Which of these 6 pumps is best?

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InsulinPumpUser

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I have received a letter from the diabetic clinic I attend informing me that my current pump, Medtronic 640G, is due to be replaced. My previous pump was a MiniMed Paradigm Veo. This will be my third pump however with the previous two pumps I had no choice in which pump I would receive. Here is the list of six pumps they have offered me:-

1. Medtronic 640G
2. Omnipod
3. T-Slim
4. Ypsomed
5. Roche Insight
6. Roche Solo

I am also changing to the FreeStyle Libre 2 in the coming weeks.

I have not been offered a CGM and I have never used a CGM.

I like the fact that if I am unable to complete my set change every 3 days that the pump does not alarm.

I am sensitive to insulin and use just over a total of 20 units daily.

I still want to be able to use temporary basal rates and set basal rates at 0.225 units per hour.

Is there any where on-line that you can compare insulin pumps?

Which pump is most reliable and suitable to my needs? Are there any of these pumps which you would not recommend?
 
A big choice there @InsulinPumpUser I was going to recommend my pump but it’s not there (it’s a DANA RS). However, my most disliked pump is there - Accuchek Insight - I hated that one and it’s the only pump I’ve ever given back. So I wouldn’t recommend that one personally.

What I did when choosing was eliminate any I didn’t want, leaving me with 3 possibles. I didn’t want a stuck-on pump so that eliminated one for me, and I also knew there were issues with another. I then did my own comparison charts because I wanted what was best for me as an individual, and, like you, I had priorities and ‘must haves’. I also highlighted any undesirable features eg for me anything that needs faffing about with and recharging every day or two is a no-no.

Dint forget to look at the sets too. A poor choice of sets or bad quality ones can ruin the smartest pump. Also consider customer service and how quickly they respond

Once you’ve narrowed your choice down, then you can compare the two or three options you have left very easily.

Remember there’s no ‘best’ pump - only the best pump for you.
 
I think it’s a very personal choice, and it’s hard for anyone to offer anything but their personal experiences

I switched from the MM640G to the tSlim (with self-funded Dexcom) and I’m happy. Control IQ certainly helps me a lot. And it’s certainly a lot smaller and neater in design

Each pump has its own irritations and foibles, and different things will be important to different people.

Filling the reservoirs on the tSlim is a bit more fiddly than the Medtronic, but not as bad as I had feared.

When running without sensors, probably my biggest gripe is that the pump warns you (sometimes more than once) if you set a TBR below 50% of the lowest rate in your pattern - even though you confirm at the time you set it that this is what you mean. As someone who often uses 0% TBRs this was a regular low-level irritation. Nothing serious, but just unnecessary!

There is an emulator app you can download that allows you to run through the menus of the tslim on your smartphone if you have one - so you can virtually have a go with it before you make the jump.
 
The simplest thing to do is go to each site of the manufacturer and read the spec on it then do a google search for reviews on any of the pumps you are interested in.
 
Sorry - it's a bit like asking whether blue eyes are better than brown or whether to get round specs with black frames or square wire framed ones.
 
As others have said it is such a personal choice, and I think every pump will have its pros and cons.

From using one pump I came up with list of my top priorities. Having said that my top one was dropped when I looked at other things available. I have not used any of the pumps on your list.

I have used
  • an Accu Check Combo. I used that for eight years and I found it very good, and the their Pump Care Line was excellent. I particularly liked being able to out the pump away at the start of the day and everything was controlled from my handset. The Insight also does this. That is the thing I miss with my new pump but other things outweigh that now.
  • I am now using a Medtronic 780. I was offered this as it it an upgrade on the 670 with a better algorithm, and because I have chosen to self fund the sensors, which enable the pump to automatically adjust my background insulin every 5 minutes. Again their telephone support is excellent.
Sorry not to be able to help more than that. Let us know what you choose.
 
I recommend listing what you need from a pump and what is important to you. Then scoring each of the points.
So things such as temporary basal and different basal patterns will be available for all pumps but how small is the smallest bolus and basal change may vary. What about size of the pump - does that matter to you? Do you care about having tubes or would you rather not? If you want a tube, how and where will you attach it? Some pumps have more robust clips than others. Do you want the option to loop in the future? Do you want the latest tech or would you rather have something which has been around for some time so tried and tested? What kind of mechanism do you want to use to control your pump? Are you happy to get the pump out (and would this be best because you can't forget it)? Or do you want a separate controller (PDM)? Or would you rather have an app on your phone? How dextrous are you? This may affect your thoughts on cartridge changing?
There may be more (or less) things that matter to you but thinking about them and rating the pumps should help you decide.
Because there are as many different preferences as there are people with opinions.
 
trophywench said:
Sorry - it's a bit like asking whether blue eyes are better than brown or whether to get round specs with black frames or square wire framed ones.
Click to expand...

Asking "Which pump is most reliable and suitable to my needs" and "Are there any of these pumps which you would not recommend?" is asking for pump user's experiences while using the pumps which may help me to make my decision.

When I was using the MiniMed Paradigm Veo I remember receiving messages and letters about issues with the pump constantly for approximately 6 months. I even received 3 letters in one week regarding issues with the pump.
 
helli said:
I recommend listing what you need from a pump and what is important to you. Then scoring each of the points.
So things such as temporary basal and different basal patterns will be available for all pumps but how small is the smallest bolus and basal change may vary. What about size of the pump - does that matter to you? Do you care about having tubes or would you rather not? If you want a tube, how and where will you attach it? Some pumps have more robust clips than others. Do you want the option to loop in the future? Do you want the latest tech or would you rather have something which has been around for some time so tried and tested? What kind of mechanism do you want to use to control your pump? Are you happy to get the pump out (and would this be best because you can't forget it)? Or do you want a separate controller (PDM)? Or would you rather have an app on your phone? How dextrous are you? This may affect your thoughts on cartridge changing?
There may be more (or less) things that matter to you but thinking about them and rating the pumps should help you decide.
Because there are as many different preferences as there are people with opinions.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your help!

I would prefer as small a pump as possible but which has a screen which can be easily read.

It would be nice not to have tubes and then it would not get caught on things.

I am unsure whether I will want to loop in the future.

I would probably prefer something tried and tested. I double checked with the diabetic clinic and they are offering the same pump I am already using, Medtronic 640G, rather than a newer version.

With both pumps I have always used the pump rather than a control because I remember reading how someone's pump was controlled by another person due to security vulnerabilities and they were overdosed.

I do not like having to depend on my mobile because I would be afraid of the battery going flat when I would need it.

I have no issues with my hands but I do have issues with my vision. I do not have colour vision or night vision.
 
I was trying to request a free sample Pod but it will not accept my application. I think it is something to do with my "Preferred Phone".

Has anyone else experienced any issues when trying to request a free sample Pod? What format are you supposed to use to enter your telephone number in (it states "Please include the country code")? I have entered my home phone number, my mobile phone number, both telephone numbers with the country code as it suggests, both telephone numbers without the country code and no matter what I try I cannot get the form submitted.
 
Did you submit the phone no without the first Zero - my Mob dialling code is 07905, hence with the country code that becomes 44 then 7905 followed by the number. Home phone code is 02476, hence 44 then 2476 and number.
 
I tried that. It mentioned commas and spaces and I tried adding spaces, + symbol, etc but to no avail.

I tried +44 7xxxxxxxxx, +447xxxxxxxxx, 447xxxxxxxxx, etc. I tried the same with my home telephone number. The only option seems to be to telephone them tomorrow.
 
I have decided that I would prefer a tubeless pump as it is much easier for getting dressed / undressed and no tube to catch on anything. This narrows my list from 6 pumps to 2 pumps - Omnipod or Roche Solo.

I do not like the fact that the Omnipod has to be changed exactly every 72 hours (although the nurse said there was a slight leeway of approximately one hour). It is disposable - what a lot of unnecessary waste.

I do like the fact that the Roche Solo:-
-Can be detached (Omnipod cannot).
-Can be worn on different parts of the body (my last 2 pumps could only be worn on my tummy - so after 8 years my tummy may be able to get a rest).
-It isn't that big although it is slightly longer than the Onmipod but not as deep.
-Holds 200 units, 40 units more than the Omnipod.
-Has an integrated glucose meter, like the Omnipod.
-Can last a maximum of 96 hours / 4 days (1 day longer than the Omnipod) and I do not think it will trigger an alarm?!?!
-Can bolus 0.2 - 50 units without the handheld receiver (Omnipod cannot).

I do not like the fact that the Roche Solo:-
-Does not know exactly how many units it contains until it is programmed unlike my current Medtronic pump.
-It is not waterproof but then I don't swim although it would be handy to not have to disconnect and reconnect every time I bathe / shower.

I am currently being moved to the FreeStyle Libre 2 but I do not think this makes any real difference to which pump I get?!?!
 
Hi, I have the omnipod and am happy to answer any questions you may have. My current one (which is the older system) can last up to 8 hrs after the 72 hours are up, however I don't know if that is the case with the dash. Seems weird that they would change it. I have just received my new dash and am waiting for training, so will have a look
 
stephknits said:
Hi, I have the omnipod and am happy to answer any questions you may have. My current one (which is the older system) can last up to 8 hrs after the 72 hours are up, however I don't know if that is the case with the dash. Seems weird that they would change it. I have just received my new dash and am waiting for training, so will have a look
Click to expand...
Yours lasts 80 hours rather than possibly 72-73 hours, thanks.

Can I ask what made you choose the Omnipod and did you have the option of the Roche Solo?

In your opinion are there any advantages to using an Omnipod and a FreeStyle Libre 2 at the same time?
 
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Following as I'm interested in the Roche Solo for my next pump due not year...
 
Sounds like you are edging towards a decision @InsulinPumpUser

Hope it goes well, whichever you choose 🙂
 
InsulinPumpUser said:
Yours lasts 80 hours rather than possibly 72-73 hours, thanks.

Can I ask what made you choose the Omnipod and did you have the option of the Roche Solo?

In your opinion are there any advantages to using an Omnipod and a FreeStyle Libre 2 at the same time?
Click to expand...
To be clear, you should change the pump every three days, but if you are out and about, you can extend it for up to eight hours. I don't use the feature very often, but I seem to remember the pdm beeps every hour to remind you to change it.
I chose the Omnipod as I wanted a tubeless pump and this was the one on offer for me. This time round I was also offered the Medtronic, but not with the sensors. As I have the libre on prescription I decided to stay with omnipod as I love the tubeless feature and bring able to shower / swim with it on.
 
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