I recently discovered Hypafix, which was recommended by my pump trainer to replace the really dumb tape on the G4. So far, it’s working great. Stays on, doesn’t cause any allergic reaction, and doesn’t pull the skin much when removing it. It comes in a roll. The smallest width is, I believe, 4 inches. I pre-cut a bunch of them, and then cut so they’re 3.5 x 3.5, and then round the corners.
Since I’m allergic to so many tapes, this has been kind of a lifesaver for me. I may even cut a bunch smaller to use as barrier tape f8r my pump sites.
@JVG – I know, it’s easily confused with Dexcom’s retired G4 sensor system. It is for me since I wore Dexcom’s G4 for several years. I think the G4 that @Ruth4 refers to is Medtronic’s Guardian 4 sensor system, one in current use. Do I have that right, Ruth?
I am now using a product called Uni-Solve to painlessly remove the G7 overpatch. I start to remove the overpatch, then apply some of the Uni-Solve with a cotton swab. It works immediately for me. As I peel the patch off, I apply more of the solvent. It has made a huge difference for me. Amazon carries it. Far less expensive than SkinGrip, too, which I didn’t order afterctrying the Uni-Solve. I rarely used the G6 DexCom patches, but agree that the adhesive on them was good. The G7 overpatch adhesive is horrible (way too strong)! I cannot imagine using G7 on a small child–they would definitely scream from the pain of removal.
I had trouble keeping on the G6’s so always used an overpatch. The first time I used a G7 with the overpatch, I think half my skin came off when I removed it. I no longer use an overpatch and it has only come loose one time, but I still have to be really slow and careful removing it. The Dexcom rep said they have had a lot of complaints about the adhesive on the G7.
Remember Goo Gone? They make a “blue” version of the stuff that’s safe for skin. I used the regular orange stuff for a while before I found this and it worked just as well. I guess it’s not intended for skin but didn’t bother me. Both work well!
I have just torn off the top layer of skin (which isn’t as painful as it sounds". I typically have more problems with the adhesive loosing effectiveness, rather than with it being too effective, but I’m on G6.
I just wanted to point out that there’s another option. Clear wound care tape works great on the skin and many drug stores carry it now. Healthcare supply stores always have it. It doesn’t look as good as an overpatch, but if it’s underneat clothes, who cares? Actually, if someone sees the tape, who cares?
No, but maybe I should. This last time, I finally got the overpatch off only to have tremendous difficulty getting the actual G7 off which did not come off with overpatch.