What do you really active Dexcomers use to hold the sensor down? I’ve heard a lot swear by this Flexifix stuff. How does it compare to Hypafix? I’m really active and am in the ocean a lot, so I need something to really stick! I’d prefer not to put this skin glue on (Skin Tac, etc.) if possible.
Thanks!
I use Flexifix and it holds great. I can’t compare it to anything else because that is the only thing I have ever tried.
We can’t find anything to hold it down for long. My son uses flexifix, but I don’t know if I’m just not doing it right, but it doesn’t stay long either. It peels up. We did order the shower covers from Dexcom, which I just discovered are sticky on the edges and not where they cover up the transmitter. He’s been wearing that for a day so far so I can’t tell you how long it will last. It’s the most frustrating part of the Dex for us - I feel like we could get a much longer life from the sensor if it didn’t fall off!
Flexifix is way stickier 
Any reason you’re opposed to glues? I find that mastisol really helps keep the original dex tape stuck down… without it I’m not sure even the flexifix would be enough.
I swim a ton and struggled for a while with different tapes also. I’ve been trying different things to get it to stick better. So far my best success, solid 14 days four times in a row, was putting the Dex on my rear under my shorts. I stick it on (no glue), cut a hole in a Tegaderm sheet and put that on and that’s it. My swim shorts seem to keep it in place with no issues. The first time I put another sheet of Tegaderm with a piece of the non-stick part over the sensor to further protect the Dex against water, but haven’t the last three times and haven’t had any issues with it working. I actually have to put a reminder in my calendar after 14 days since one of the times I went too far (I think 17 days by accident) and started to really get the itch.
Can you get Tegaderm at a local drugstore? Looks like there’s a 3M “Nexcare Tegaderm Transparent Dressing” that places like CVS, Walgreens, etc. sell.
Honestly I’m not sure where my wife buys it, but it’s labeled Tegaderm HP. The main thing is covering the site with tight clothing (swim shorts in my case) so that there isn’t the water drag on the tape. At some point I’m going to rotate back to my stomach and try swimming with one of my tight tri tops to see if it has the same effect. I’m just not a fan of wearing a top in the lap pool…
I like Flexifix too. Seems a little less porous than some of the others I’ve tried (IV 3000, Tegaderm), and will stick even when I’m sweating under it. Once an edge peels up though, I usually need to trim and put more on.
I use Blenderm , a 3M surgical tape. It holds well and is hypoallergenic.
Hm, I see this Blenderm recommendation for tape. I’m using the large size flexible Band Aids to try to cover up the whole thing and keep it in place. Mine starts to unpeel almost right away, and I find the more skin-tone bandages make it blend in better, look less medical. I like it.
But, they’re not quite big enough, and I only see Blenderm in 1" widths.
Does anyone know of a good bandage that stays in place and is giant, at least 2.5" or so x 4.5" or so? The width seems to matter the most, to fully cover the sensor.
Thanks!! I’m currently patched up with… I think I’m using 4 smaller-sized bandages today – charming!
I run nearly everday and after two to three showers a day I found they were wearing out and coming off in about 3 days. I’ve been using the IV3000 also mentioned below and it works well for me. I get the 4"x 4.5" size ones. I’ve tried skin tac, and mediplast, and this has been the best solution for me so far. My last one lasted me about two weeks depending on the time in the water, time sweating etc. At this point if I can get a good strong week + a couple days bonus, I am extremely pleased. I order mine through Edgepark medical supply and it costs me $27bucks a box with my insurance. Good Luck!
see my post above. I’ve tried that too. doesn’t work well. try the IV3000 tabs from edgepark. They’re awesome!
I’ve found that vigorously rubbing the area where the sensor is going to be stuck with a clean washcloth really helps adhesion. I try to remove as many of the dead skin cells as possible…there’s no sense in clogging the adhesive up with something that’s just going to fall off.
I really agree with Bill about getting the dead skin cells and oils off of the skin. I rub the new insertion area with alcohol until pink and the alcohol wipe is nearly dry. Has worked well for both my Dex and my Ping.
I scrub with a washcloth and a skin cleanser that has little apricot pit thingees in it, to get rid of the dead skin.