780G Medtronic v Omnipod 5

[V Pumper]

Sorry if repeating an old query, but my NHS Team have offered me an option of pumps; Do I continue with Medronic, I do find attaching the sensors fiddly especially in my arms and had many fail before their time should be up or do I try the Omnipod 5- it is bulky….
I’d really value peoples optinions, especially those who have made the switch either way and which they prefer?

 

[PhoebeC]

Sorry if repeating an old query, but my NHS Team have offered me an option of pumps; Do I continue with Medronic, I do find attaching the sensors fiddly especially in my arms and had many fail before their time should be up or do I try the Omnipod 5- it is bulky….
I’d really value peoples optinions, especially those who have made the switch either way and which they prefer?

I don’t know who has used both here.

I’ve only used the Omnipod Dash and Omnipod 5, was MDI before.

I don’t find it bulky, you can order a sample pod here https://www.omnipod.com/en-gb/simplify/omnipod-5

 

[Bloden]

Have you ordered the Omnipod 5 dummy pump? You stick it on and wear it for a few days. That way, you can decide if it's too bulky for you. I don't find it bulky at all. Sometimes I forget where it is!

If you chose the O5, which sensor would you be using?

Hahaha, @PhoebeC beat me to it.

 

[SB2015]

I have only used the 780 I used the Guardian sensor for four years and as you say they are fiddly up apply. I was able to get OH to apply the tapes. When I renewed my pump I was as blue to switch to the Simplera Sync sensors which are very similar to applying a Libre.

With regard to failures or stopping short I have had a few but have always had them replaced. Just keep a note of the serial number and batch number. I used to get annoyed with the sensor ending early but now if it happens I think if it as keeling me safe and stopping if it is any doubt. Simplera sensors do seem to cause less issues, but I am aware that they are not readily available at present.

It would take a lot to make me change from my 780 as I am not keen on change and it is suiting me well. I have never fancied the patch pumps and like the flexibility of putting the pump where I want to according to what I am wearing/doing.

 

[christine.h]

Sorry if repeating an old query, but my NHS Team have offered me an option of pumps; Do I continue with Medronic, I do find attaching the sensors fiddly especially in my arms and had many fail before their time should be up or do I try the Omnipod 5- it is bulky….
I’d really value peoples optinions, especially those who have made the switch either way and which they prefer?

I am on Omnipod 5 and I have been on the dash as well yes it is bigger than what you are used too but it can be used on a slant and it is easy to put on and very secure it is so easy to fill and very comfortable to wear I have just gone on the Dexcom G6 today instead of libra 2plus so it will be interesting

 

[V Pumper]

Have you ordered the Omnipod 5 dummy pump? You stick it on and wear it for a few days. That way, you can decide if it's too bulky for you. I don't find it bulky at all. Sometimes I forget where it is!

If you chose the O5, which sensor would you be using?

Hahaha, @PhoebeC beat me to it.

I’d be keen to use the Libre 2+ as just so easy to put on!

 

[rebrascora]

I’d be keen to use the Libre 2+ as just so easy to put on!

A few members have had problems with the Omnipod 5 and Libre 2+ sensor combo. Apparently the pod needs to be pretty close to the sensor to stop the signal from dropping out and because the Libre are only licenced for use on your upper arms, you have limited space to place the pods around the sensor every 3 days until the sensor ends and you change arms. Some members gave up on the Omnipod and moved to a different pump and others have managed a switch to Dexcom sensors which can be used elsewhere on the body but also seem to have a stronger Bluetooth connection. I think you might need additional funding agreed in order to get a Dexcom sensor which will loop with the Omnipod, whereas the Libre 2+ is standard prescription.

Just something to consider if you go with the Omnipod as it makes it much more difficult to rotate sites when you are restricted to arms for pods with the Libre sensors.

 

[PhoebeC]

Yes I had a nightmare with libre 2 plus and Omnipod 5, the Bluetooth hardly ever worked. There's a lot of posts of mine about it on here. I was in manual mode most of the time. Before O5 I was very happy with all of the libre's. I was told by insulet / Omnipod for the devices must be within 4 inches of each other, and with the libre only advised on the arm that is very limited for site rotation and actually was impossible for me to achieve any pump rotation.
My hospital team have now set up a process that per patient permission via the consultants is no longer needed for those with this issuO5 users needing to swap to Dexcom, as it wasn't only me.

It made moving from Omnipod dash to 5 pointless as it wasn't working as a HCL, it was in manual.

The Dexcom G6 is a little more of a process than the libre, you stick the sensor part on first and then add in the transmitter, it doesn't really take much more time or effort, not in a way that is noticeable. It does take 2 hours rather than the 1, so that's not ideal but again it works so its a worthwhile price. I really like it. Few faulty sensors but not more than libre, about the same, and all replaced, and can do it online, via email or phone so handy.

The Bluetooth connection even works in ways they don't advise, CGM on the front and pump on the back, or on a different arm each, or as far as part as possible, leg and arm. I have really pushed it as much as I can and it works great for me.

And I didn't think this would be a win but I actually like being able to use different sites than just my arms for the CGM has given my skin and body more time to heal, I have always had sensitive skin, not badly with the CGM's but have noticed my arm skin is in a much better condition now I can use more of my body.

I would say stay on libre if they work, as they do for some, but do be prepared for them not to work, I didn't know this would be an issue and by week 2 I regretted changing over, it has taken me until the G6 being used for a period of time to be settled and happy with the move over.

I play full contact rugby and have never lost an omnipod or CGM at training or in matches so no they are not bulky really, and if I make sure they are in the right site, have a sticker or wrap on they don't move.

 

[Bloden]

I prefer the Dexcom G6 too. When I was still using the Dash, the Libre 2+ was pain - it would only work when I was in range. So, no readings when I was high or low. Great!

We're all different. Some people get on fine with the Libre 2+.