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Libre Sensor

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Louise W

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Type 1
Hi I've been using the Libre Sensor for over a month now and this is the first time the adhesive has come 'un-stuck'. The sensor is still hanging on in there and I've used some micropore to try and secure it as that's all I had. Can anyone recommend a more reliable dressing to keep the sensor in place? Many thanks
 
I have heard of people using Tegaderm to hold their sensors in place.
For me, the best thing is making sure I place my sensor on a flat part of my arm and slightly under. No matter how many times I tried (more than I should), the sensor does not bend around my arm.

I look forward to the smaller Libre 3 to give me more flexibility finding a sensor-sized flat part of my arms.
 
I've heard Tegaderm and Cutiderm both recommended on the forum. I have found Micropore works great if I apply it before bed and give it all night to adhere. I use 3 strips to form a triangle across the edges of the sensor leaving the centre hole of the sensor uncovered.
I generally don't use anything for the first week of the sensor's life but I have had a couple of sensors come adrift in the second week during or just after showering so I now tape it down with my Micropore after that first week and then I don't need to worry.
 
Hi thanks you've been really helpful. I am just into the second week of my sensor's life and I perhaps did put it at a slightly different angle this time. I'll keep with the micropore but also get some tegaderm. Also can anyone advise how long they stay in the pool when swimming. I know the research says 30 minutes, my DNS said a bit longer will be ok but I'm a bit anxious about it. Thanks again
 
Louise W said:
Hi thanks you've been really helpful. I am just into the second week of my sensor's life and I perhaps did put it at a slightly different angle this time. I'll keep with the micropore but also get some tegaderm. Also can anyone advise how long they stay in the pool when swimming. I know the research says 30 minutes, my DNS said a bit longer will be ok but I'm a bit anxious about it. Thanks again
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I've sat in the bath with it on for easily an hour, probably more, i never had any problems due to being in water for too long. You should be fine. Also i've found using some sort of tape can help keep the libre in place.
 
Cutiderm patches are generally cheaper than Tegaderm and just as good, I know as I've used both, I can get a box of 20 Cutiderm online for around £6 whereas my chemist wanted 60p a Tegaderm patch xx
 
I get a 10*12cm dressing on prescription which works for me. Not my idea, but when I first had a 'taster' sensor from Abbott rep she gave us one saying it offered protection by smoothing out the edges to prevent catching on clothes etc.
 
When I used the libre sensors I always made the change when I was getting a shower, sort of felt free for a few minutes, I would always wait 30 mins after getting dried to use the alcohol swab and after the swab 5 minutes more before putting on the sensor so the alcohol gets time to evaporate.
it is important to prepare the area where you want to use it properly if you want it to stay on for the 2 weeks. I never lost any except for a couple in the summer of 2018 when abbot had a problem with the adhesive, They do come adrift now and then, 9 times out of 10 abbot will just replace it if you give them a call with the serial number and tell them it fell off.
 
I always use a tegaderm or equivalent if I am doing a swimming session. That way I am confident it will stay on during and more importantly after the session. I also like to have it covered if I am having a long soak in the bath (which could be an hour if my book is good and the G&T is in reach).

I apply my sensor to the flabby bit of my arm (if only I did a bit more swimming!!!) towards the back so that it doesn’t catch. I have managed to take one off by catching it on a door frame, and another soon after a soak in the bath pre tegaderm. When I do cover it I cut a small hole in the centre to fit over the centre of the sensor.

As an aside, if on applying your sensor you get a bleeder, don’t worry. Those have sometimes been my most accurate sensors.
 
Just use tubular bandage, cheap but effective in keeping sensor in place.

Someone on here mentioned vet wrap, bought some & tried it but kept falling down arm & getting tangled, so sticking with bandage.
 
I’ve used both Opsite Flexifix and Hypafix over other sensors - though thankfully almost all of my Libre sensors last the full distance and need to be prised off at the end.

One important side note is to ensure you don’t tape the sensor tightly. Additional pressure can impair the flow of interstitial fluid and result in something milder than a ‘compression low’ but still affect readings.

I was also at a presentation by the Abbott R&D team who were very pleased with their re-engineered grooves under the body of the sensor which are intended to aid water escaping (either perspiration or any that has gone into the sensor during bathing). So if you do apply tape it‘s important to keep the centre hole open to the air to allow the skin to breathe 🙂
 
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