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Omnipod 5 vs Tandem TSlim

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SSHH1992

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Type 1
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Hi all,
I have finally been offered the chance of a pump but really not sure what way to go between the Omnipod 5 and the Tandem TSlim.

I understand the differences between the 2 in theory in terms of one is tubeless and one isn't.

Practically though, does anyone have any experience with both and what is your preference?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks
 
Welcome @SSHH1992 🙂 I’ve been pumping more than 20 years but haven’t used either of those. I’ve always used tubed pumps and prefer them. The T Slim was my second choice last time I chose a pump (I got my first choice of Dana).

It’s very personal to you. Think about your lifestyle, then do as much research as you can for each pump. Make a comparison table (do it yourself as it helps clarify your preferences) then circle anything important and highlight any cons for each.
 
I was on the Omnipod dash and now on the 5, before that MDI. I don’t know anyone who has been on both. Pump over MDI is life changing.

It depends what you want from the pump.
I find I like the O5 less than the Dash, it’s not been the holy grail stepping into HCL.
Quality of the pods at least for me is poor, I think I’m on my 7th/8th failed pump since 10th December which is very shoddy. And the libre 2 plus connection hasn’t been very successful for me either.

Really depends what you want, for me it was patch pump only.
 
PhoebeC said:
I was on the Omnipod dash and now on the 5, before that MDI. I don’t know anyone who has been on both. Pump over MDI is life changing.

It depends what you want from the pump.
I find I like the O5 less than the Dash, it’s not been the holy grail stepping into HCL.
Quality of the pods at least for me is poor, I think I’m on my 7th/8th failed pump since 10th December which is very shoddy. And the libre 2 plus connection hasn’t been very successful for me either.

Really depends what you want, for me it was patch pump only.
Click to expand...
When are these pumps failing? We’ve had loads (like every other pod) of failures on startup recently. It always seems to be when priming them. Apparently if there’s another phone or Bluetooth device too close during this process it causes a problem. Probably coincidence but since finding this out it’s not happened.
 
SSHH1992 said:
Hi all,
I have finally been offered the chance of a pump but really not sure what way to go between the Omnipod 5 and the Tandem TSlim.

I understand the differences between the 2 in theory in terms of one is tubeless and one isn't.

Practically though, does anyone have any experience with both and what is your preference?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks
Click to expand...
I had a terrible experience with the tandem t slim and refused to take it from the hospital. Look up how to change the reservoir. I absolutely could not put up with that! (I have a needle phobia)
 
I have not used either pump but have used both tubed and tubeless pumps.
My preference is tubeless but that is because they are smaller. The tube never bothered me and, although I prefer the lower profile of the tubeless, I miss being able to move it around. There seems to be a fear of catching the tube on a door handle. In four years, this never happened to me and I struggle to see how it could when my pump and tube are hidden away under my clothing.

If you are concerned about the ease of use, I would recommend watching some videos of set changes to get an idea of what is involved in both. I have read other complaints about the T-Slim reservoir change but most say they get used to it.
 
Hello and welcome @SSHH1992

Good to hear youve been offered a pump.

I've been using TSlim with Dexcom 6 then Dex 7 for 18 months now. I haven't used Omnipod with insulin but did try a couple of dummy pods before making a decision.

There is an option to try an Omnipod dummy pod to see how it feels, size etc and The help I got from Omnipod when I applied for the trial was good. I was able to join a couple of tutorials/Q & A which helped a lot. The trial pod can be applied for here

Sample Pod: Try a Pod Before You Make a Commitment | Omnipod UK

Discover Omnipod's Sample Pod: Experience it before committing. Try a Pod at home. Request a Sample Now!
www.omnipod.com www.omnipod.com

There is also an Omnipod 5 simulator app to get a feel of controls, menus etc

In the end I opted for TSlim as I'd had a lot of issues with skin infections and skin reactions to the cannula and cgm adhesive on my previous pump. My skin was reacting badly to every adhesive despite using creams and sprays and I decided it was safer and better for me to use a tubed pump so I had the option to try different cannula types and insert the cannulas in different areas which I didn't feel I'd be able to do with a pod.

I like the TSlim, it's not too big and after some trial I've found a cannula that is reliable. The HCL works well for me and I'm happy to keep going with it. I've got used to filling the reservoir with a syringe, yes it's a bit of a faff but practice works wonders.

Good luck researching and making your choice.
 
My kid has had a tslim as his first pump and were offered others when it came time to replace it. He didn’t like the omnipod because of the size of the pods and he’s happy enough with a tubed pump. He’s looped with G6 and now G7.

Do try to get your hands on both and see what feels the best fit for you.
 
Lauren said:
I had a terrible experience with the tandem t slim and refused to take it from the hospital. Look up how to change the reservoir. I absolutely could not put up with that! (I have a needle phobia)
Click to expand...
I had the TSlim demonstrated to me by the Rep and my thought about refilling its reservoir was it seemed a terrible palaver - like they hadn't thought about it properly before releasing it on the market. She also said it was 'useless without the Dexcom' and this was like 5 or 6 years ago when No Way Pedro was my health authority about to start funding CGMs for people - they were much the same when pumps first came out generally. Had to request one and make your own case to the clinic - who had to personally request the funding for each starter - and there was only ONE pump you could have - the Roche Combo. No choice whatever. Later they allowed you to have the Medtronic 640 - when folk on this forum and DSF members had already upgraded their 640s to the next iteration of Medtronics! Hardly at the cutting edge!
 
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