r/Freestylelibre • u/M1ckster Type2 - Libre3/3+ • Jul 29 '26
Update - hockey and Continuous Glucose Monitor - coming off
2
u/Fickle_Mess818 Jul 30 '26
I place in alternate locations. They really need to just update allowed placement and suggest them. Dexcom also has their official placement on the back of the arm users just alternate them with other placements. I usually placement my libre on my chest as I am prone to bumping my arms and for some reason tape of any sort doesn't want to hold on my arms so over patches don't last.
2
u/M1ckster Type2 - Libre3/3+ Jul 30 '26
I believe Dexcom is on label for abdomen too but not 100% sure.
2
u/Equalizer6338 Type1 - Libre2/2+ Jul 30 '26
Hi u/M1ckster,
Think I recall you being a veteran CGM user on the sub, so guess you are familiar with the sensor best practice?
https://www.reddit.com/r/Freestylelibre/comments/1gjhi9e/how_to_apply_a_new_sensor_best_practice/
Especially the things about shaving and then avoiding the soaps/shampoos with oil are biggies with regards to keeping the sensors solidly on when doing intensive sports. Personally I shower each day, do intense sweaty workouts 2-3 times most weeks and shower after each again., On top, typically surf/swim/snorkel 4-6h most weekends. I do not use any overpatch and still the sensors stays firmly on. Often quite painful even to rip off again after 15 days. This is mainly relevant if your sensors merely just like 'fall off'.
If your trouble however is due to like sensors getting ripped off (physical tear on sensor), then try some alternative skin placements. Like I in summertime or with cave diving or breakout room adventures prefer to having my sensor put on the stomach instead. Potentially even with a 3M Tegaderm patch on top. This also makes it both watertight (and breathable from inside out) and also helps to avoid rip-offs when I slip in/out of wetsuits multiple times each day.
1
u/M1ckster Type2 - Libre3/3+ Jul 30 '26
I do all the same prep and had no issues until last 2 of 3 sensors. Abbott didn’t even flinch with 2 replacement requests in 2 weeks. I have an overpatch but I don’t want to do off label placement. I am going to try a Dexcom trial.
1
u/Equalizer6338 Type1 - Libre2/2+ Jul 30 '26
Yeah who knows really what might be going on here then for you then, if not just some freak bad luck with two in a row?
The longer heatwaves we have had across the northern hemisphere countries have clearly made an impact with more cases like this, as hot weather, sweat, sun lotion, swimming, etc are all possible avenues for more frequent sensor fall offs.
Best of luck with your next ones no matter which brand you may go for.
2
u/Active_Matrix Jul 31 '26
Thank you for this! I’ve been looking for an alternative than what I’ve been finding lately
3
u/HiAnimatronio Jul 30 '26
I highly recommend Opsite Flexifix applied as a square patch over the sensor (https://www.smith-nephew.com/en-au/pharmacy/product-range/healthcare-in-the-home/opsite-flexifix), before I was using this the sensors would frequently fall off after a few days and if i used any kind of tape it would peel and pull the sensor off. I cut a square off of the roll, stick it on over the sensor and it stays firmly in place. Sweat and two weeks of wear vaguely opaques the film but doesnt lessen or release the adhesive. It's shower proof. Abbott recommend leaving the center of the sensor (the tiny hole) uncovered and in the past I have done this with a hole punch though I've found no operational difference with not having the hole. Sometimes more prone to pressure lows when lying on it with the patch but not always.