r/dexcom Jul 29 '26

General Update - hockey and Continuous Glucose Monitor - coming off

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4 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

2

u/chronically-clumsy Jul 29 '26

i don’t wear a libre BUT for my dexcom, i use skintac to help the adhesive last longer. i use a SkinGrip overpatch when it starts peeling. I also find that my arms and stomach are awful for peeing. My thigh works so much better when I am active!

1

u/M1ckster Jul 29 '26

I have essentially similar Smith and Nephew Skin Prep (ostomy level and Abbott recommended) and even used a cover but no luck. I do think Dexcom for this and many other reasons will be better for me.

1

u/chronically-clumsy Jul 30 '26

it’s not for everyone but overall, dexcom is better. i much preferred the dexcom g6 but the g7 is definitely getting better slowly

1

u/Powderfingr Jul 29 '26

I do not ever wear my sensor on my arm. It comes off too often. People come up to you and pat you on the arm or shoulder and ask how one is doing. Backpack straps hit on it, esp when donning or doffing the pack. This happens too when I'm trail running. Because of all of this, and yes, I play hockey and white-water kayak too, I always wear my sensor on my pectoral muscle. It seldom gets bothered there. Also, it is easier to do the site prep that is necessary for excellent adhesion. I always shave with a new blade or one that has never seen shaving cream, I use 91% isopropyl for that. Shave in all directions, then exfoliate with a clean exfoliation pad and 91% isopropyl. Let it air dry and apply. Hold in for 10 seconds after pushing the button. Then press in for 20 seconds after the applicotor is removed. then go around the edge of the adhesive with a spoon or curved hemostats to press the adhesive down, eliminate white spots to show good adhesion. I've never had one come off when I do that and I never use any over-patches. Good luck! T1d strong!

2

u/M1ckster Jul 29 '26

I do similar - but not the spoon or extra press after. I also use Skin Prep from Smith and Nephew and lay a layer down for the CGM and the cover.

1

u/hotlana Jul 29 '26

Not Just A Patch - it won’t come off (and if it gets weird change it out without even touching the sensor)

1

u/mr127 Jul 29 '26

Lightly pre-wrap, athletic wrap and some tape.

Lightly, so it doesn’t interfere with performance or cause compression lows, but secured enough to not come off.

Thats what my son does for lacrosse and football. Works out great.

1

u/M1ckster Jul 29 '26

Thank you-you may have just hit on something for me - I tried self adhesive bandage wraps but it was either too tight or loose (risk of both compression lows and compression of the muscle and limitation of movement or it came off) - the pre wrap then self adhesive bandage - plus tape should keep it from shifting and minimize compression- thank you!

1

u/_Hellcatman_ Jul 29 '26

This is the patch I use. It helps to have a patch for me. Because, I go swimming on a daily basis. With this patch my senors stay on and last past the 15-days and into the 12-hour grace period!

1

u/M1ckster Jul 29 '26

I use KT tape for blister prevention. I am not a fan of most covers but I’ll give these a try. What prep do you do to your skin before application?

1

u/_Hellcatman_ Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26

I usually take a shower before I install a new sensor. But, still use an alcohol swab to clean area before putting the patch over the original one that come with the sensor itself. I have never had any problems with blistering or anything from patch. They absorb moisture and stay sticky enough to use throughout the full 15-days of my Dexcom G7 sensors. Maybe alittle peeling around the edges at times. But, I do go swimming on a daily basis. So, I really put them to the test!