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Patches for Freestyle Libre...

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danielmg

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Good afternoon everyone.

I've just had the Freestyle Libre added to my prescription. I've tested it out for 4 weeks already. Didn't seem to have much issues with sensor loosening or read errors, however I've read many reviews saying the opposite having had more experience of using long term.

Are there any recommended patches/covers for the sensor? I've seen dedicated sites specially for patches, however they appear quite expensive.

Thank you for any help.
 
I didn't need to use patches when using libre for a long period of time. I did buy fancy looking ones to bling my Libre up, if you are looking for cheap, Dpatch is great.
 
I use Cutiderm Film dressings over it and used to use Tegaderm, Cutiderm you can get a box of 20 for about £6 on Ebay or Amazon xx
 
Hi @danielmg
Great news of getting Libre of prescription.
I believe there are a few things which impact the stickiness. The two main ones are
- position of sensor. In addition to the obvious with regards to avoiding knocking it, I have found it is very important to place it on a flat part of the arm. Sensors do not bend so slim and/or muscly people may be more likely to lose sensors.
- skin type. Thankfully (especially as I am slim and muscly), sensors stick like limpets to me. But some people with oily skin find they need something to hold their sensor in place.
If you have no problems with sensors falling off in 4 weeks, I would be tempted to avoid patches or anything else that may be small but add to landfill.
 
Good afternoon everyone.

I've just had the Freestyle Libre added to my prescription. I've tested it out for 4 weeks already. Didn't seem to have much issues with sensor loosening or read errors, however I've read many reviews saying the opposite having had more experience of using long term.

Are there any recommended patches/covers for the sensor? I've seen dedicated sites specially for patches, however they appear quite expensive.

Thank you for any help.
I knocked 3 off in 2 weeks when I started using crutches. I rang Abbott’s and asked if they could supply a plaster to cover the sensor without stopping it from working (like Elastoplast) They said they don’t recommend covering it but sent me 3 replacements. I said it had been my fault knocking them off but the guy insisted it didn’t matter. My Physio adjusted the crutches
 
Thank you everyone for the helpful advice and recommendations.
 
I’ve been using Libre off and on since 2014, and I’ve hardly ever needed to tape a sensor down with anything extra.

Hope your sensors keep sticking!
 
One of the things that Abbots told me was once you’ve wiped the area (with the disinfectant pads included in the box) leave it to dry for several minutes before attaching the sensor
 
Well I am clumsy and I have only knocked one off. Though during the last heat wave I did have two that fell off within the first hour, but I got replacements from Abbott. I usally wipe my skin with wipe, and then whilst it is drying I assemble the sensor then apply.
 
I seem to be having trouble when I take a bath. They seem to be coming off.

I never used to have this issue.
 
I seem to be having trouble when I take a bath. They seem to be coming off.

I never used to have this issue.

I think there may have been an adhesive change over the last year or two, but rumours of such always abound so I’m never sure if or when they actually happen!
 
Well I am clumsy and I have only knocked one off. Though during the last heat wave I did have two that fell off within the first hour, but I got replacements from Abbott. I usally wipe my skin with wipe, and then whilst it is drying I assemble the sensor then apply.
Hello @grovesy, Abbott’s told me, “wait at least 5 minutes maybe even 10” I use another wipe elsewhere then I can touch that one to check it’s dried. Abbott’s are very helpful, I have a slight concern that the supply could be affected by Brexit. They are assembled in Witney Oxfordshire but most of the components are made in Belgium.
 
I thought they were made all over Europe, and some of mine have come with a French post mark.
 
I use a tegaderm if I am concerned about stickiness of my Libre. I do this when I swim. For a bath I avoid drying that arm vigorously, and dab it. I do find that there seems to be a magnetic attraction between my sensor and the door jams sometimes, but they seem to be well stuck for me.

Abbott have always been brilliant sorting out any issues.
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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