Hi there, I've been on the Omnipod for a couple of years, and before that I was on Animas tubed pump for another couple of years. Following from Noblehead's post - (I'm by no means an expert on diabetes and pumps), but I do have experience of these two different types of pumps.
Both had pro's and cons, but personally I far prefer the tubeless Omnipod, which incorporates BG monitor, which the ANIMAS didn't. So less kit to carry around. Omnipod test strips also require smaller blood sample than other meters I have used. And of course, with a tubeless pump you don't have to worry about 'air bubbles' in the tubing, which were a problem, particularly as it wasn't easy to see if you had them with the ANIMAS pump, so could get BG spikes. As long as you ensure you get bubbles out when filling the syringe for the Omnipod, I think that's the only potential problem
Both pumps had similar functions from what I remember (extended bolus, food diaries, charts showing trends). I find the Omnipod menu a lot easier and quicker to navigate around (The Animas pump I had didn't have a 'back' button - again only minor niggle but all adds up when you are using piece of tech dozens of times a day). The visibility of the Omnipod screen is also a lot better, less glare in daylight, even without adjusting settings.
Aside from not having a pump physically attached by a tube, and the inconvenience of attaching it to belts or in pockets, and the minor inconvenience of occasionally getting the tubing caught on door handles......I am a lot more comfortable sleeping with a tubeless pump. It all is seemingly quite minor stuff, but for me, makes me feel more like the pre-diabetes 'normal' me, not having a visible physical reminder on my body.
One issue I have encountered with the Omnipod is poor pod adhesion - but that's something I have learnt from experience how to manage. Mainly found it would come loose after vigorous exercise or if i tried to apply it when I was hot (like post shower) or dashing around. This was less common problem with the ANIMAS cannulas - and probably due to the Omnipod being bigger and heavier. The DSN suggested a GP can prescribe a spray to help adhesion, but I haven't been able to get hold of this yet from my GP.
Another issue with the Omnipods is I find them slightly more painful to insert than the smaller (maybe softer) cannulas. But I have only ever used my stomach (I tried other sites with the previous pump without success). I should try my arm though really..
Both companies offered good support I found.
A hospital Consultant told me recently the Omnipod is significantly more expensive than tubed pumps, and isn't prescribed by many hospitals as they don't see the benefits outweigh the costs. So seems we are lucky to have it..
Hope that helps.
