I switched to the G7 over 1 year ago. For the longest time, I noticed the adhesive peeling on days 7-10. Sometimes I had to add a different over-patch to cover it so it remained for the full 10 days.
The last 3 times, I have had trouble removing the over-patch when it is time to remove it after 10 days. I am not talking about a little difficulty in pulling it off. Instead I have tried many different ways (getting it wet before removal, using alcohol swab or adhesive remover, applying lotion). No matter what I do, it comes off with great difficulty and leaves a circular red area after removal. After applying steroid cream and lotion, it is usually okay after a few hours. I am curious if anyone has experienced a similar problem. It is interesting that when the problem began, I had already used several from the same batch.
I just started on G7. The adhesive on the over patch seems way too strong. I have to remove the over patch very carefully. It feels as though it’s going to tear my skin off; I’m not a fan of the adhesive. (I have no issue with the sensor staying adhered for the full 10 days). I’ve seen a recommendation to use Skin Grip patches in place of the DexCom over patch and am going to try those. If anyone on this site has a different recommendation, I’d be happy to hear about other options to the over patch DexCom includes with the G7 sensor.
The free overpatch for G6 that we could order directly from Dexcom was really good. I wish we had a similar option for G7. I used to get 10 at a time by completing an order online. That had just the right amount of adhesive. Some people use the G7 without the overpatch. I did this for awhile but often I needed to apply something over it on Day 7. Let me know how skin grip works. I tried Peelz patches and absolutely hated them.
It feels as though it’s going to tear my skin off.
WD40 removes any adhesive. Yeah it’s WD40 but you will survive it.
“Remove” wipes are meant for removing adhesives from skin. They work well and the smell is not too strong or unpleasant. I get them from Amazon but I’m sure they are available elsewhere.
Thank you. Good to know.
Goo-Gone is a great solvent for the patch adhesive. Often found in automotive stores.
There’s several different brands of overpatches available. If the glue is too strong on one maybe you can try another. “Skin Grip” is one brand I have used.
Several folks I know have a “exposure sensitivity” to some of the patch and overpatch adhesives. If you’re having no irritation until you take the overpatch off, then I don’t think it’s this.
I can totally relate. Never had so much pain and difficulty taking off the G7 overpatch. Started using baby oil and waiting about 5 minutes before removing sensor. Better but still way too strong.
For awhile I didn’t apply the overpatch. The surrounding area began to pull away after 7-8 days. However, it may have stayed in place longer. I may try that again.
When my sensor session ends, removing the G7 sensor bruises my skin very bad so much so that its still there when my next session is over. I am going to try some left over adhesive remover and see if that helps. I will let everyone knows how it goes
I have had the same experience. Next time I am going to leave off the overpatch and see if it will stay attached 10 days.
I just removed my first sensor with the new adhesive. I could not believe how hard it was to get it off even with UniSolve. I assume that Dexcom is now shipping the adhesive that was developed for the 15 day wear period. Since I switch sensors between arms, I will now leave the sensor on for 20 days until I need the real estate again.
I do not use an overpatch anymore and the G7 stays on without any issues.
I think omitting the overpatch is the best way to go for me. What method are you using to extend the sensor life from 10 to 20 days?
@JVG, I don’t know of any way to extend the sensor life. My thinking was that after 20 days it should be easier to get the sensor off than after 10 days.
Now I understand what you meant. Thanks.
Well, I don’t use overpatches at all (don’t tell DexCom: I’m sure that’s illegal! Or will prevent them from supplying extras)(I used one once, early on, and it seemed to make the adhesion worse, so I stopped).
I use IV Prep wipes. It doesn’t say so on the box, but the pads have just a bit of adhesive of some kind. If you let it dry for 15-20 seconds, it gets quite sticky. I insert my sensor then, and it stays on flat for 10 (.5) days just fine, and is not too difficult to remove. I also use it for my Tandem infusion sets, and it works fine with those as well.
Someone mentioned a new version of the G7s that have stronger adhesive. I haven’t encountered those yet, but I’m about to open a new box, so I may find everything has changed. Oh, well: as the old canard said, too much is always better than not enough!
Thank you. In my case, there is definitely a difference in the adhesive on my recent supply compared to those I used for the first 6 months.
I think I’ve been on G7 10 months. The first 8 months it was lose on day 7 and I used a third party over-over patch.
So I was wearing the Dexcom G7 + The provided overwatch, then on day 6 or 7 adding another patch over those.
The last 2 months I haven’t needed the third party patch at all. The Dexcom is staying very well. It is hard to get off but not causing pain so I’m OK with the trade off.
I can see how for some with more sensitive skin this might be a negative change.
I have had a similar experience. Also, recently I was trying to avoid getting a lot of water on the patch when I shower. I don’t think I need to worry about it getting too wet. If it is still too hard to remove 3 days from now, I am going to try using it without the overpatch.