I need advice..(libre 2 plus sensor)

[Sara Grice]

Just had my 2nd sensor in a row detatch itself as I was cleaning my bathroom i knocked it against the door

I'm having so much trouble right now with my libre sensor and how best to keep it on, I feel like I've tried everything... is it my positioning instead?

- frist patches i got where not just a patch (normal version) paper backing blocked the top of the sensor, ment to stop it sticking but caused it to not beable to breath

So I tried not just a patch air version because it dosnet have any paper just a non adhesive middle, but I keep having issues of it causing compression lows, the non adhesive part is a bit of a weird shape because its ment to fit a dexcome aswell, I dunno if that's the reason, so i end up having to sort of...pull the patch away from the sensor a bit to make it looser, which isn't ideal as it being loose kinda negates the point protecting the sensor from knocks ...and sometimes the material rips, and this one did alittle letting me glimpse inside, it let me see this time that it had come loose


I tried the type which are just a circle with a hole, but found them the worse of all...how to you get them around the sensor without them sticking to the sides??? The libre sensor i use doaent actuly have that much of the adhesive that sticks out of the side, I used it once and knew side stick to the sensor causing it to pull it to one side, and the other side didn't fully cover the small amount of adhesive on the other side so that started to come loose..


I was giving a hard cover i think from kovaq but its more of a very shallow dish that dosent cover my sensor at all, if i tried to put a patch over that it would push it down and cuase compression lows, so i ordered one recently thats a bit more s esor shaped, but it still doaent leave much room and im still worried about it pushing down on it to much.

I am at a loss and realy don't know what to do, I know my positioning of the sensor ain't great but don't have much flat surface to put it where they recommend, I'll ad a pic of my sensor placement.

Ant advice on what to do will help.....how do your patches not push down on the sensor like mine dose..as everyone else seams to use them fine

 

[Sara Grice]

Seriously, this is so stressing me out. i just really wish I could find a solution that worked. The ones that are just a ring with a hole in the middle seemed really promising but...getting it around the sensor evenly without accidently sticking to it it just so hard....

 

[Lucyr]

why not try skin tac which goes under the sensor, or nothing and just making sure your arm is very clean and dry when placing the sensors?

 

[Sara Grice]

why not try skin tac which goes under the sensor, or nothing and just making sure your arm is very clean and dry when placing the sensors?

Not tried skin tac but I've heard over people use it, I was sort of skeptical about 2 things.

- surely putting a glue like subtence on the area the sensor will cover would have some effect on the readings? All I've seen is they come in whipes, so do i have to make a little circle and try to then make sure I get the sensor in the very middle of it?

- removing it kinda scares me......I've seen people rip of bits of skin before... do removers realy work that well? The last thing I need is open wounds as im realy trying to get in control of my scab picking bad habit

 

[Inka]

Seriously, this is so stressing me out. i just really wish I could find a solution that worked. The ones that are just a ring with a hole in the middle seemed really promising but...getting it around the sensor evenly without accidently sticking to it it just so hard....

Hard to see your exact positioning @Sara Grice but I hold my arm out to make a backwards L with the palm of my hand loosely facing my shoulder, then I put my sensor on the back of my arm, which is now the bit facing the floor. I call that ‘six o’clock’. Occasionally I will put it at ‘7 o’clock’ or ‘5 o’clock’ depending on the arm. I’ve only knocked a sensor off once and that was in the first month of having it (I caught it on a door frame). Your body should become aware of it and adjust its position when manoeuvring.

As for patches, some are rubbish and the one on your arm looks poor (or is it tape?). The best I’ve found are these. You get what you pay for. The cheap ones either fall off or irritate the skin. These do neither:

https://www.typeonestyle.com/collections/bestselling-patches?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19647818520&gbraid=0AAAAABb3LYOHslOlOshJFv5NydpAOFZWd&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ozEBhAdEiwAn9qbzfohVXJNgp09iXunSanutyGwuwPLIbX9SVf9uMv_7Tvy-ITFOxBDOhoCY9UQAvD_BwE

.

 

[Sara Grice]

Hard to see your exact positioning @Sara Grice but I hold my arm out to make a backwards L with the palm of my hand loosely facing my shoulder, then I put my sensor on the back of my arm, which is now the bit facing the floor. I call that ‘six o’clock’. Occasionally I will put it at ‘7 o’clock’ or ‘5 o’clock’ depending on the arm. I’ve only knocked a sensor off once and that was in the first month of having it (I caught it on a door frame). Your body should become aware of it and adjust its position when manoeuvring.

As for patches, some are rubbish and the one on your arm looks poor (or is it tape?). The best I’ve found are these. You get what you pay for. The cheap ones either fall off or irritate the skin. These do neither:

https://www.typeonestyle.com/collections/bestselling-patches?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19647818520&gbraid=0AAAAABb3LYOHslOlOshJFv5NydpAOFZWd&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ozEBhAdEiwAn9qbzfohVXJNgp09iXunSanutyGwuwPLIbX9SVf9uMv_7Tvy-ITFOxBDOhoCY9UQAvD_BwE

.

I'm afraid I can realy visualise what your telling me....make a backwards L with my palm? 6 o'clock?
As for the type im using i mentioned it in my frist post, its quite a popular brand called not just a patch, its definitely not tape

I get them from diabetic supply, seam to have a good reputation. I looked at that site but only found the kind that are just a circle and a hole in the middle, I like them in theory but at i me tioned.. hard to get it out without it sticking

 

[helli]

My sensors are always much higher on my arm; inline with my arm pit but further back than yours appears to be.
I don't put it there to stop it falling off (I am lucky to have "limpet skin" which is hard to remove anything from). I choose my sensor site for vanity purposes (you can't see it when I wear short sleeves) and to avoid compression lows (I would need to do a shoulder stand in my sleep to lie on it). I also find that it is a very flat area that doesn't flex when I move my arms so it doesn't start to peel away.

Not tried skin tac but I've heard over people use it, I was sort of skeptical about 2 things.

- surely putting a glue like subtence on the area the sensor will cover would have some effect on the readings? All I've seen is they come in whipes, so do i have to make a little circle and try to then make sure I get the sensor in the very middle of it?

SkinTac has been suggested multiple times and no one has ever complained that they affect the readings.
I used to use SkinTac with my pump. I didn't have to be accurate with the area I wipes - it is pretty hard to only wipe a sensor sized circle so you just wipe in the area and you will get the sensor on it without any trouble.

- removing it kinda scares me......I've seen people rip of bits of skin before... do removers realy work that well? The last thing I need is open wounds as im realy trying to get in control of my scab picking bad habit

I never had problems removing my pump when I used SkinTac. I tend to remove mine in the shower - I peel away a tiny bit and let the shower water get behind it and gradually peel a little more off.
Many people say oil helps to remove them. Something like Baby oil is ideal.

Have you tried a band to hold your sensors in place?
I know @rebrascora swears by hers.

 

[mashedupmatt]

If it is really warm I use these ones - never had one fall off with these

 

[rebrascora]

I thought I had suggested an arm strap to @Sara Grice in a previous post. I do love mine. It provides a visual reminder of which arm my sensor is on which helps to prevent catching it on stuff but if I do catch it I usually ping the strap but the sensor remains safe. I haven't lost a sensor in 3.5 years since I started using an arm strap except for a couple of months where my old one broke and I didn't get a replacement straight away and I had 2 come loose in that 2 month period. Back using a new one now and no problems since and the great thing is that it is reusable whereas the patches are of course single use, so more environmentally friendly and no extra sticky area to upset your skin.
Got mine off ebay but other shopping sites stock them.

 

[Inka]

I'm afraid I can realy visualise what your telling me....make a backwards L with my palm? 6 o'clock?
As for the type im using i mentioned it in my frist post, its quite a popular brand called not just a patch, its definitely not tape

I get them from diabetic supply, seam to have a good reputation. I looked at that site but only found the kind that are just a circle and a hole in the middle, I like them in theory but at i me tioned.. hard to get it out without it sticking

Not your palm, your arm. Stretch your arm out straight out in front of you with the palm facing the ceiling. Then, keeping it in that position, bend your arm at the elbow so your lower arm moves into a vertical position. You’ve now made the backwards L. Then look at your upper arm where the side opposite the bicep is. That bit should be facing the floor. That’s where you put the sensor, roughly in the middle of that area, but you can adjust slightly to either side.

 

[rebrascora]

I just put my sensor arm hand on my other shoulder with my elbow raised and place my sensor about midway between armpit and elbow on the bit facing 45degrees to the floor. That works really well for me. I tried higher up but the skin pulled and stretched when I lifted my arm repeatedly grooming horses and it gradually pulled loose in hot weather as the skin pulled and released. Mid arm towards the back works best for me. Skin prep is really important though and after washing and towel drying, I blast it with a hair drier immediately before applying to get rid of any remaining hint of moisture or perspiration.

 

[Sara Grice]

Not your palm, your arm. Stretch your arm out straight out in front of you with the palm facing the ceiling. Then, keeping it in that position, bend your arm at the elbow so your lower arm moves into a vertical position. You’ve now made the backwards L. Then look at your upper arm where the side opposite the bicep is. That bit should be facing the floor. That’s where you put the sensor, roughly in the middle of that area, but you can adjust slightly to either side.

Yeah what your suggesting is basicly what I've seen as the correct way (I was never given any instructions on placements at all when I was given the sensor). Looking it up properly have said to hold your arm out straight and then put the sensor to the very bottom of it. But sadly my arms are on the large side with alot of...err...jiggle and hanging fat, the only flat surface is more to the side of my arm that recommend. But until I lose weight there isn't much I can do about positioning

 

[Sara Grice]

I thought I had suggested an arm strap to @Sara Grice in a previous post. I do love mine. It provides a visual reminder of which arm my sensor is on which helps to prevent catching it on stuff but if I do catch it I usually ping the strap but the sensor remains safe. I haven't lost a sensor in 3.5 years since I started using an arm strap except for a couple of months where my old one broke and I didn't get a replacement straight away and I had 2 come loose in that 2 month period. Back using a new one now and no problems since and the great thing is that it is reusable whereas the patches are of course single use, so more environmentally friendly and no extra sticky area to upset your skin.
Got mine off ebay but other shopping sites stock them.

Could you link me to the kind of armband you use? Do you use it everyday or just when active? Is there a gap in it for the sensor to breath? How easy is it to assemble and put on (mainly can you do it by yourself..since i live alone) ?...do you think it would fit larger arms like mine?

 

[Inka]

Yeah what your suggesting is basicly what I've seen as the correct way (I was never given any instructions on placements at all when I was given the sensor). Looking it up properly have said to hold your arm out straight and then put the sensor to the very bottom of it. But sadly my arms are on the large side with alot of...err...jiggle and hanging fat, the only flat surface is more to the side of my arm that recommend. But until I lose weight there isn't much I can do about positioning

The surface doesn’t have to be flat. Looking at my sensor arm now, the back of my arm hangs down in a kind of curve. My sensor is in the position I described above, and is perfectly ok. Perhaps you looking for a flat place is part of the issue? It just has to be on the back of the arm where there’s some flesh, roughly where I described 🙂

 

[rebrascora]

This is the one I bought. The seller is a Type 1 himself I believe and 3D prints them himself. You can get different lengths of elastic and the medium is more than enough for me, but you might need the larger one. You can measure your arm to see what size you would need. If you need larger than the size offered, then you could always just buy some half inch elastic in whatever length you needed.
Yes it allows the sensor to breath as it just fits exactly around the circumference of the sensor. It is reasonably easy to assemble and adjust and definitely doesn't need 3rd party help to put it on.

I apply it as soon as I apply the sensor which is usually on an evening so that it gives the sensor to maximum support when it is at it's most vulnerable. I usually wear it 24/7 even in the shower, but if I am getting dressed up for something special and it will detract from my outfit, then I take it off. You can however buy them in a variety of coulours including skin tone and pastel colours to perhaps coordinate with a special outfit. I have a neon green for everyday use and I also bought a lilac one to go with an outfit.

Freestyle Libre Sensor Flexible Armband Holder Protects Sensor PREMIUM STRAPS | eBay UK

Created using professional 3D printing techniques, this new Libre holder boasts a truly ergonomic design and great aesthetics. It provides unrivalled protection for your sensor, allowing you to undertake all of your daily tasks without worrying about the safety of your device.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Sara Grice]

This is the one I bought. The seller is a Type 1 himself I believe and 3D prints them himself. You can get different lengths of elastic and the medium is more than enough for me, but you might need the larger one. You can measure your arm to see what size you would need. If you need larger than the size offered, then you could always just buy some half inch elastic in whatever length you needed.
Yes it allows the sensor to breath as it just fits exactly around the circumference of the sensor. It is reasonably easy to assemble and adjust and definitely doesn't need 3rd party help to put it on.

I apply it as soon as I apply the sensor which is usually on an evening so that it gives the sensor to maximum support when it is at it's most vulnerable. I usually wear it 24/7 even in the shower, but if I am getting dressed up for something special and it will detract from my outfit, then I take it off. You can however buy them in a variety of coulours including skin tone and pastel colours to perhaps coordinate with a special outfit. I have a neon green for everyday use and I also bought a lilac one to go with an outfit.

Freestyle Libre Sensor Flexible Armband Holder Protects Sensor PREMIUM STRAPS | eBay UK

Created using professional 3D printing techniques, this new Libre holder boasts a truly ergonomic design and great aesthetics. It provides unrivalled protection for your sensor, allowing you to undertake all of your daily tasks without worrying about the safety of your device.

www.ebay.co.uk

Thank you for the link

 

[Sara Grice]

I have a question, I found this video on how to apply a patch from type 1 style, but im confused, It looks like a lonre 2 sensor, but it has way more of the white adhesive part sticking out than mine ever do. If the video was accurate then using the circle with a hole type patches that type one style do much easier, as the one time I used one of there patches i didn't get it in evenly and part of the adhesive wasn't covered on side and the other was sticking the the side of the sensor...

It would help if instructional videos where accurate sinse this massive sensor adhesive isn't what I've been putting in my arms for months

Even in the video you can see it sticks the sensor and she has to fiddle with it in order to remove it and push it down where it's supposed to be..I had a very similer problem

 

[Inka]

Not sure what that video is but basically you partly remove the backing paper and position that bit first. Here are some pictures that show what I mean:

Guide: How to apply a patch to your CGM or Omnipod

Advanced patches and diabetes accessories for Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, Omnipod, and more. Used in hospitals worldwide and trusted by thousands. Made in the UK with advanced hypoallergenic materials with up to 21+ day wear time. Browse over 350+ patch designs today and join our wonderful community.

www.typeonestyle.com

.

 

[Sara Grice]

Not sure what that video is but basically you partly remove the backing paper and position that bit first. Here are some pictures that show what I mean:

Guide: How to apply a patch to your CGM or Omnipod

Advanced patches and diabetes accessories for Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, Omnipod, and more. Used in hospitals worldwide and trusted by thousands. Made in the UK with advanced hypoallergenic materials with up to 21+ day wear time. Browse over 350+ patch designs today and join our wonderful community.

www.typeonestyle.com

.

Here is the video

And that seams to be a dexom instructions not for libre, but i guess its better than the video.

 

[Inka]

Here is the video

And that seams to be a dexom instructions not for libre, but i guess its better than the video.

Yes, it’s a Dexcom but the principle is the same.