Getting the Dexcom to Stick!
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- I just can't find a perfect medical tape!
I talk about some of the things I've tried to get the Dexcom to stick longer, what have you tried and what works for you?
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[DISCLAIMER: While I am a Registered Nurse, nothing that I post should ever be taken as medical/nursing advice. Please consult your doctor if you have questions about your individual diabetes management and overall health.]
Hi my name is Renee and I have diabetes. I used to watch your videos all the time before I got used to putting on sensors by myself. My favorite tape is Tegaderm and it's water proof. You can buy it from amazon it's way cheeper. Since, it's waterproof so don't cut a hole in the middle. Otherwise the water goes trough and dissolves the adhesive from the inside. Anyways, thanks again for all the helpful tips and tricks.
I've been using the dexcom for only 5 days so I haven't tried tapes or adhesives yet. I've been off and on pumps since my first disetronic back in the 90's but was still extremely nervous about the insertion of the CGM sensor. The tutorial you did awhile back really helped. I am so glad to have decided to try the CGM and go back to pumping (vibe) and I wouldn't have had the courage if not for all your upbeat and informative videos. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Donna
I've been a Type 1 Diabetic since birth but I never received anything....... I actually struggled all the way through school and I had a brain hemorrhage after birth. I've also been wetting the bed my entire life and my kidneys almost failed at age 17 as well. I have a long history of disabilities and because of fights that happened all the time in my middle school and my highschool I never invited anyone into my parents house.
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It's embarrassing and no doctor liked me because I was mixed with black and white. Now I have a cataract in my left eye.
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Do not ever play Change the Game it will give you genetic diseases from hell ok.
Mine is in the mail right now. Excited to try it out
RockTape now sells pre-cut round patches specifically for the Dexcom.
I'm looking at getting Smith and Nephew Opsite flexifix transparent tape one I run out of my iv 3000 tape. Great reviews on amazon, and is 17 bucks for 10 yards, which means you can cut it whatever size you need. I also second the use of skin tac under the sensor. I have the same issue with the sensor peeling up on the edges within a day or two.
I have the medtronic sensor and I use Smith and Nephew Opsite flexifix transparent tape. It is super comfortable and lasts a long time! I like it because you can cut it to whatever size you need. Plus it is water proof.
My daughter is the T1 (she's 5) and I put Skin Tac down first then a custom cut piece of Opsite Flexifix. Works beautifully. She wears her sensor for 14-21 days (the middle 10-12 days are the most accurate for her). She also always wears it on the back of her arm. I'm not sure if that matters, but....and also she only bathes twice a week tops, so there's that too. BUT during the summer when she swam often, it held up nicely.
I have been using the Dexcom G4 (G5) for a couple years now, and have tried everything to keep the sensor on longer. I find that Opsite Flexifix works best. I use a piece large enough to overlap the original sensor tape by about 50% and cut a hole just big enough for the transmitter to poke through. I don't put it on until the sensor tape starts to come up, which is usually about 5-7 days. The Opsite Flexfix is very strong but thin, kinda like a second skin. You can also add another piece on top of any that might be coming off. Btw, I too have noticed that the sensors don't seem to stick as long as they used to. Believe it or not I used to get as much as seven weeks without losing accuracy or it coming off, but now even with the flexfix tape, I'm lucky to get 3 weeks.
I have been using Opsite Flexifix tape by Smith& Nepew in combination with Skin Tac . This has worked very well for me insertions last 2-3 weeks with no problems & is water proof & breathable & also comfortable !
Thanks so much for your channel it has helped me tremendously !
I use both skintac underneath the dexcom and then put a GrifGrip over the dexcom. They come in different shapes and colors and come with the exact shape of the dexcom cut out of it either horizontally for the belly or vertically for the arm!
Thank you for the videos
Liquid Skintac under Dexcom adhesive & Opsite Flexifix allows us 2 to 3 weeks easily
Kimberly Hiner what's opsite
I work in a hospital operating room, so I get all sorts of tape, I found that the tape from the burn patients work well, if they open a kit use what they need, they'll discard the rest, so I figured why not. It's almost the same tape that's around the dexcom.
I found some really adhesive plastic waterproof as well and I just cut a hole where the transmitter goes stays super well
Hi Danica!
I also have been experiencing the same problem as you. I agree that I also think they changed the adhesive they use.
I have for other reasons, have come across a tape called Hypafix which I got on Amazon but found out about from my Dermatologist. I have skin sensitivity with other tapes this one sticks and thankfully no sensitivity,..
Rock tape!!! I love it!! It's $16 a roll on Amazon, the the tool is 16 feet long and is amazing!! The roll has its own backing like the IV 3000, so you can cut shapes out!! I take a 5-6inch piece, round the edges and cut a dexcom whole. I hey about 6 days with it and it's super comfy!
I use Mastisol liquid adhesive.A quetip to apply to the sencor tape and baby oil to remove.WORKS GREAT!!!!!!
Thanks for comments. Looking into getting a Dexcom g5. Maybe a g6?
Danica you can get a 3m tegaderm film similar to what you described you use currently. They are very expensive at Walgreens, but I got a box of 200 a year ago for like 24$. You cut two in half and use them to "outline" your dexcom. I also use liquid stuff called mastisol that I apply before the tegaderm. Even without mastisol,which can cause irritation, I never have them come
Off now. I used to have the same issues you do hope this helps.
I found the most awesome solution. Kinesiology tape. You can get it at walgreens or amazon and it sticks a long time, works great with water, and stretches. I have a medtronic cgm and it feels a little floppy to me so I like to tape over the whole thing. Also if you get beige tape it hides the transmitter some so you get less awkward questions.
Smith & Nephew OpSite Flexifix Transparent Film is the beeeeest! it's like the tegaderm patches but it stays on much better and is more comfortable than the tegaderm. I go two weeks also on mine, and wait till the second week to tape. that is the best way for me so far! I buy the tape on amazon
Luv ur makeup and if u do leave it on for two weeks is there like a mark where the spot is? I don't have one but I am getting one!!!
I use GRIFGRIPS and skin-tac wipes and some times ,I have trouble taking it of so they have Tac-away wipes that I use.
What I do with bandaids is cut off the guaze and just use the sticky part
I use skin tack but in round two I add a 2x3 bandage that I cut a center whole and layover it.
Griffgrips are lifesavers. They're specially designed for diabetic supplies.
I have had good luck with Skin-Tac wipes when first putting on the new CGM site (and trying to leave a little area in the center for the sensor to go through) then reinforcing with 3M Blenderm Surgical Tape -- it's not cloth or paper but almost like... flexible plastic? It is waterproof, transparent and sticks REALLY well. I've also never had any reaction to it (it's hypoallergenic) which is a huge plus because my skin can be a little finicky sometimes. Also, pretty affordable (I got a box on Amazon for less than $20). I actually heard about this from a Dexcom rep when I called to ask about ways to help with sticking and I've been really happy with it. Good luck figuring out what works best for you!
I use hollister medical spray and it works really well!
Glad to know that someone else was having the "not so sticky anymore" situation for the Dexcom. I used to be able to wear the site for 14 days no problem without any adhesives or tapes but now it seems like it just starts peeling off at day 3/4 so that sucks but skin tac works great for me!
And I just recently heard of people putting it on top after it starts to come off, so I'll try that next! Usually I just put it on before I stick the transmitter on.
Physio tape!! It is super comfy and lasts a really long time. It might be a bit on the expensive side at first but you don't need a lot of it for it to work so it's worth it in the long run :)
You can try Tegaderm. They are clear so you barely know it's there and I use it for my CGM and it works awesomely! They are comfortable and don't come up fast either.
Reliamed transparent thin film dressings work well if you cut it to fit around the dexcom sensors 😀
i use griff grips. If you go onto their website they have a ton of different shapes that you can get. After you choose the shape you can choose the color and they will cut a hole in it for you tht is the correct size for you dexcom. They stick really well
I use Mastisol liquid adhesive for my Omnipod!
I know this post is a year old but this is what I use. Got it on Amazon. Opsite Flexifix Transparent Adhesive Film Dressing 4 x 11 yds. I love it.
use skim tac and look up a product called griff grips designed to hold dexcom and pump sites on. works perfectly for me!
Try using tagederm. It works like a charm and is specificity meant for skin and medical devices. They sell them on amazon
I use the skin tac wipe and it works really well. u just take the wipe and rub it around the dexcom and let dry for 10 mins and it lasts really long and it is not like having tape on ur skin so it's very comfortable .
Skin Tac followed by 4" Opsite Flex, with a EK Classic Tag punch cutout! Works every time :)
I also use iv3000 and I cut it in half and put one part on the top and one part in the bottom. then I take an other one and cut that one in half and put each half on each side .
I use these from amazon and they are amazing
They're by Griff Grips
Dexcom Adhesive Patches Pre-Cut for G4 G5, Dimensions 4.3" h x 3.25" w, Color Tan, Pack of 10
Hello all! I use the Medtronic CGM and I always ask for Mastisol when reordering supplies. I work in construction, so I'm exposed to the northwestern PA elements pretty frequently. No matter how much I swear, I don't usually have any adherence issues. I use it for my infusion sites, as well as my sensor sites. Usually, if I have an adhesion issue, it's when my tubing gets caught on a dresser drawer knob or door knob. OUCH!!! LOL! A word of advice though. If you get Mastisol, get Detachol to go with it. It never fails when I use the ligh if adhesive, that I have a black ring around my sites from where the Mastisol was. GOOD LUCK!!!
I use grifgrips from Amazon. They stay on and they come in cute designs .
GIRL! Skin-Tac, not the wipes, the one with the wand is your next step! Make sure it dries before placing the sensor on. I use it to attach my Medtronic Mio infusion sets, too. It's incredible! I also use Hypafix medical tape after applying the Skin-Tac and letting it dry. The Hypafix tape is almost IDENTICAL to the tape that the Dexcom sensor come with. Flexible, but when I use both products together, will last me over a week.
I'm a fan of Tegaderm's large transparent dressing (10 cm x 12 cm, #1626), but there are a lot of comparable brands (Ritmed, Medline, ReliaMed, Aoki, etc - I get them in bulk from Amazon or eBay at about 2 for a buck). For my Dexcom, I wipe the area with Skin Tac, then insert the sensor, then place the dressing over the sensor's cloth backing (_after_ cutting a rectangular hole in it -- which is easy if you fold it in quarter first :-) ). Finally I clean off the Skin Tac residue with alcohol.
For my insert set, I use the Animas "contact-detach" option, where the cannula and the tubing connector are separate. I cover the insertion point with paper medical tape, then cover the entire area with the large dressing leaving only the contact point out/exposed. Now I don't accidentally brush against the set and dislodge it. Yay!
Have you tried using a sticky IV prep before you insert it, to make your skin more sticky? It's similar to an alcohol wipe, but it has adhesive in it. Or maybe physio/sports tape, as that sticks really strongly, and is quite water-resistant.
i use this extremely sticky prep oil it smells like pine its really nice. I apply it after i put on the dex site on the sticker part and use a quarter to make sure everything is blended with my skin, doesn't move 4 ever!
You should try KT tape it is used for injuries but the adhesive is really strong, I can wear it for 7 days with 2 showers a day
Skin tac or mastisol I can all east have mine on for 3 weeks with that😀🙌🏻
I use the ToughPads for my Dexcom, they seem to work a little too well for me.... Yes, they do keep my sensor on for 2 weeks +, but when I've decided it's time to remove it, the adhesive is so strong that it rips off some of my skin too. Unfortunately, these are the only ones I've seen that work on me for the time I have it on so I just have to tough it out when removing the ToughPad. : /
Here's what I do: I apply skin tac to my skin. Then I put tegaderm on top. Then I insert my new sensor THROUGH the tegaderm. I do not cut any holes in the tegaderm, the sensor goes right through it and I make sure the Dex adhesive is perfectly on top the Tegaderm. This way the Dex adhesive is NOT against my sweaty skin. I've worn it for close to 4 weeks like this and only had to remove it because the sensor was no longer functioning properly. The Dexcom adhesive itself was still pristine and glued perfectly to the Tegaderm. The Tegaderm only had a bit of lifting around the edges but nothing too bad. I'm also someone who takes a 1 hour+ bath on a daily basis.
And since I wear Dex until the sensor starts giving lots of "????" and inaccurate numbers, the cost of Tegaderm isn't really that bad.
I use tegaderm as well, but haven't tried this method! Do you put another tegaderm on top of the Dexcom? Or just the one underneath?
I have never had to put one on top so far with this method.
This method works great! I use Skin Tac wipes before the Tegaderm and on top of the Tegaderm then insert the sensor thru it. After a few weeks when the edges are lifting, I trim them off and add more Skin Tac around the edges and tape them down with strips of Opsite flexifit transparent tape. It holds for 3-4 weeks!
I've literally never thought to put tape under the sensor... Genius!
I use Skin Tac! If I don't have that on hand I use Tega-derm, which works better for me than skin tapes or skin cloth tapes.
I use these cheap waterproof cheap bandaids that are clear and have no pad. I just cut out a transmitter hole and it is AMAZING!!
Mastisol and Rock Tape is all I use. And yes, Dexcom has most definitely decreased their adhesion. How else will they sell more sensors?
Have you used or had any reviews for 'Griff Grips'? I heard they worked well for about 20 days to hold down the transmitter.
Showering:
I mount the sensor vertically on stomach (less of the surface exposed to water when showering). I use a piece of clear plastic tape 2-4" (fold the edge over 1/2-sort of making a flap). Place it just above sensor to disburse water runoff on stomach (sticky part to skin-folded part to top of sensor). Remove after shower. Tissue dry the bandage by pressing on wet area. Heat dry immediately with hair dryer. Water is the enemy of adhesive.
Installing:
1) Use alcohol to wipe the area. 2) Heat treat the sensor with hair dryer (moderately) before peeling the tape. 3) Heat treat skin to dry alcohol-(don't burn yourself).
4) Place sensor on warm skin and heat treat again with hair dryer after sticking to skin (careful not to overheat and burn yourself).
It does the trick. DEXCOM definitely needs to work on making this a better sticking product.
I use tegaderm from basically any store and just cut a hole in it to fit what i need it is amazing
i use a cgm called Freestyle libre and it lasts for about 2 weeks and i have use it for about 2-3 month (diffrent ones of cours) and its stick very good. i really really recmmend it.
Skintac liquid with applicator (shoe polish applicator like) is great and definitely has a strong grip. Just brush on the fabric that the transmitter/sensor is attached to careful not to get it on the transmitter. After it drys, a gentle pressing down of the fabric secures it. I get mine from Animas, other places carry it too. Price is good considering tape hassles. Skintac wipes are ok but they just get the first week to 10 days secure and they're messy, the liquid is better because you can have a fast install with just an alcohol wipe and use skintac liquid when needed.
Skin tac wipes work good for me
Grifgrips are amazing! They stay on for a LONG time. Grifgrips come in all different shapes and colors! And they are very affordable, they make their own tape so there is nothing else like it.
what I do is I take my sensor and stick it on a tough pad. then I cut the edges of the tough pad off to make them both the same shape & size. (if I stick it on my skin then, it'll probably last around five days.) after that I put skin tac on the tough pad, leaving a hole in the middle for the needle. my skin is very sensitive so I'll spray a couple layers of Flonase on my skin where i'm going to put it. (sounds weird, but it works wonders if it always irritates you skin.) I stick it on and wear it for three weeks. it can stick on my skin for more than three weeks, but I always have to change it before then because it'll stop reading my numbers. my skin is never irritated with that method and it sticks very very well. you could probably skip the tough pad if you'd like and put the skin tac directly on the sensor, but the sensor itself with nothing on it always gives me a rash and I can barely wear it for a week.
I'm struggling to find something to help stick down sensors also, I have tried skin tac but oddly enough I have an allergic reaction to it :( medical tape is useless to me.
Hi Danica,
You can use a tape called Hypafix Dressing Retention Tape it works really well for me and i swim and it never seems to come off. I don't know the price though you will have to find that out.
I use that "snake skin" around my Dexcom (my medical supplier supplies it to me) but I cut it in half long-wise then stick the two skinnier strips on the top and bottom, then do the same for the other two sides. So I end up using two pads for one CGM but I get more coverage. I've never tried medical tape, but it feels like the snake skin type stuff would stick better.
I sweat alot and skin tac does work pretty well. Another thing that works the best for me is called Tegaderm. You've probably seen in it hospitals..I am able to get it free and it works really well
I use Tegaderm Film by 3M. There are 10 sheets that I can get 3 good pieces. That should save about 30 weeks of use! Love that!! 💙 It was pretty cheap, and I usually wait until my edges begin to peel first. Would love to know if you tried this, or how many people commenting have and like something else better. I cut all the sheets when I get them, then they are already to go.
I use skin-prep it says on for a very long time.
I apply Tegaderm to my daughter's skin, with a hole cut for the sensor wire. I trim the Dexcom adhesive a bit so that it fits on the smaller Tegaderm. I cut a hole in IV3000 and apply over the adhesive/transmitter. My daughter wears hers for 14 days also. I buy the Tegaderm and IV3000 on Amazon. The IV3000 is not waterproof, which is probably why it didn't work under the adhesive.
+Parth A Leach I've never heard of anyone trimming the Dexcom adhesive (the white part that surrounds the sensor) to better fit various bandage covers (not just IV3000) but it makes sense! I'll try it!
How you cut hole in tegaderm it sticks to scissors
I don't have a dexcom yet, but I saw a video where they put 2 tegaderm over the sensor...don't know if that will work or not.
Tagaderm works pretty well for me
I use the 4x4 Tegaderm. Make sure you buy them through Amazon as they are way cheaper than any pharmacy!
Try DexTape, a Tegaderm style product but with a precut hole for Dexcom, and they're inexpensive, available at dextape.com
Go to Amazon and search for simpatch. they're about a buck each but there a cloth tape with a good adhesive that'll last for several weeks.
you have earned a sub form a hardcore diabetic! :)
SkinTac is awesome and usually gets me two weeks. Warning though it's like super gluing it to your body.
I don't use my dexcom anymore it hurts when I put it in and itches
what does the dexcom do?
I'd say you need to prep your skin for the adhesive on your Dexcom. I don't have a cgm but I use IV Prep for my pump. So maybe try using something that's skin safe and has a sticky tackiness to it.
My dexcom will not stay on it is coming out by the 7th day and since I'm in high school I shower every morning and that just makes the dexcom economy even worse, and plus it catches on my shirt to so ugh....
I use KT tape for my dexcom, but it absorbs water in the shower, so I have to replace it often, but it comes in a roll and it's flexible. It's kind of annoying when everyone asks me what's on my stomach and they get confused when I tell them. I mean, I love educating people on diabetes, but people ask me about it all the time and I feel like a robot hooked up to tons of tubes and machines.
Hypafix Dressing Retention Tape is a premium dressing retention tape designed to secure dressings and bandages to the body. Hypafix Dressing Retention Tape can also be used under sport tape (for instance zinc oxide tape) to provide a good surface for the sport tape to stick to and to protect the underlying skin. Dressing Retention tape is also known as dressing fixing tape.
Excellent adhesion for good long-term stick
Lateral stretch to conform to body during movement, even over joints
Hypo-allergenic polyacrylate adhesive is kind to the skin
Breathable to reduce skin maceration
Tape is painless to remove
Opsite Flexfix !!!! Definitely
The skintac liquid is 4 oz and I ordered it from Amazon and it was fulfilled by Grace Healthcare
Watch Living vertical on you tube he has a great idea for flex tape to use & it inexpensive way on EBay
KT sports tape is amazing tagaderm makes me break out
I use skin tac
Hair spray. Works like a charm. Just don't use too much and make sure the tape lies completely flat. It can cause a slight rash if it's not lying flat.
Genius! I'm gunna try that.
+jdub1990 I'm glad you like it. Let me know if it works for you. Additionally you could also buy medical adhesive spray which would be better because it's made for making medical tape stick. I use hairspray because it's cheaper.
Use KT tape. Its very comfortable, comes in cute colors, its waterproof and it works!!!!
I don't have a dexcom (yet 😉), but I use what is "skin tac" for my omnipod! Skin tac is like an alcohol wipe, but it's sticky. I just order them off of amazon. I get the wipes, but people says the liquid is cheaper and lasts longer than the wipes.
^ to remove it buy tac away also on Amazon and these are used for removing stickyness
I have the G5
Have you tried athletic tape.
I use rubbing alcohol on my skin. and it seems to last longer.
Which is better? Omni pod or Animas?
I've gotten mine to go for 25 days. This is what I do. Skin:Prep, then Tegaderm (Allergic to all adhesives) then I will put Skin:Prep lightly on the Tegaderm, put Dex site in. If it starts to come up, I take an old sensor trace it onto some Opsite Flexifex make sure you round off the edges. It will take awhile to get used to. Do you have an email address? I could semd you a rew samplee before you go out and buy it to see if it works best:)
yup, skin tac all the way. got mine off of amazon
^^
yeah all depends what you do for work if it's physical work where you sweat not going to work ,tried skin tac, orep comes off in 5 min .Griftgrip all the way.Took almost 2 months to show up from order date but well worth it.
With my sensors (who are a lot smaller) I always use the shower bandages and I just put them all over the sensor but it's the size of a 2 € coin basically... But this kind of thing could help with your sensors like you already tried it like snakeskin over the adhesive... But as a last result I would just keep it down with a normal bandage you know the things you cover wounds with. I don't know how it's called I'll sent you an instagram message ^^
I use www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MATIWY?keywords=Tegaderm%20film&qid=1445046958&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 at the six or seven day mark. I cut it into three wide strips. Two strips go on either side of the site on to of the adhesive and the third one goes over the top, covering the top of the transmitter adhesive and the other two strips. This leaves the bottom area uncovered so water doesn't build up around the sensor. this will last at least another 7 days.
Iv3000 through my medical supplier. Covered by insurance. Thank the Lord. I cut it in the strips and go around. I find that when you cut a hole in the middle it doesn't cover enough to go on to my actual skin enough. I might try that with what you bought. I can get 3weeks out of mine usually! :)
I make a hole in the Tegaderm and put it over transmitter.
rocktape. works fabulous.
is it just me or does it feel like forever since danica has made a video?!