Anyone having issues with the G4 sensors not sticking like they should?
I had my first one fall off a few days ago. I have found a few other people on a facebook group that have had this issue and they told me what they do but I'm looking for other ideas as well as well as to let everyone know what their ideas were if anyone needed any.
Hi Cherise,
I use S&N’s IV Prep. I have never had a sensor fall off by itself. After five or six days I sometimes add a IV3000 dressing. I have a template to cut out a hole for the transmitter. This combo works well for me.
I use Opsite Flexifix and also have a template to go around the transmitter. I have never had a sensor actually fall off by itself. I have only had the sensor tape peel up once and that was when I had the sensor on my thigh so it was rubbing against my pants everytime I took a step. When that happened I just added some more Opsite tape around the outside and still managed to get 12 or 13 days use out of the sensor.
I use Flexfix and Tegaderm :D I'll put on a new sensor, and use the Tegaderm over it (cut a hole for the sensor. Then, after that stars getting crummy I'll add the strips of Flexfix (and trust me when I say that NO other tape is as good). So far I've been averaging 3 weeks per sensor that way. I'm currently on day 15 with mine and while it looks like it went through WW3 (karate, running, Xmas and my 7 year old)it's still hellishly accurate :D
I have been using arm sites with my G4 and have been having some adhesion issues. It’s practically impossible to put on Flexifix by yourself one handed. So I’ve ordered some Skin Tac to put on the edges.
When I use my stomach, I usually get about a week before the edges start pulling up. Then I put on Flexifix for the rest of the sensor life. Like others, I cut out a hole for the transmitter.
I second and third Opsite Flexifix. I can get it on arm sites by cutting strips. The stuff doesn't even come off in a hot tub.
I find that they can start coming off before a week is up.
Seriously, this is a bit silly; put some adhesive on the darned thing, wouldja, Dexcom? This very rarely occurred with the seven plus.
just wondering if anyone here has actually called Dexcom about the adhesive issue. I called the other day and the person I spoke to was very snotty. Said that the adhesive is exactly the same and that they haven't gotten any complaints except for mine.... Jesse wore the Dex 7 for 3 years and always got a minimum of 10 days, usually got 2 weeks and never used any over/under tapes or extra sticky stuff...... The G4's are falling off of him after 3 and 4 days....The transmitter is bulkier- so maybe thats why? snotty guy said no ... but they are going to replace the unsticky sensors for me..
CALL THEM and complain if you're having an issue...
The sensor tape curls off my skin on day three. So, when putting it on the first time, I just cut a long piece of Opsite Flexfix and put it across the sensor, leaving what I call the "claw" end free of flexfix (a short section on the end). I have no idea if this is OK or not. The flexfix also comes loose after a few days. I cut off the loose tape and cover again with flexfix. I have always had trouble with the company tape, of whatever gadget, staying stuck to my skin. The aggravation comes also with removing the tape from the sensor when it quits.
I first tried cutting a hole for the sensor and the tape just all stuck together. Too much trouble as the tape is very flimsy. or should I say thin. I gave up and just started covering 90% of the sensor.
PS. I still have the Dex not the G4.
I’m new to the Dexcom, coming from the Minimed, and I’m at day nine with no curling up. Maybe it’s because I’m using an IV Prep underneath. It doesn’t seem to be affecting the performance, for which I’m really grateful as I’ve had some nasty reactions to adhesives. If it does start to peel off, can’t I just slap an IV3000 over the whole thing?
That's what I do with System Seven (I don't have my G4 sensors yet). I use two pieces that I cut "U" shaped and overlap the legs of the "U" so I don't cover the transmitter.
IV 3000 works for some people. But for me it isn't strong enough to hold over the transmitter for a week or so. Even the flexfix (sp?) doesn't last 10 days for me but at least for about 5 or 6.
I think everyone has different skin reactions to different types of tape. So there is not one tape that will work for everyone. If IV3000 works for you, that is wonderful.
when jesse had his navigator, he used the 4 inch opsite flexifix tape...
He's cut 3 1/2 inch strips.. used two vertically over the Navigator tape, on each side of the sensor...
then he'd cut the last piece in half and use it horizontally on top and bottom.
Being 20, and never heaving a problem the the dex 7- he's refusing to use tape with the G4
I was going to post the exact same thing about the G4 adhesive. The tape is coming loose after just a couple of days. I've had to use Opsite tape a lot sooner than with the Seven Plus (with the 7+ I would apply Opsite tape after 5 days or so to cover me for an extra week with the sensor...now I have to apply it much sooner).
There is definitely a difference in the adhesive, at least in my experience over the last two months.
I was never on the 7. However I can tell you my Omni pods I have to use brute strength to tear off after 3 days. The adhesive on the G4 sensor starts peeling some times on day 1. At that's even on non heavy activity days. So I started using Tegaderm from day 1. I simple cut a hold in it just big enough for the actual sensor to fit through, and then use it to "seal" the white adhesive part to me. After a few days, when even that is rolling, I'll use the Flex Fix.
I am still on Dexcom Seven Plus, have not switched to G4 yet, but I assume they are similar. I use Skin-Tac-H adhesive solution, and it works great for me. Even though I usually exercise a lot, I can wear sensors as long as 3-4 weeks without any issues. I apply Skin-Tac-H after I insert a sensor. I apply it to the edges of the tape, trying to make sure that the solution does not touch the sensor. After that I wait for approximately 10 minutes until the solution is dried.
I’ve been having more problems with adhesive failure with the Gen 4 vs the Seven Plus. Every sensor has started to come loose on day 2 or 3 sometimes total adhesive failure. I reported it earlier this week, the tech said that they have been getting reports of this and that the adhesive hasn’t changed. I’ve noticed this with the Seven Plus over the past 6 months or so but definately worse now. I wanted to make sure the problem was documented officially ahead of time in case it resulted in a lost transmitter if I didn’t notice it.
Previously my sensors stuck for 10 to 14 days with no extra tape or adhesive. Now when it starts to come loose I need to use liquid skin tac and opsite flexifix both. I’m also trying flexifix from the time of insertion to see if that helps.
Any way to share that template?
thx
Sarah
I have talked to several people at Dexcom about the tape for the G4. They recomended to me to push the tape edges down with a dime when inserting, various skin preps and then try tape over. I would call them and register a complaint. I am able to get 2 to 3 days without having to use IV3000. One person I talked to said that its because the transmitter is larger=heavier so the same old tape just doesn't hold it anymore. They have replaced 2 sensors that have fallen out by day 3/4 which means a lot to me since the mail order pharmacy leaves me hanging every month. The call back and order every month when it's a 28 day product then take a week to ship to me really drives me nuts.