Guardian 4 sensors - soon to be a new user

clared · Sep 18, 2025

I’ve been on the Minimed 780 pump for a long time and using the Libra 2 sensor. In 2 weeks I’m changing to the Guardian 4 sensor. I’ve been sent the videos to watch in preparation and I was surprised to how large it is, the tape needed to secure it, and the difficulty in inserting it yourself on the arm. I am looking for advice from veterans of this sensor. Can you insert it yourself on your arm? Is it better to use your stomach. Any tips for tape removal? How long does the process take ? Do you have to carry a spare set around with you? Does it last 7 days. I work in a busy outreach role around Wiltshire, so I am a little concerned if it ‘messes up’ and finishes early and I’m in a area on my own with a need to charge it, clean it, and need help to apply it. I am a little worried if I can make this work. Thanks in advance for anyone who can offer your advice on your own experience of this sensor

Rokaab · Sep 18, 2025

I use the 780g and G4 sensors and use my arms.
Until I found an easy way it was a complete PITA trying to sort it out on my arm, however what I found was that if I cut the sticky patches in half it makes it a lot easier to put over the sensor and then I could happily do it one-handed - with the sticker in its oval shape you do not want to know how many times I got it in the wrong place - a lot of swearing was involved

I've found it seems to actually work better on my arm and is a lot comfier for me than on my stomach and on my arm once its started up properly it does seem to last the stated 7 days - I've had to use my stomach a few times recently cos one of my arm has been out of bounds (hopefully will be able to use soon) and found on my stomach it tends to not last the 7 days and its really annoyed me - but it may just be me

The process - takes about 30 mins to charge the transmitter and then 2 hours warmup for the sensor (you dont need to charge it each time, but if you dont it'll take longer to charge upto full next time next time - a week uses about 33-35% of mines battery power)
If everything is happy it'll be good to go after than 2 hour warm up - I normally calibrate it a couple of times on that first day of the sensor just so I know its pretty accurate

I have no issues pulling the old sensors off, though getting all the sticky residue off can take days .....

Biggest issue I have is that I get sensor update problems , normally right after the warm up - and its can take upto 3 hours to sort its life out or just completely fail - at which point its start up a new sensor. Personally I think they have far too high a failure rate

Phaid · Sep 18, 2025

I think I have said this before somewhere on here, so sorry if i'm repeating myself.
I apply the sensor to my arm then plug in the transmitter. Then I just put the 2 bits of tape over the whole thing. I don't do it the Medtronic way, its too fiddly.
I do use a mirror.
I've never had a sensor fail or fall off or not last the full 7 days doing it that way.
So good luck with the Gaurdian 4. I love mine but I know lots of people have a nightmare with them.

clared · Sep 18, 2025

Rokaab said:
I use the 780g and G4 sensors and use my arms.
Until I found an easy way it was a complete PITA trying to sort it out on my arm, however what I found was that if I cut the sticky patches in half it makes it a lot easier to put over the sensor and then I could happily do it one-handed - with the sticker in its oval shape you do not want to know how many times I got it in the wrong place - a lot of swearing was involved

I've found it seems to actually work better on my arm and is a lot comfier for me than on my stomach and on my arm once its started up properly it does seem to last the stated 7 days - I've had to use my stomach a few times recently cos one of my arm has been out of bounds (hopefully will be able to use soon) and found on my stomach it tends to not last the 7 days and its really annoyed me - but it may just be me

The process - takes about 30 mins to charge the transmitter and then 2 hours warmup for the sensor (you dont need to charge it each time, but if you dont it'll take longer to charge upto full next time next time - a week uses about 33-35% of mines battery power)
If everything is happy it'll be good to go after than 2 hour warm up - I normally calibrate it a couple of times on that first day of the sensor just so I know its pretty accurate

I have no issues pulling the old sensors off, though getting all the sticky residue off can take days .....

Biggest issue I have is that I get sensor update problems , normally right after the warm up - and its can take upto 3 hours to sort its life out or just completely fail - at which point its start up a new sensor. Personally I think they have far too high a failure rate

Thanks for your reply, that’s really helpful to know and a good tip regarding cutting the sticky patches in half.

clared · Sep 18, 2025

Phaid said:
I think I have said this before somewhere on here, so sorry if i'm repeating myself.
I apply the sensor to my arm then plug in the transmitter. Then I just put the 2 bits of tape over the whole thing. I don't do it the Medtronic way, its too fiddly.
I do use a mirror.
I've never had a sensor fail or fall off or not last the full 7 days doing it that way.
So good luck with the Gaurdian 4. I love mine but I know lots of people have a nightmare with them.

Thanks for your reply and the mirror tip. I hope I love mine too.

Guardian 4 sensors - soon to be a new user

clared

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Rokaab

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Phaid

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clared

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clared

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Guardian 4 sensors - soon to be a new user

clared

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Rokaab

Well-Known Member

Phaid

Active Member

clared

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clared

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