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For those who’re bodily lively, sweat quite a bit, or your pores and skin does not take nicely to the adhesive in your steady glucose monitor (CGM), you are in danger for the CGM tape peeling off and detaching the sensor.
This has been an enormous drawback for me up to now. Not solely do I dwell in Miami (summer season yr spherical), however I am additionally very lively and the CGM tape on my Dexcom G7 simply cannot sustain with my way of life.
Additionally, utilizing the Dexcom G7 overlay tape causes my pores and skin to interrupt out in hives.
My resolution is so as to add a smooth fabric patch over the sensor to increase its lifespan, preserve it from falling off, and stop pores and skin reactions.
However not all patches are created equal. On this put up, we’ll clarify why. pores and skin grip That is my favourite patch.
This put up is sponsored by Pores and skin Grip, however the opinions are my very own and I used the Pores and skin Grip patch previous to being sponsored.
What to search for in a CGM patch
In the case of CGM patches, crucial elements to me are:
- snug
- Ease of use
- reasonably priced value
- design
patch consolation
I’ve very delicate pores and skin and most patches, together with the Dexcom G7 Overlay Tape, depart my pores and skin pink and itchy.
That is why I am all the time on the lookout for patches that permit my pores and skin to breathe. Nonetheless, search for an adhesive that’s sturdy sufficient to maintain the patch on for no less than 10 days, however not so sturdy that it peels off your pores and skin whenever you take away the patch.
There are a lot of choices out there, and patches are normally one of many following:
- materials like paper or plastic
- Material supplies (pores and skin grips, and so on.)
I discovered that the paper-like materials could be very laborious so it does not keep on with the pores and skin simply and begins to peel off inside just a few days.
The plastic, then again, stays on for a very long time, and my pores and skin clearly does not prefer it and will get pink and irritated inside the first day.
As such, I are inclined to gravitate towards the material patches that Pores and skin Grip affords.
Some individuals recommend simply including pores and skin tack glue (further physique adhesive) beneath the opposite patches for higher adhesion. Which may be attainable, however why not select one which feels snug to stay by itself?
I typically use adhesive remover. Uni-Remedy Adhesive Remover Wipes simply take away patches and residual adhesive after your Dexcom G7 lasts for 10 days.
The adhesive properties of the patch are very excessive, making it simple to take away the patch (particularly if utilized to areas with physique hair).
Patch ease of use
It is clear that you do not want a sophisticated diploma to use a CGM patch, however when you have 10 thumbs like I do, or if you wish to apply the patch in a hard-to-reach place (just like the again of your arm), it may be a little bit troublesome.
Relying on the patch, it might be very troublesome to take away the patch from the paper that protects the adhesive. Some patches, such because the included Dexcom G7 overlay tape, might require you to take away your complete paper earlier than making use of it to your pores and skin.
The issue with peeling off all of the paper is that you’re going to find yourself with a floppy, tremendous sticky patch that may almost certainly simply stick the patch itself (sure, I’ve completed that many instances).
my favourite place pores and skin grip The paper peels off in 4 to 5 items, so you’ll be able to select to take away one piece or none in any respect earlier than making use of the patch to your pores and skin.
I like to put it over the sensor, then take away one part, press down on the pores and skin to ensure it sticks, after which transfer on to the opposite part. It really works like a attraction and I’ve but to must throw out a single patch as a result of it caught.
This methodology additionally means it may be utilized with one hand with out the necessity for assist. So I haven’t got to ask my husband for assist each time I alter a patch, and I can put on the sensor on my arm.
This video exhibits you methods to set up a pores and skin grip in your Dexcom G6.
reasonably priced costs for patches
Let’s be sincere, dwelling with diabetes could be very costly in most nations, so you’ll be able to’t afford to lay our a fortune on a CGM patch.
I’ve tried different patches with intricate designs, and whereas they’re enjoyable, I do not wish to spend $3-4 per patch frequently.
Packs of Pores and skin Grip Patches vary from $24.99 to $29.99 and embrace 20 disposable patches. That is solely $1.25 to $1.50 per patch, which could be very reasonably priced in comparison with different patches presently out there in the marketplace.
Pores and skin Grip has additionally launched some particular version patches (see Basic Assortment). These are a bit dear at $24.99 for 10 patches.
Get 10% off utilizing code DIABETESSTRONG on the Pores and skin Grip web site.
design
The very last thing I contemplate in relation to patches is design. This contains how it’s lower and the way it seems to be.
For the Dexcom G7, I choose overlay tape with out cutouts for the transmitter. Pores and skin Grip supplies simply that. Doesn’t degrade the sensor sign and totally protects the sensor.
I additionally like the brilliant colours. I am unable to keep in mind the final time I purchased a “tan” overlay tape. If you wish to experiment with completely different colours, there is a “Rainbow” pack with 10 enjoyable colours.
The place can I get pores and skin grips
Pores and skin grips will be bought under. pores and skin grip web site or Amazon. We provide patches for Dexcom G6 and G7, Medtronic Guardian and Enlite, Abbott Freestyle Libre 2 and three, Insulet OnmiPod, and infusion units.
Get 10% off utilizing code DIABETESSTRONG on the Pores and skin Grib web site.
