freestyle libre

[sillyme]

faulty adhesion on device

 

[Deleted member 27171]

It’s worth giving Abbott a call directly, they’re usually pretty good at replacing faulty goods.

 

[sillyme]

Thanks although I have had success with applying deodorant after using antibac wipe.
Another problem I have,(rang Abbott re this), is after applying device it takes ages for the grey cover to fall off!

 

[mikeyB]

Fall off??? You lift it off after application. Don’t you read instructions? Especially the instruction not to use anything else other than the wipes, and to avoid other substances like deodorants. Deodorants leave residues that can interfere with the adhesive.

Stop pestering Abbott, and, as I say, thoroughly read the instructions.

 

[Kaylz]

Sometimes the adhesive can be an issue but things have to be factored in too such as was it stored at the correct temperatures so the glue wasn't affected, did you allow the area to dry properly after using the wipe, if you applied deodorant to the area and then applied a sensor then yes the issue could be your own fault but also I'm not sure if this is a fully serious post as even common sense would say you don't walk around with the grey applicator hanging from your arm until it just falls off

 

[sillyme]

Fall off??? You lift it off after application. Don’t you read instructions? Especially the instruction not to use anything else other than the wipes, and to avoid other substances like deodorants. Deodorants leave residues that can interfere with the adhesive.

Stop pestering Abbott, and, as I say, thoroughly read the instructions.

okay miki you need to take a chill pill. I attended a trial and read the instructions. When a sensor fell off, on 2 separate occasions, I called Abbott and the customer services woman suggested,(amongst other products), anti-perspirant deodorant as perhaps it was extra greasy. I am so grateful for her advice because it works! She said other people had tried it successfully. I needed help and she provided I don't have time to pester people, working 13.5 hr shifts 4 days a week. Did you not consider that I might have tried multiple times to lift it off and failed?!! I am sure I am the only person using the freestyle libre this happens to..not. Here's a suggestion for you, miki, don't rant until you've heard the whole story x

 

[sillyme]

Sometimes the adhesive can be an issue but things have to be factored in too such as was it stored at the correct temperatures so the glue wasn't affected, did you allow the area to dry properly after using the wipe, if you applied deodorant to the area and then applied a sensor then yes the issue could be your own fault but also I'm not sure if this is a fully serious post as even common sense would say you don't walk around with the grey applicator hanging from your arm until it just falls off

Hi Kaylz, it was stored at the correct temperature and yes I make sure that the area is bone dry both after using the wipes as well before applying the deodorant. I tried several times to remove the applicator cover, but for whatever reason it remains on my arm for a minute, plus I am nervous about applying too much force as don't want the sensor to become unstuck as that would be a colossal waste of money and time.

 

[sillyme]

Fall off??? You lift it off after application. Don’t you read instructions? Especially the instruction not to use anything else other than the wipes, and to avoid other substances like deodorants. Deodorants leave residues that can interfere with the adhesive.

Stop pestering Abbott, and, as I say, thoroughly read the instructions.

oh and one more thing, I bought freestyle libre plasters which failed to work

 

[Kaylz]

Hi Kaylz, it was stored at the correct temperature and yes I make sure that the area is bone dry both after using the wipes as well before applying the deodorant. I tried several times to remove the applicator cover, but for whatever reason it remains on my arm for a minute, plus I am nervous about applying too much force as don't want the sensor to become unstuck as that would be a colossal waste of money and time.

as long as you apply pressure and hold for a good few seconds after application then a little pull to get the applicator off does no harm or it never has me in the year I've been permanently using them xx

 

[mikeyB]

Exactly, Kaylz.

And @sillyme, please stop using that deodorant. I can’t imagine why you started using it. Certainly, if it’s an antiperspirant it will contain aluminium salts which crystallise out and will inevitably interfere with adherence. And not a single Libre user on this forum, or of my acquaintance, has reported difficulty removing the grey applicator. You are the only person I’ve heard of who sprays deodorant on before applying the sensor.

I’ve been using Libre sensors since they first appeared, and following the routine that @Kaylz mentions. Never had a problem, apart from one sensor which failed after a few days, which Abbott replaced.

Simply follow the instructions that come with the applicator, use the advice of experienced users, and you will be fine.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I’m not sure I am understanding what you mean by the grey cover and ‘fall off’ @sillyme

Do you mean the larger spring-loaded half of the applicator? That should come away gently a few seconds after you’ve inserted the sensor (just hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to begin to take and then lift it away from the arm)

In general plasters and overtapes aren’t recommended, though some people do use them. The central hole in the sensor should remain open though to allow the skin under the sensor to breathe.

There’s a video of the insertion process here if it helps: https://www.t1resources.uk/resources/item/ninjabetic-freestyle-libre-insertion-video/

 

[SB2015]

We find that so long as we pause a while to let the sticky stick, we can then remove the inserter.
I do still remember the first one we put in and being very worried about whether it would just pull it out again.

I had a couple of sensors fall out, one after a very long soak. I now out a tegaderm over them most of the time, having cut a small hole in the centre before applying it. At £50 a time for the sensors it was not worth losing any. I usually include a swim and a long soak in the bath each week so I am just being cautious.

 

[mark king]

Just had a poor response to adding my sensor last night.
When I used the applicator to pin the sensor into my arm, a painless operation but on removing it the insertion needle was left sticking half way out of the sensor. With my wife holding down the sensor I just removed the pin carefully and easily.
Unfortunately the sensor was corrupt and it kept asking me to restart it before eventually saying fit a new sensor.

I've been using the sensors for about 3 years and I have not had anything like this happen before.
As it is the W/E I can not get in touch with anybody but will contact Abbots on Monday for a replacement and also contact my Diabetic nurse who does hold a small supply for emergencies. It was my last sensor of the 4 I had previously ordered so I couldn't replace it straight away.
I am going to reorder another 4 on Monday coming but in future even though each sensor lasts for 14 days I will reorder when I am down to 2 sensors left, just in case of another failure but 1 failure in 3 years is not too bad.

Until then it is back to finger pricking to keep a check on my levels.

Best

 

[Amity Island]

Thanks although I have had success with applying deodorant after using antibac wipe.
Another problem I have,(rang Abbott re this), is after applying device it takes ages for the grey cover to fall off!

I understand what you mean, it can take a bit of a tug to detach it once you've applied the sensor. As Kaylz kindly suggested, it works a bit easier when you keep the applicator pressed onto your arm for a good few seconds before trying to lift off the grey applicator. Failing that, all you can do is what you've been doing and contact Abbott.

 

[trophywench]

Well as a lady I use spray deodorant too, however since you only change a Libre sensor when the previous one expires, it would be very odd to me to have that time occur every single time when I'd just washed my pits. Spray pits whilst still naked from the shower, put underwear on, sort clothes out for today, apply make-up, whatever else you need to do first thing. Only THEN use the Abbott wipe to clean the back of your arm and wait for the evaporation of the cleanser as per normal. Then apply the sensor.

 

[sillyme]

as long as you apply pressure and hold for a good few seconds after application then a little pull to get the applicator off does no harm or it never has me in the year I've been permanently using them xx

thanks Kaylz i managed to apply slight pressure to the inner white applicator and the grey applicator came off.

 

[sillyme]

Well as a lady I use spray deodorant too, however since you only change a Libre sensor when the previous one expires, it would be very odd to me to have that time occur every single time when I'd just washed my pits. Spray pits whilst still naked from the shower, put underwear on, sort clothes out for today, apply make-up, whatever else you need to do first thing. Only THEN use the Abbott wipe to clean the back of your arm and wait for the evaporation of the cleanser as per normal. Then apply the sensor.

thanks for sharing your morning routine with me - as we are all different,( thank god!) I usually change the sensor at night so as previously mentioned, this method works for me so will continue.

 

[sillyme]

thanks for sharing your morning routine with me - as we are all different,( thank god!) I usually change the sensor at night so as previously mentioned, this method works for me so will continue.

oh and an afterthought, I get up at 05.15 on the mornings i work take my meds, wait 30 minutes for them to work while i do my HIIT exercises then have my coffee, banana, unflavoured full fat greek yoghurt, sunflower seeds, rolled oats and blueberries.Brush my pearly whites, shower and dry myself, apply Lush solid deodorant whilst still naked from the shower and dress in my uniform, leave for work at 06.30. My shift starts at 06.45 until 20.00. I work 9 days out of 14 with alternate weekends off. I am a critical care worker so cannot work from home.

 

[Kaylz]

thanks Kaylz i managed to apply slight pressure to the inner white applicator and the grey applicator came off.

Nice one! xx