It was 11 Months ago that I posted my new Tandem pump had to be replaced after less than 90 days use. Tonight I received an error (20a) stating the new cartridge I had just installed this morning had to be replaced. I tried another cartridge but the pump continued to display the error. After some pretty decent phone support from Tandem, the decision was made to send me yet another replacement pump. Although I do like the t:slim X2, I’m losing confidence in the product. Is it unreasonable to expect 4-5 years of trouble free performance??
Luckily, my old Medtronic 630 still fired up and will keep me going for a few hours until the replacement arrives…
When I was on Animas I think I returned the pump 10 times during my warranty. My Medtronic pump just twice.
So far my tandem has been good for nearly 4 years. I decided to send it back because I got it wet and the charging port looked awful even though it was still working. So I don’t really count thst as a failure.
These devices are not infallible. Sometimes the break, sometimes it’s a defect but usually it’s user error, like dropping it once too often or jamming the cartridge in wrong.
It’s really hard to monitor something thst we use at home.
I think the hardware for both companies are pretty solid. The technology varies though and not everyone likes both systems.
I prefer the tandem because of the ability to use Dexcom, and the algorithm is really a good fit for me.
Some people really like the Medtronic system, it’s better to have options. It keeps them on their toes.
Of course there are pods too. I tried them but they were not w good fit.
I have had 2 Tandem pumps over 6-7+ years and maybe experienced one issue that required them to send me a new pump. I have been extremely happy with the pumps performance. I have been on all the other pumps and by far I am still very happy with the Tandem pump. It is like the Dexcom dilemma, some people never have issues and others have multiple issues. If they can get you a new pump when it fails within 48 hours then I am good!
Im in a similar situation. Got my first tslim just over 2 years ago, and already on my second replacement pump. First one randomly started giving me an pump failure after 2 days after an infusion change. Tried a couple of factory resets over the phone but ultimately replaced it. Almost exactly at the 2 year mark (just shy of a year on the replacement) all the haptics and vibrations stopped working. I always leave the sound off and solely use vibration mode so this was problematic for me. Support replaced it too.
I have been lucky with my Tandem pumps. I have never needed a replacement, but I got a new one when the warranty ended. I am scheduled to receive another new one next week since it will be off warranty at the end of this week. It seems strange that your pumps have failed so quickly.
I hope things improve for you.
I’m on year 5 using Tandem. I started with their trial/promo for almost a year, starting after Animas shut down and got a replacement after a coverage marathon with my employer’s third-party administrator/insurer. The pump has been 100% reliable, though I have replaced the carry case and charging port cover twice. Over 30+ years of insulin pump use — multiple Minimed, Cozmo, multiple Animas, Omnipod, Snap (my fav), Tandem — only Tandem and Snap never failed.
