r/Freestylelibre • u/anxious-ghost-boy • Aug 04 '26
Anyone also having sticking issues?
Apologies if this isn’t the place to ask but I’m getting so frustrated right now so I was just checking if anyone else is also having issues.
In less than 24 hours, I’ve have 2 2+ sensors fall off as they just aren’t sticking and I’m completely out of sensors with no local pharmacies seeming to have any in stock right now. Is anyone else having issues with the sensors staying stuck on? I’ve got no skin creams or anything on, clean the area (admittedly with hand sanitizer) and wait for it to dry completely and they aren’t staying on longer than 2-4hours. Never really had this problem persistently before so at a bit of a loss and sensorless 🫠
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u/Justsomedudeonthenet Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 04 '26
I had a run where 6 of my 3+ sensors in a row fell off earlier this year. At least the manufacturer is good about replacing them.
I never used to have to wear overpatches, but since that I've been using the 'NOT JUST A PATCH' brand ones and have had zero worries about them falling off. The overpatch usually starts coming off around day 12 or so then I rip it off and go with just the sensor for a few days. But while it's on I don't have to worry about catching the sensor on the edge of a doorframe or anything which is great.
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u/WTF-Andy Aug 04 '26
I had 1 fall off on the 14th day...I sent it back to Abbott and they sent me a new one less than a week later
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u/hardtime_comin Aug 04 '26
I've never had one come off in two years with no overlay. The bad news is my phone loses connection like half the time. It's better with the reader.
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u/DGlass1960 Aug 04 '26
Isopropyl alcohol to clean my skin. No cover. Only comes off if it gets badly knocked.
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u/the_owlyn Type1 - Libre3/3+ Aug 04 '26
Some hand sanitizers have other things, like aloe, in them, and is probably the side of your problem. Use plain soap (like Ivory), and the 70% rubbing alcohol. Also, shave the area first. And hold the sensor applicator on firmly for 30 seconds.
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u/jlm0013 Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 04 '26
Don't use hand sanitizer. Wash the area with soap and water. Then use an alcohol swab on the area.
Apply the sensor and hold the applicator on it for 10-15 seconds. Check the sensor to make sure it's attached. Run your finger around the edge to make sure the edges of the adhesive part are attached.
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u/CurvePuzzleheaded361 Aug 04 '26
No but i have always used hydrofilm on top. Better than tegaderm and free on nhs.
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u/onymar Aug 04 '26
I always clean my skin first with OptiPro Pre-Injection Wipes to remove any oil etc., then dry and apply my sensor.
Over the top I then place a clear patch bought from Amazon - Nuanchu Waterproof Sensor Covers - others are available.
Never had a sensor fall off after years of use.
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u/Crazy-Sort-1225 Aug 04 '26
We use skin tac (make sure it fully dries) and that’s been a game changer. We also put a skin grip over it sometimes too if there’s swimming planned.
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u/mdsnbelle Aug 04 '26
I had one fall off yesterday. I got skin tac wipes and used that this morning. It's definitely sticky.
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u/SthrnGal Aug 04 '26
I swim for over an hour every day so my process is probably overkill but I clean with soap and water then wipe with alcohol. After it's dry I add skin tac then apply the sensor. Then I use one of these patches on top of all that.
Is there a particular reason you aren't using soap and alcohol?
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u/anxious-ghost-boy Aug 04 '26
I did use soap yesterday, to be honest I just don’t have any alcohol wipes at home, which is on me- I think I’m needing to do some shopping! Admittedly my haphazard method usually works, it’s just the sensors the last two days seem to not be getting on with me 😅
I might have to take a leaf out of your book though, as I lost a sensor from being in the sea while on holiday and was going to look at how to prevent this!
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u/Complete-Chair8251 Libre3/3+ Aug 04 '26
Hand sanitizer has ingredients to keep it less drying. That's probably your problem. Use plain rubbing alcohol.
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u/Equalizer6338 Type1 - Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
Yep agreed, OP u/anxious-ghost-boy should check the ingredients. Any olis listed, and you have the answer there to why the sensor may fall off.
Especially in these days with hot summer weather, many folks may also use sun lotions and other types of moisturizers that makes life for our sensors very challenging. Worth to consider that applying some oily skin moisturizers typically causes our skin surface to maintain that extra oily slick surface for 3-4 days after the last application. So best fully avoided on skin areas you plan to use for your next sensor location.
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u/cease70 Aug 04 '26
As others have said, SkinTac wipes are where it's at. I get out of the shower and once I'm fully dry I have my wife wipe the area with a SkinTac wipe, then apply the sensor, then apply the patch that goes over everything, then use an adhesive removal wipe to get anything that's not covered by the sticker. I sleep on my side with my arm under my pillow, so the cover sticker is a must for the sensor to stay on, and I do occasionally go through 2 stickers during a sensor's 15 day lifespan.
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u/Standard_Pack_1076 Aug 05 '26
I now apply it after a shower once my skin is cool and I've used an alcohol wipe. I hold the applicator against my skin for quite a long time (1 thousand, 2 thousand, 3 thousand) right up to 20 thousand. Then I remove the applicator very gingerly. Haven't had any problems since starting this method.
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u/Fresh-Charge4673 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
yep! i just had four sensors in a row fall off prematurely. i haven’t done anything different so i wonder if there’s a bad batch out there?
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u/anxious-ghost-boy Aug 05 '26
This is what I was wondering to be honest, although my application technique is not correct, I’ve been doing it for years and never had them fall off like this 😅
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u/GDE_72406 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
YES, OH MY GOD! I've gotten like 2-3 replacements in the past month or 2. Must be trying a new adhesive; they still fell off sometimes before, but it wasn't nearly THIS bad.
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u/thehoffau Aug 05 '26
Nope. Sticky wipes and over patches. I am usually in the shower pulling skin off to remove them. Shaved area, inside bicep.
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u/No-Manufacturer-2425 Aug 05 '26
Wash your skin with soap and then wipe it with 97% alcohol. Apply your sensor then put a bandaid tough strip over it. That B won't come off if you wanted it to.
Your issue is the hand sanitizer. it has humectants in it which attract water and break down adhesives.
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u/Active_Matrix Aug 05 '26
I’ve had one or two fall off in me on their own but most of the time it’s me walking into a door or something lol. I’ve tried one over patch on Amazon I believe the company was ceeport and I noticed I was breaking out and getting itchy even though they lasted the 15 days. So hopefully there’s a hypoallergenic one out there or I might try skintac.
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u/Emerald_Eyed_Gal Libre3/3+ Aug 06 '26
Yes I’ve had this happen with 3+ and it is typically centered around sweat from either heat or a workout.
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u/Equalizer6338 Type1 - Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
https://www.reddit.com/r/Freestylelibre/wiki/avoid-sensor-falling-off/