Freestyle Libre [emoji638] Plus and swimming

[Lennondayz]

I shall shortly be going to India on holiday – and plan to be spending a lot of time in the sea and swimming pool. Has anybody come up against issues with losing the sensor when swimming. Or is there some form of protection band that it’s possible to use? All suggestions welcome, thank you.

 

[lovinglife]

I’m not a CGM user or indeed a swimmer but I’ll tag one of our members @Antje77 who is a keen wild swimmer

 

[grantg]

from swimming pool no issues at all spend frequently 90+ mins in the water. also haven't had any issues with swimming in sea (much shorter time period). heat might cause issue easier to knock off .. skingrip or simular cover should suffice. if does come off before the usual time period you can contact and get replacement when you get home will need to keep the sensor sometimes they ask for it back.. but will get free replacement i dont bother with covers no more as find not needed. i have met a few others with more oily skin who have said they have issues guessing really depends on skin type and how 'flat' ie how much area it has to attach.

 

[Antje77]

I shall shortly be going to India on holiday – and plan to be spending a lot of time in the sea and swimming pool. Has anybody come up against issues with losing the sensor when swimming. Or is there some form of protection band that it’s possible to use? All suggestions welcome, thank you.

I swim almost daily. My preferred patch is Hypafix Transparent, which comes on a roll of 10m x 10 cm.
I cut the corners rounded and cut a piece of tissue (well, TP, I don't own tissues) the size of the sensor so the film doesn't stick to the sensor in case I need to replace it before the two weeks are up. Usually it keeps for two weeks, sometimes I have to replace it.

It doesn't only protect the sensor from getting loose from soaking in water but is also very effective against accidents with doorframes, bra straps, and prying kitten paws.

 

[Lennondayz]

Thank you for this information – I’m a new user and my sensor came off after only 13 days of normal activity (showers, no swimming) so I’m trying to be proactive regarding the holiday.

 

[Rachox]

I swim regularly so use a water proof cover all the time. Like @Antje77 describes but ready made with the fabric centre. I use these from Amazon:

50 Pack Sensor Covers, Compatible With Freestyle Libre 1/2/3, Waterproof Adhesive Blue CGM Patches Transparent Breathable Glucose Monitor Protector On The Center Long Lasting Without Hole For Swimming : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

50 Pack Sensor Covers, Compatible With Freestyle Libre 1/2/3, Waterproof Adhesive Blue CGM Patches Transparent Breathable Glucose Monitor Protector On The Center Long Lasting Without Hole For Swimming : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Antje77]

Thank you for this information – I’m a new user and my sensor came off after only 13 days of normal activity (showers, no swimming) so I’m trying to be proactive regarding the holiday.

Losing a sensor or it malfunctioning late in its life is actually beneficial, if annoying when it happens (usually at a very inconvenient moment).

Abbott replaces failed/lost sensors if you call/mail them, so a failed sensor on day 13 means one missed day on that sensor, but get 13 days worth of free/back up sensor.
If you get them funded, the back ups are very useful if it's your last sensor failing, if you have to self fund the benefit is even more obvious.