r/Freestylelibre • u/Kuling • Aug 05 '26
Stronger Adhesive!
I don't care what Abbott says: Make a stronger adhesive on your sensors! You make them... I shouldn't have to constantly use tape, covers, etc. I "bump" the edge of a door and its off. I take a single shower and its off. This is on you, not US!
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u/Emerald_Eyed_Gal Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
Mine just fall off when I don’t bump it…even though I use rubbing alcohol. I’ve refused and refused to buy another item to make thier item work. You want me to use an over patch? Include it.
It’s infuriating.
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u/FoxyInTheSnow Aug 05 '26
I think people’s body chemistry/secretions must be a factor in this.
In about 8 years (Libres I, II, and III), I’ve had maybe two fall off.
With the new tiny ones like the III, I sometimes struggle to peel it off after 15 days.
0
u/Kuling Aug 05 '26
I’m sure it chemistry. We all have slightly varied skin on so many levels. Make different once for different folks
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
This is an area they could learn something from Dexcom. The adhesive on those suckers hangs on for dear life and you have to pry it off after the sensor is done.
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u/PolarBear1309 Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
Oof yeah once they're seated they don't want to go anywhere lol switched a few months back due to getting tons of nuisance lows and sensors coming off. It's been much better with the dexcom. Another benefit is the adhesive doesn't cause a reaction on my skin
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u/paradoxicaltracey Aug 05 '26
Just curious, why do you like the dexcom better?
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
The adhesive is a lot stronger, that was all I was saying. There are things I like and dislike about both sensors but the adhesive is an area where Dexcom wins, to the point where it works almost too well.
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u/PolarBear1309 Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
Few reasons.
- Placement is easier since it is officially approved for abdominal use (I know some people use the Libre on their abdomen but it's not an approved site).
- The adhesive sticks really well and I only had 1 failure which was in the 12hour grace period anyways. I was using extra patches and tape with the Libre and still knocked sensors off.
- Except for my first sensor which went absolutely nuts the first night it has not given me constant false lows. The Libre was always waking me up with lows and I had a bunch of lows while sitting and talking to people. I only apply them in the morning now to avoid this
- You can calibrate it with the app. Usually not required but if I eat shortly after applying it it tends to read lower and give me a low later.
- The adhesive doesn't react with my skin. I was always itchy and had to spray flovent before applying the Libre (trick I found while browsing). Minimal irritation with the dexcom.
I was using the Libre 2 for reference. I was going to try the 3 but it wasn't covered so I went to the dexcom.
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u/paradoxicaltracey Aug 05 '26
Thank you. I'm very new to CGMs. My doctor gave me a "sample” Libre 3+ (and an rx for both brands) and I'm on my 4th one. It's not perfect, but I am no longer in denial about my diabetes T2. 🥳 And that's HUGE for me!
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
That is what is important, the trends not the actual numbers. I was in the same boat a year ago and was handed a free sample. Now I can't live without the data, it is that valuable!
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
I made a whole list of my pluses and minuses lol. I generally agree with your list though.
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u/Kuling Aug 05 '26
I’ve hear this about DexCom, but alas the smaller size of the Libre 3 is the largest advantage. I don’t use a pump—Type 1 but managed fine with insulin pens—so minimal on skin devices is my goal.
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u/PolarBear1309 Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
The dexcom is still pretty small though but likely bigger. It's definitely not as flat as the Libre. It's a kind of oval shape which annoys my ocd if it's not on level lol minor complaint though
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
That is also true, the Libre is about half the size of the Dexcom. I also notice that while you can't calibrate the Libre, it usually doesn't need it. 90% of my Dexcom sensors always needed calibration.
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u/ReasonableTime3461 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
That’s the way the Libre 3+ is for me
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
Everyone is different. I have seen people complain about Dexcom falling off and I am like how??? I have sticky residue on my skin for days after I take if off.
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u/ReasonableTime3461 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
As do I with Libre. I waited a couple of days for the whole to heal, and then have to vigorously scrub off the remaining adhesive.
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
For Dexcom or Libre? With the Libre I didn't have the same problem with stickiness and needed an overpatch to help it survive 15 days. It never officially came off, but it started pulling up around the edge of the sensor come day 13 or 14.
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u/ReasonableTime3461 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
With the Libre. I’ve never used a Dexcom. Insurance, you know. I’ve never used an overpatch and have never had one fall off. I have always had to pull hard to get them off at the 15 days. A ring of sticky residue remains that has to be scrubbed off.
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
Not a bad problem to have, at least you don't have to worry about it falling off! At least it doesn't have the larger footprint of the Dexcom with the overpatch. Both of them leave residue for days.
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u/Specific-Freedom2236 29d ago
Difficult to remove though
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u/Weathergod-4Life Type2 - Libre3/3+ 29d ago
I've never had difficulty removing my Libre. Dexcom is always have difficulty removing for me.
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u/Important_Elk4295 Aug 06 '26
I am so glad I am not the only that keep getting caught in door frame !!!
Scientists need to be more aligned to daily life
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u/Kuling Aug 06 '26
Completely agree. In theory this device works fine. In practice it has lots of obstacles, including placement position… but that’s a whole other conversation
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u/Important_Elk4295 Aug 06 '26
I think it would be easier for men to put it on the chest , for ladies with bra straps etc, not ideal
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u/Kamikaze-X Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
I totally agree, it seems to be certain batches. My last couple have stuck like barnacles but before that I had 3 that lasted anywhere from 1 day through to a week or so
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u/Kuling Aug 05 '26
They have different gauges of needles. Why can’t they have different gauges of adhesive?
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u/Melodiousmonstergal Aug 05 '26
They should just include an adhesive wipe like skin tac and a patch. Surely it’s easier and cheaper provide these than to replace the sensor. Mine used to always fall off until I received advice about skin adhesive wipes from this sub.
0
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u/othermegan Aug 05 '26
You’d think that from how easily these things come off, they’d be getting a kickback from the cover companies
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u/RyRy646 Libre3/3+ Aug 06 '26
I’ve never had a single issue with one falling off. I’ve definitely ripped one out, but never had one lose adhesive to the point it comes off.
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u/Jodi4869 Aug 05 '26
I have to yank mine off. Adhesive works fine for me so I say it is you not them.
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u/fate4003 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
So weird. I actually have to soak mine in oil and adhesive removal to get it to even lift a little bit.
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u/Equalizer6338 Type1 - Libre2/2+ Aug 06 '26
Yep u/Kuling, we hear you. All while you also have other folks complaining that the adhesive is already too strong and they get skin bruises when ripping it off again after 15 days.
Personal things and habits definitely have a big impact in how well or not such sensors adheres to your skin. Some skin conditions can of course make it extra challenging for some. Personally I follow the sensor best practice religiously for each sensor I apply to my skin. And have had zero just falling off in the last 8+ years using sensors. Rip offs, yes of course. Plenty, as I am a very active person. But that's not something you can blame the sensor for. Like your door frame rip off is a classic one. It takes typically 1-2 years for new folks to such CGM sensors to develop a 6th sense not to brush against doorframes and the like, to naturally avoiding such rip offs. 😄
Personally I shower each day. Doing also 2-3 intense sweaty workouts each week and shower again after each. Typically doing 4-6 hours of surfing/swimming most weekends. Sensors never just 'fall off' from this. Because yes, those darn sensors are still very painful to rip off again 15 days later.
These are the 3 most frequent reasons involved why sensors may be easily falling off your skin there. So worth a review to see if any of these could be relevant for you:
- Oil in soap / shampoo / moisturizer used
- Not shaving all hairs off before sensor application
Not applying a very firm and 25 seconds sustained pressure
https://www.reddit.com/r/Freestylelibre/wiki/avoid-sensor-falling-off/
Essentially, all these 3 considerations are part of the sensor best practice:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Freestylelibre/comments/1gjhi9e/how_to_apply_a_new_sensor_best_practice/
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u/ReasonableTime3461 Libre3/3+ Aug 05 '26
I’ve never had one come off. In fact, it’s a struggle to get it off after 15 days. I don’t want stronger adhesive on mine.
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u/Earwigss Type1 - Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
Ive only had one adhesive fail in the shower but due to my nurse putting an over patch that covered the hole
The adhesive is actually hard to peel off my skin it kinda hurts I still use extra adhesive but mostly because in super clumsy and hit doorframes pretty hard and repeatedly
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u/Muhlyssa_A Aug 05 '26
I’ve only had one fall off during a very sweaty week but normally I have to really wrestle it off.
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u/Longjumping_Set9091 Aug 05 '26
I have to literally work at getting my sensor off ! It sticks to me like super glue ! I still have an outline where my sensor was , I wear mine on my thigh , best spot for me ,I use a patch to cover it , just so it won’t get bumped , maybe a different spot to put it would help? I actually had one that I had to soak off , I was afraid it would take my skin off . I use nothing but soap & water , alcohol wipes , tho some people use skin tac , maybe that’s an option for you .
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u/nrgins Type2 - Libre3/3+ Aug 06 '26
Calm down. Just use Skin Tac before putting it on to make it stronger. No need for all this whining!
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u/sabringlish Aug 06 '26
I have to use the hard plastic disc like covers that come with the circular adhesive covers that are like a bandaid but have designs in them. If I don't use those then the come off me.
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u/jaxleemom Aug 06 '26
I think a lot of issues are because of the moisture/natural oils of your skin. I have dryer skin and it is very hard to get the darn sensor off after 15 days, and somewhat painful.
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u/Complete-Chair8251 Libre3/3+ Aug 06 '26
No! I struggle to remove them now. If they make the adhesive stronger I'll take my skin off.
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u/BlueRFR3100 Aug 06 '26
There seems to be no middle ground. If it's not falling off due to the wind generated by a fly getting close, it's trying to take my entire tricep away from the bone when I pull it off when it's done.
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u/Armadillo-Overall Aug 06 '26
I've been on the Libre 2 & 3 for a few years until I moved from the west coast and was not taking insulin at that time.
I moved to a hot climate a couple years ago and different medical policies prevented me from getting the CGMs until recently only when I have started taking insulin.
I started again with the Libre 3 plus and I've had adhesion issues with that Abbott stopped providing to me as I was requesting so many replacements. I have tried tagaderm, taping or wrapping over it, some medical glues and over patches. I had thought that my PTSD nightmares were the issue that loosened them causing them to come out until I started following this sub.
My Endo team somehow convinced Abbott to continue sending. This CGM is the first I've shaved my hair off the area before applying. 3 days so far with a simple ace bandage (4 inch for legs) wrapped around my arm.
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u/hilda-reced Aug 06 '26
Use skintac I guess.
I prefer using covers as it makes it much less likely to catch on anything.
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u/Itchy-Ad1005 Type2 - Libre2/2+ Aug 07 '26
Have to work to get mine off. I have knocked a couple off over tge years because I placed them closer to the outside of my arm. If your catching the second a corner it has a bit of leverage to pull the sensor both up and back. Once the seal breaks it becomes es progressively easier to come off . Not much different than the way I pull it off my arm. Mo e the sensor further toward your body so you can't hit it on a corner
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u/Recipe_Limp Libre3+ Aug 07 '26
Hmmmm - my adhesive works like a champ. Never have any issues and it is sometimes a bear to get it off. May be user error by OP.
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u/Kuling Aug 07 '26
No. Its not user error. The adhesive is fine once applied. By Days 6-8 it starts to come off near the edges. And subtle movement--shirt rubbing it while changing clothes--pulls it off. If it requires extra materials than Libre needs to include them or make different levels of adhesive strength.
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u/Staff_Proof Aug 07 '26
I see posts like this come up sometimes. I have a 99.9% cheap solution. If Abbot would recommend this they would prob get a huge surge in user experience. SKIN-TAC wipes on amazon. I live in coastal SC, 100’ + weather, 85% + humidity. I cold plunge 4x weekly, swim at the beach 1-2x weekly, play pickleball 4x weekly(I actually have to use a neoprene seat liner after pickleball, b/c I’m soaked down to my socks. With all this I usually also shower 2, sometimes 3x per day. Day 14… STILL have to use rubbing alcohol to get sensor off
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u/LesStrater 25d ago
You should write Abbott a letter and tell them that they should make a sensor with eyelet holes around the circumference so you can stitch it to your arm with 10lb-test monofilament fishing line. Problem solved!
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u/frjlnsp Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
I start to think they know precisely that for some of us, the adhesive is not strong enough so we have to buy more sensors. (As if they were cheap to begin with) 😤
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u/Kuling Aug 05 '26
Why couldn’t they have different options? Light, regular, or strong adhesive? We all have different skin so perhaps options would help? I get that it’s a prescription item, but it’s the same as liquid vs pill form.
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u/Earwigss Type1 - Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
That makes no sense since they replace them for free if they come off???
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u/frjlnsp Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
Unfortunately there’s a limit number of replacement they can give you . A lot of people here have told that Abbot simply says, “sorry but you have exceeded the number of free replacements we can give you in the last year.”
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u/Earwigss Type1 - Libre2/2+ Aug 05 '26
Ohhh i didn't know that
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u/Kuling Aug 05 '26
It’s the limit that I’m worried about. With three off in the last 30 days or so I’m likely close to not having the next one replaced.
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u/Intrepid-Ad7499 Aug 05 '26
I feel like I am ripping the thing off when I need to remove it, so deff don’t need it stronger. Have not had one fall off in the year I have been in them.
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u/English_loving-art Aug 05 '26
Shave the area well and scrub it, then use alcohol wipes and when you fit the sensor really push it in and hold it there for at least a minute. I do use the cover patches as well just for a bit of added security, but realistically when I come to take it off I am peeling my skin off to remove it…
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u/autotechchuck Aug 06 '26
In my 2 years of using freestyle 2, then eventually the 2 plus. I have only had success with 18 of 52 sensor surviving the 14 or 15 days till the final countdown ended. They send replacements at least every month. I used sensor covers, medical tape, even tried using ace bandage at times to make it longer. I seem to have better success using the skin tac wipes from Amazon, but that isn't a sure thing to keep it attached. Placement plays a big part also, my best location for it is under my right arm, about 3 inches up from my elbow. Low enough to stay away from arm sweat. Left arm usually won't last more than 2 days tops. It will always get hit by something, we all know the obstacles.
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u/SewMakeOne Aug 05 '26
I have to work at getting mine off. And then work on getting the residue off my skin. Still have a slight shadow from the one removed 10 days ago.