Sensor issues after 2 days.

[DeaconDianne]

Does anyone use a skin prep like Smith and Nephew to help the sensor stick on better?

 

[rebrascora]

I believe there is something called Skin-Tac which helps the adhesive, but most people should be Ok just to prep their skin by washing with soap and water and then allowing to dry thoroughly before applying the sensor. I tend to use micropore after the first week to give it a bit more protection in the shower as I have previous for forgetting which arm it is on and giving it a good scrub with my exfoliating gloves and ripping it loose.
Don't know anything about the Smith &Nephew product you mention.

 

[mikeyB]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

The only skin prep you need is the wipes supplied by Abbott in the pack. They sterilise the area and degrease to a level where the glue will hold. That glue takes a few hours to set, so never apply a sensor then have a shower. If you have a shower before applying, then as Barbara says, only use soap, never a scented shower gel, and make sure your arm is properly rinsed and dried. But still use the wipes.

I don't think the S&N Skin Prep is appropriate. It forms a protective layer over the skin, and I'm doubtful that the glue on the sensor will adhere; and the Skin Prep will take ages to remove without the special solvent which S&N sell.

Glues are made for specific surfaces (apart from SuperGlue), and the glue on the sensors is specific to skin. And it's very efficient, I once didn't remove an expired sensor as an experiment and it was still stuck down a week after.

What were the specific issues you had with the sensor?

 

[PattiEvans]

I have Cavillon spray on prescription to spray under pump cannulas and some people use that under their sensors. I cover mine with Opsite to stop it falling off as described in this thread.

FWIW Abbott have stopped supplying the antiseptic wipes with the sensors now. Something to do with kite marks causing a problem.

 

[Flower]

Hi @DeaconDianne and welcome

These previous posts have discussions and suggestions about adhesive films to protect Libre/cgm, eg Tegaderm, Opsite Flexifix if you have a scan through

Search results for query: Libre adhesive

forum.diabetes.org.uk

alternatively if you search for Libre patches on ebay/Etsy/ Amazon you'll find loads of adhesive patches to keep the sensor in place.

 

[helli]

@DeaconDianne is your problem irritation or is the sensor coming off?
Regarding skin irritation, unfortunately, some people do experience skin reaction to the glue used on the backing of the sensor. Barrier creams or sprays like Opsite and Cavilon can help.

If your sensor is peeling off, you can stick a plaster or micropore tape over it to hold it in place. I was advised to use VetWrap. This is great because it is cheap (it's meant for animals but fine on humans) and reusable.
Usually, I find my sensor sticks like a limpet. However, it has peeled off when I have placed it on a more muscley part of y arm which flexes. When I write this down it seems obvious but the sensor does not bend like my arm does so I have to take care to place it on a flat part of my arm. I know that is not particularly helpful 2 days after you have place dit but it may help in the future.

 

[mikeyB]

I have Cavillon spray on prescription to spray under pump cannulas and some people use that under their sensors. I cover mine with Opsite to stop it falling off as described in this thread.

FWIW Abbott have stopped supplying the antiseptic wipes with the sensors now. Something to do with kite marks causing a problem.

I've just had a delivery of 6 Libre 2 sensors, and they still have the wipes in the pack, so that appears to contradict your info. Where did you find it?

 

[rebrascora]

I've just had a delivery of 6 Libre 2 sensors, and they still have the wipes in the pack, so that appears to contradict your info. Where did you find it?

My last Libre 1 sensor didn't have any wipes in it and many people received an email a few months ago from Abbott saying that the wipes were being discontinued and people would need to source their own..

 

[Kaylz]

I've just had a delivery of 6 Libre 2 sensors, and they still have the wipes in the pack, so that appears to contradict your info. Where did you find it?

Abbott sent emails out and also I received this message from them

Hi Kayleigh That is correct. Our top priority is to ensure that we supply you with the sensors you need. In order to ensure ongoing compliance with medical device regulations for CE Marked countries, and to reduce the potential impact to our supply due to changes in alcohol wipes or their labelling, we unfortunately must remove them from the sensor kits starting from March 2021. You can purchase alcohol wipes at pharmacies or other retailers where they are available.

 

[PattiEvans]

I've just had a delivery of 6 Libre 2 sensors, and they still have the wipes in the pack, so that appears to contradict your info. Where did you find it?

Originally on an Abbott Libre FB group, then Abbott sent me an email... but you will find it on their official site here