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Heat days, coaching open air, and frequent pool visits are nice. Sadly, scorching summer time days and coaching may cause the tape on the CGM sensor to start to peel off, shortening the lifespan of the sensor.
In fact, nobody desires that, so we examined totally different manufacturers of Dexcom patches to see in the event that they have been comfy to put on and if they may prolong the lifetime of the sensor.
We examined these patches with Dexcom sensors, however a lot of the manufacturers we tried supply patches for Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, Eversense, and Medtronic, in addition to adhesives for pumps and glucometers.
I’ve solely examined a small portion of the accessible patches, so be happy so as to add your favourite CGM tapes within the feedback beneath.
I must also point out that many individuals add adhesive (similar to pores and skin adhesive) to the pores and skin below the tape to make the sensor stick longer. I have not had a lot success with the extra adhesive, and I did not put on it with any of the CGM patches I used on this check.
What’s essential about CGM patches?
When selecting a sensor patch, I deal with the next:
- Adhesion to pores and skin and period
- Waterproof permits your pores and skin to breathe
- Design and shade choice
- Cheap pricing
Usually, I do not put on the sensor for greater than 7-10 days (which can also be what the Dexcom G5 and G6 are permitted for). The primary cause I solely put on the sensor for 7-10 days is as a result of I’ve fairly delicate pores and skin and it may possibly get itchy and painful if I put on it longer.
I am certain a few of you could have been sporting your sensors for much longer than I’ve, however sadly I do not know the way these patches will carry out when you put on them for greater than 10 days.
glyph grip
This was the primary sensor tape I got here throughout after I began sporting Dexcom, and it is probably the most sturdy of all of the patches I’ve tried up to now. It really adheres to the pores and skin, so it is arduous to peel off.
I had to make use of an adhesive remover (Uni-Remedy is efficient and likewise nice for eradicating adhesive residue) to cut back the discomfort of eradicating the patch. Evidently, GrifGrips can simply be worn for 7-10 days.
Most grips are produced from a fabric very similar to sports activities tape, so they do not really feel compressive or stiff, and also you sweat by way of the patch as an alternative of below it, permitting your pores and skin to breathe.
With 5 adhesive choices to select from, it is good for these with delicate pores and skin or those that don’t love pigments or dyes.
In order for you your grip to be colourful, GrifGrip is available in quite a lot of colours and shapes. I have not tried the multi-colored designs made with totally different supplies, so I do not know if they’re going to stick as effectively.
Costs differ relying on design and amount of patches bought. Get a 10-pack of oval grips in primary colours for $10 + transport.
All designs could be discovered on the GrifGrip web site and a few may also be discovered on Amazon. My favourite oval sports activities tape is $20 for 20 grips on Amazon ($1 per patch).
pores and skin grip
The Pores and skin Grip CGM patch is similar to GrifGrip. Additionally it is produced from a smooth cloth-like materials. Nevertheless, they’re a a lot smaller firm and solely supply oval and round patches in a couple of totally different colours, one in every of which is “tan.” Sadly, their definition of tan just isn’t the identical as my pores and skin shade.
That apart, the distinction between Pores and skin Grip and Grif Grip is the discharge paper.
The paper is pre-cut into 4 items, so as an alternative of getting to peel all of it off directly or managing tremendous sticky grips (I’ve tousled a couple of grips as a result of they caught collectively earlier than I might even put them on my pores and skin), I simply loosen the top, place the grip over the sensor, and peel off the paper. Easy however fantastic.
You’ll be able to see the way to placed on the Pores and skin Grip within the video beneath.
The fabric feels barely lighter than GrifGrips, however I discovered them to be simply as sticky. It would not irritate your pores and skin both.
The value may be very affordable, with a 20-pack of patches going for $24.99 ($1.25 per patch) on Amazon.
expression med
These CGM adhesives are enjoyable and colourful and accessible in a variety of cute designs. They’re primarily oval formed patches, however you may get another enjoyable shapes as effectively, similar to mini tapes, that are smaller than most patches I’ve seen.
I attempted the owl-shaped and heart-shaped patches (not accessible), which some may argue is geared toward a youthful viewers (however by no means thoughts, I am younger at coronary heart!).
That is positively for individuals who aren’t shy about exhibiting off their diabetic gear, and I actually loved sporting it.
The primary disadvantage of those grips is that they’re printed on a fabric that feels extra like paper than sports activities tape. It felt tougher than the Grif Grip or Pores and skin Grip and solely lasted a couple of days.
In my view, these CGM patches are extra of a solution to beautify the sensor than to stay it on longer.
These are significantly costlier than the patches listed above, with the typical worth of patches being $3 per patch when you purchase a 5-pack, and $4 when you purchase a single patch. Yow will discover it on Amazon or on the ExpressionMed web site.
pump peels
Like ExpressionMed CGM patches, Pump Peelz convey enjoyable to your designs. We have now extra print design choices than different manufacturers, however just one oval form.
Like ExpressionMed, the print is on a fabric that’s extra paper-like than cloth, so it wrinkles a bit extra simply and would not final so long as GrifGrip or Pores and skin Corps.
Nevertheless, when you’re on the lookout for a solution to spruce up your CGM for any event, you may discover it right here. You may also print your personal design if you want. Once I turned an American citizen, I wore the American flag, which I believed was very acceptable.
It has a barely extra mature design than ExpressionMed. I had a lot enjoyable sporting them that I’d positively purchase them once more. Nevertheless, it’s primarily worn within the winter, because it can’t face up to warmth (and sweat) like different patches.
You should buy a single patch for $3.49 or a pack of 5 patches for $12 ($2.40 per patch), and select as many alternative designs as you want on the web site.
clear adhesive
Clear adhesives similar to Tegaderm and FlexiFix are literally medical adhesives/tape slightly than patches.
Each time I take advantage of workplace tape, I really feel like I am placing workplace tape on my physique. As a result of they’re fabricated from plastic-like supplies, adhesives often do not final lengthy as a result of your pores and skin cannot breathe and sweat collects beneath the adhesive as an alternative of passing by way of it.
My pores and skin will get crimson and irritated simply. The one benefit of this answer is that it’s comparatively low cost and clear.
Flexifix was the final model I attempted and I acquired a big roll of tape that was simple to chop into the form I wished. In fact, this is a bonus when you don’t love the massive CGM patches accessible (I wrote about reducing the tape right here ).
If you wish to strive it, you will discover it on Amazon.
Which Dexcom patch do you suggest?
In case your purpose is to have the ability to put on your Dexcom sensor longer and you do not care about shade, form, or design, we suggest the Pores and skin Grip. Barely higher than the equally priced GrifGrip, it is simpler to use and sticks.
Though very enjoyable and cute, ExpressionMed Patches and Pump Peels are extra of a solution to beautify your CGM sensor than a approach to make sure sensor safety and delay its life.
That does not imply I will not put on them (I really actually like how enjoyable they’re), however for me, they’re good for winter put on.
Replace: Different nice Dexcom patches I’ve tried since writing this text:
Greater than only a patch – funky colours and funky shapes for $21.99 for 20 patches
Dexcom Free Overlay Tape – I didn’t like this tape, but it surely’s free so I’m including it. Request a tape by way of the Dexcom app or contact Dexcom by way of the web site.
