• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Keeping a freestyle libre sensor attached

J

JayLeigh3679

Member
Messages
12
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi! I'm brand new to using the libre sensor, still got the first one I've ever had attached to my arm. However, it is starting to peel a little on one side. Still very much attached at the moment!

Just wondering if anyone has any advice for keeping it attached for the remaining 6 days and for how to attach it better for next time?

Thank you so much!
 
I make sure the area is free of hair, clean with the acohol swab, and apply after it has dried. I then use Kinseology tape over the top of it and that holds it for two weeks. With all the exercise I do, I found it difficult to keep it on without the tape for the full period.
 

I've heard about the tape and got some on order. It's more trying to keep the thing on for the next few days before it needs to be changed.

Definitely going to follow your advice for the next sensor! Thank you!
 
JayLeigh3679 said:
I've heard about the tape and got some on order. It's more trying to keep the thing on for the next few days before it needs to be changed.

Definitely going to follow your advice for the next sensor! Thank you!
Click to expand...

Guess you could wrap something around it to try and hold it. I take it you are using the back of the arm? I used to and always knocked it on places, I've been using it on the side of my legs for quite a while now and it works as good if not better, its out of the way aswell. I know its not 'approved' per say but its worked much better for me (although I do use xdrip with miaomiao for calibration etc).
 

Yes it's on the back of my arm, it's where the nurse told me to put it last monday. I only thought it could go on the back of an arm, I don't think I'm brave enough to use a leg just yet!

I was thinking about getting some sort of bandage and trying to wrap it up if it gets looser while I wait for tape to arrive. It can scan through my winter coat so I don't think a bandage will hurt it too much.
 
If you've got micropore put a strip of that over the edge that's lifting, if not a plaster would even do the job xx
 
Hi JayLeigh3679

I have experienced the same problems. I now use skintac. You can get this on amazon. It makes the skin sticky and the sensor remains in place.

Hope you find something that works for you
 
I always use Tegaderm or Hypafix over my sensors. It stays on for at least a week and if it threatens to get loose I trim the edges and apply a new patch over it. If you want to be able to remove the patch, just put a piece of tissue between the sensor and the patch so the patch doesn't stick to the sensor.
I have it on a roll of 10cm x 10m.



This one has been on since last friday, you don't feel it at all.

 
Thanks for all the advice! I'll keep these in mind in case the tape doesn't work.

Interestingly I mentioned this to Abbott about it peeling to see if they recommend anything to make it last longer. They've suggested just immediately replacing it with a new sensor which seems slightly overkill for a tiny bit of adhesive peeling.
 

Yes they will generally replace it for issues such as this. It is a bit of an overkill. But you have got to bare in mind that if it peels away and gives incorrect readings, people can end up in hospital with DKA or severe hypo's so they have to stay on the side of caution.
 

That's true, I hadn't thought of that. Because I've only just switched I've still got my old meter and I can check any readings that don't make sense.
 
Muneeb said:
Yes they will generally replace it for issues such as this.
Click to expand...
They will. But after a couple of times they won't so I prefer not to lose them. I had a couple of failing sensors some time ago and a big hassle to have them replace the last one.
 
Hi, @JayLeigh3679 ,

Nice to meet you.

I've never realy had an issue so far with one peeling before its time. I normally place mine under arm, exfoliating the area during a shower. Then heating the area after using an alcohol wipe with a hairdryer? I slightly warm up the sensor sticky pad too before application..
I've done a lot of stuff with cars (trim & wot not) using double sided "3M" tape. If it's not summer? Warming a little helps more perminent adhesion..

Anyway. I recently got one of these reusable jobs (in grey.) to help hold the Miaomiao Bluetooth transmitter in place over the Libre.



The guy also does similar just to protect & hold the sensor. I've had no issue with mine moving. (Unlike the orpginal strap that came with the MM. Which had a tendancy under multi layers.)

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
If you're in the UK Boots chemists usually stock Tegaderm patches @ £0.54 each and for me they're good, or I've not had a Libre come off when using one over the top of it.

Keeping a miaomiao in place is a different story however...
 
kev-w said:
If you're in the UK Boots chemists usually stock Tegaderm patches @ £0.54 each and for me they're good, or I've not had a Libre come off when using one over the top of it.

Keeping a miaomiao in place is a different story however...
Click to expand...
I use KT tape over the miaomiao and libre. Never had one come off or move or any signal issues; and I exercise everyday and quite intense. (I also use the doubles sided tape to attach the miamiao to libre that it comes with).
 
Muneeb said:
I use KT tape over the miaomiao and libre. Never had one come off or move or any signal issues; and I exercise everyday and quite intense. (I also use the doubles sided tape to attach the miamiao to libre that it comes with).
Click to expand...

Mine's ok in the gym but I carry and climb ladders at work and have a couple of tops on that seems to move the miaomiao after a few climbs, I'm not moaning though as xdrip alarms to tell me it's missed the reading and a quick wriggle and it's ok again and is much better than trying to get blood out of cold fingers
 
Use a piece of tubigrip over the sensor to hold it in place, then if necessary tape over the tubigrip, works for me
 

I'd still suggest KT tape over the top. But the other thing: I use my libre on the side of my leg now and its out of the way. Accuracy is good, reliability is good, its not approved for use there by Abbot, but I've not had issues with mine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…