36 Comments
If you use a pump or CGM, do you use overlay tapes on your device sites to help them stick?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
© 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
I don’t use overlay patches now as Skin-tac keeps my cgm secure, but in the future if I go swimming, I may use them as extra protection. My pump infusion sets are secure even without Skin-tac, but I will use overlay patches on them in the future if swimming.
Hypafix tape is the best for my lifestyle.
I use an overlay on my CGM transmitter when I plan to be in the ocean.
In 14 months I’ve never had sticky problem with my DEXCOM g6
I use Smith & Nephew IV3000 on my CGM site. Sticks wonderfully, leaves no residue when removed, and does not irritate my skin.
Yes I use for Medtronic’s CGM because the tape they provide are horrible!!!!!! Medicare pays for it also. The tape Medtronic supplies with the pump work great. Further proof they outsource each item to different companies because why use a different provider for the pump than the CGM. Also the design of their CGM tape makes leaking into the area part of the goal it would seem.
My Omnipods always last 3 days with no problems. My Dexcom usually sticks for 8-9 days, sometimes all 10. I check it every morning, if the edges are coming up, I put on an overlay. In case any of you don’t know, Dexcom provides them free. You just have to order them. I think they should include one with every sensor, it would save them shipping.
Overlay patches on my Dexcom G6 is an absolute must. The sensor/transmitters come loose from clothing and sweat. I just wish they would automatically come with the sensors.
Dexcom has great overlay patches. They are provided without cost. Next time you order, just ask. I find them very effective.
Yes on the CGM sensor and no on the infusion set. For the CGM I use Tegraderm 1624W. 2 3/8″ x 2 3/4″. The tape Minimed supplies irratates my skin. For the infusion set I have been using IV prep for the last 20 years.
Always, because I use underlays to avoid chemical burns from the adhesive.
I use a FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and an overlay tape is required to maintain adhesion for 2 weeks. Occasionally, I need to change the tape if it starts peeling off the sensor. Once it starts to peel, if I don’t change the tape, I run a strong risk of pulling off the sensor when I dress or undress.
Only for the CGM. The pump doesn’t need any overly tape.
Sometimes when CGM tape is not flat or i mess up somehow when applying
I use Skin Tac Wipes on the skin to improve binding, of the CGM. Works well, so far. Overlay tapes never worked that well on me
Medtronic I had to tape down well because it didn’t stick on its own. Dexcom sticks very well and I don’t need extra tape, but I love decorating my site with a pretty sticker so I do it anyway to jazz it up a bit! It allows for more conversation when I bump into another diabetic in the wild when we start talking about my cool site sticker.
I used an overlay the first time I used a Dexcom G6, but learned I did not need it and haven’t used one again (only used the CGM for about 7 months now).
I use an overlay tape on my Dex G6. It wouldn’t last 10 days without it. I don’t need anything extra on my infusion sites.
Always needed on CGM sensor sites, have never needed on pump infusion sites.
Same here.
I have highly sensitive skin and the adhesives on both Dex and Tandem don’t stick for long. So I first wipe the area with IV-Prep. Then once it is tacky but not 100% dry, I place the Dex sensor/Tandem infusion set. It sticks pretty well but I still need extra holding power. Because of the sensitivity I use 3M Tegaderm HP in size 2 ¾ x 2 ½ inches. It works for me unless tubing gets caught on something while walking. That doesn’t happen often, thought. 🙂
Never on Libre but sometimes on Omnipod
I did in past with Dexcom, would use Tegaderm HP over the Dexcom to make it stick for 14 days (7 days with a restart), but now I use Skin Tac under before inserting to make sure it sticks the full 10 days.
I have to use both the Skin Tac plus the overlays.
My answer was different for each: For the pump, I always have it taped down – I use the “Infusion Set IV3000” ‘Diabetic infusion set adhesive tape’, by ‘Smith&nephew’ which fits perfectly around the infusion set! Prior to finding these, often the infusion set would be accidentally pulled off/out – So frustrating (and expensive!)
As for the CGM – I sometimes have to use ‘overlay tapes’ to help them stick. I can’t find any appropriate adhesive, glue, etc. – So, when necessary (when the sticky pad is coming up on the edges, particularly in the summer, I use medical tape to keep the device in place.
Go to Dexcom.com and get the free ten (10) overlay patches. They fit exactly around the sensor. Never had a sensor come detached form my skin.
I use Opsite flex tape on my infusion set for pump when it is inserted in thighs.
For my Dexcom I use Sensicare spray barrier then Skin Tac to keep sensor on.
I used to use an overlay all the time with Dex but started putting skin tac directly on the adhesive and that seems to work well for me. I put overlays on my TruSteel insertion sites first to keep from pulling it out and then if/when I move it, to keep it on.
Yes, but very rarely.
I use Skin Tax. Works great
using G6 for 13 months. No extra tapes or anything. I always clean area first real well with alcohol and let it dry real well then apply sensor. Feels like I am removing my skin when removing sensor.
Always use a overlay tape which is sent to me with supplies complimentary from US MED. Before that the Freestyle Libre sensors were coming off for various reasons, now they stay on for the 2 week time.
I use Medtronic so the sensors absolutely need tape to stay on, but I don’t use the stuff they send. I prefer Hypafix. It’s cheap and it’s comfortable and holds tight the entire time. For infusion sets I never needed anything but I’ve recently switched to the Mio Advanced (from the Silhouettes) and the adhesive pad is so tiny and I’ve managed to pull so many of the sets out. I now use SkinTac for those, putting a little directly on the adhesive pad before inserting and it holds like crazy.
I use the Free Dexcom Sensor overlay patch all the time.
I use an overlay on my Dexcom CGM. But on my Trusteel, I use tape to prevent snagging those ears on the back, which would cause pain from the movement of the needle.
I do not regularly use overlay tapes on my Dexcom G6. At the end of the 9th day, if edges start peeling, I use paper medical tape to secure the sensor until removal. I do have a supply of the Dexcom overtapes that I keep for emergencies and use if adhesive comes loose earlier in the 10 day life of the sensor.