taken on or off. Then I have to add medical tape, which also starts to peel off within a day or two. So I add piece after piece.
I need the patches because I have sensory difficulty with the skin-tac and tac away.
I loved the clear ones that Dexcom used to send. But, in the last year, getting them has been difficult and is now impossible for me.
The company that sends sensors to me sends something (complimentary (Yea!)) called Right Care CGM Patch “the only patch made with KT Tape Pro Extreme” which is not as good for me as the clear… they get caught on clothing and pull off more easily. But, it’s not SO bad that I feel the need to complain or work harder at getting the clear kind… it’s just one of those diabetes annoyances that I am very much willing to live with.
Oh! I should also say that there’s a huge chance I don’t put the Right Care patches on perfectly. They are bigger and harder to manage and I likely don’t… I don’t know how to describe it… If I need to rub my fingers over the edges to get them to stick better, I may not be perfect at that.
Check on Amazon, I have found a lot of rings for me that are useful. I have not had a need for clear ones but makes sense why the clear would work the best. Recommend checking Amazon. Hope it help.
Thank you, Jen Farley!! I will check it out and see what I can find. 🙂
I use skin prep that has adhesive in it.
I use tegaderm and skin prep.
I use skin tac on my Dexcom every single time. The adhesive alone on my sensor just doesn’t last. If my sensor begins to fall off, then I use Dexcom patches on top. I feel like my skin has gone through the wringer with the number of adhesives I have put on my body. I work with little ones so I am constantly moving and crouching down. Gotta make sure my devices don’t budge.
I use an IV prep pad under the sticky part of the sensor applicator. I like the FixiC (I think that’s the brand from Amazon) over patches. I apply when I put on a new sensor, I have everything out and available. I have tried the Dexcom over patches but prefer the brand I use. I, however, have not had a problem with sensors falling off; this just seems like a cheap piece of added insurance to keep it on.
The Dexcom 7 that I use comes with an overpatch which I apply almost every time to the sensor if it is not spoiled by me while I am trying to apply it??
I use a Libre and have never lost one except when I scrape it off on a door frame. Never use an over patch or additional adhesive.