Dexcom G5 adhesive

[pinewood]

I've just ordered the G5 system because I have reactions to the Libre adhesive .... just wondered if anyone knew whether the Dexcom adhesive was known to be any better than the Libre one (or if anyone had switched for the same reason and had better luck with Dexcom?)

Thanks!

 

[tim2000s]

I've just ordered the G5 system because I have reactions to the Libre adhesive .... just wondered if anyone knew whether the Dexcom adhesive was known to be any better than the Libre one (or if anyone had switched for the same reason and had better luck with Dexcom?)

Thanks!

I switched for different reasons, but in six months of using Dexcom I've had no reactions, and I've worn some sensors for a month.

 

[pinewood]

I switched for different reasons, but in six months of using Dexcom I've had no reactions, and I've worn some sensors for a month.

Thanks Tim. Do you stick something over Dexcom to keep it down? I've read it's more prone to falling off compared to Libre?

 

[CarbsRok]

Never had a reaction the sensor tape/stick. For extra stick I do use skin tac making sure that the tac does not come anywhere near the sensor, like Tim I have worn the sensor for a month and once for 47 days.

 

[tim2000s]

Thanks Tim. Do you stick something over Dexcom to keep it down? I've read it's more prone to falling off compared to Libre?

I usually wear it for a week with no issues with stickiness, then I apply strips of opsite Flexifix after that which keep it on for longer.

 

[iHs]

I now use Tegaderm film 6x7 cm and simply fold it in half and cut out half a rectangle the size of the cradle in the middle so that when opened, there is a full rectangle slightly bigger than the sensor cradle. If Ive got a sensor on my arm I get my partner to place the Tegaderm over the cradle and it's easy to remove the underneath backing paper and press the film against the sensor adhesive and then peel off the white backing paper from around the edges of the film.
Tegaderm is the stuff hospitals use so that says it all. It sticks fairly well and as long as I've dabbed a tiny bit of liquid body glue under the cradle and placed the sensor on the skin, wait 2 mins for sensor adhesive to stick really well with the body glue, I then press down the introducer needle and then remove the clear introducer applicator.
The secret to good life with these sensors is as Carbsrok has said, make sure the sensor cradle is stuck down really well on the skin and experiment with different areas on the body.

 

[Kammo]

I've just ordered the G5 system because I have reactions to the Libre adhesive .... just wondered if anyone knew whether the Dexcom adhesive was known to be any better than the Libre one (or if anyone had switched for the same reason and had better luck with Dexcom?)

Thanks!

I use a tegaderm transparent dressing 10x12 cm film over my Dexcom 5. It has 3 obvious effects. First, it is the best and longest of many such plasters and films I have tried. If lasts, without peeling, for a good 2 weeks. If the edges start to peel I just put another on top. Second, my sensors stay accurate for 3 weeks. Previously, without this dressing, I saw inaccuracies occur earlier. Third, they are 100% waterproof. I swim several times a week and there is no adverse effect caused by water or chlorine. Do not let anyone, including Dexcom, tell you that putting this thinnest of films over the top of the transmitter might affect the accuracy of the readings. If does no such thing. (I do not work for 3M, I just found the a great product and had to spread the word to my diabetic comrades)

 

[pinewood]

Thanks for the recommendation @Kammo

I’ve actually been using https://www.grifgrips.com/ over the top of my G5s and highly recommend these. They last a good 2-3 weeks before the edges start to peel and my skin is as good as new when I peel them off. Very comfy and stretchy/breathable.