I received my T:slim pump yesterday and will be trained next week. I received the Cleo 90 infusion sets however when I was meeting with my trainer, after my pump was already shipped, I tried a Medtronic Pump, and the Quick set infusion set, and I really like it.
My dumb question is, would the Quick set work with the T:slim? I’ve read that Medtronic infusion sets can only be used on certain pumps?
My final first question is, which do you guys and gals prefer, Cleo90 or Quick set?
I hope those questions make sense. I found these forums a few weeks ago, and you guys are awesome. Thanks in advance for all the help.
It might be that I prefer the manual ones as I sort of like that if I'm sticking it in and notice something, I can sort of adjust it the other way and it'll work out ok whereas the machine it just went in without the control. Silhouettes go in at an angle and seem to stick really well for running, etc.
Generally you can find the same set are available for all pump brands. Medtronic sets differ only in their connection point to the reservoir. The Silhouette that Acidrock mentioned is the same as the Comfort set for the T-Slim. You can check it out HERE.
I believe that the sets are interchangeable from brand to brand with the exception of the Medtronics. All use a luer lock connector except Medtronic.
Like AR, I always used the Slhouettes when I was with Medtronic and just switched to the Comfort Shorts when I switched to Animas. Medtronic is the only pump with proprietary infusion sets, but they are made by the same company (Unomedical)that makes the other brands of infusion sets.
If I have my terminology correct, Medtronic uses a proprietary connection of the reservoir to the tubing and it is often referred to as “non-luer lock”. The other pumps use luer-lock reservoir/set assemblies. I’ve used both types and have no preference except that the Medtronic reservoirs are a bit easier to fill and hook up. However, there are more kinds of luer-lock sets and that’s important to many people. Some of us have an easy time finding the “right” set and others struggle and really appreciate the more types of luer-lock sets.
One infusion set that is very similar to the Quick Set is the Inset. Like the quick sets, it comes in 2 cannula lengths and different tubing lengths. Where it differs from the Quick Set is that it has a built-in inserter which makes it more like the Medtronic Mio. I found the Mio and Quick sets to be almost identical except for the insertion method.
So you should definitely try the Inset. One thing to remember is that you are probably not required to have your entire order of infusion sets be the same style of set. When I started pumping with Medtronic, my first order of infusion sets was half Silhouettes and half Quick Sets. That really helped me to learn that I liked Silhouettes and hated Quick Sets.
I think the pumping world is divided into those who like straight-in sets like the Quick Set, Cleo, and Inset and those who like angled sets such as Slhouettes, Comforts, and Inset30’s. And there are some who use different types of sets in different locations.
Good luck with pumping. Come back with questions and let us know how you’re doing.
Laddie's summary is well done. I've been pumping for a long time and had never considered splitting my 90-day infusion set order into different styles to experiment and see what I like. I did this during the last year when my infusion sites started to have absorption problems. It was nice actually try out the various sets and decide which I liked best.
I finally settled on the Inset (90 degree, 6mm depth, 43 inch tubing). One thing you may not have considered since you haven't worn a pump before is the tubing length. I much prefer the longer (43 vs 23 inch) since it makes it much easier to use the toilet and getting dressed and undressed. The downside of the longer tubing length is that you'll have to stuff the excess tubing somewhere while you're using it.
Good luck with your t:slim. It's definitely a pump company to watch as they evolve. They've incorporated some obvious great design, such as direct input of bolus amounts instead of using the tedious scroll up/down that the other manufacturers feature.
Oh yes, the pumping world is also divided into those who like longer tubing versus those who like shorter tubing. It looks as though Terry likes the longer tubing and I definitely prefer the shorter tubing. Once again, it’s one of those things where you should try both lengths and see what you prefer.
I agree with, Laddie, The length of the tubing is also a thing you would want to try out. I´ve always used the longest tubing I could get because I wear the pump under my knee in a holster like this . At night I just put the pump next to me in the bed and has never had any trouble even though I roll and twist a lot in my sleep.
Re the tubing, I use the shorter, 23" and don't have any problems with it. I use the clip and clip it to my left front belt loop, where it's very handy and belay the spare tubing around the loose end of my belt, which I can then tuck into the right front belt loop, keeping the tube lashed down. If I don't have clothes for various reasons, or using the bathroom, I clip it to the neck of my shirt or my necklace. The Medtronic CGM likes to stay that close to the pump so if I sleep with it "loose", it often seems to lose the signal so I keep it clipped to my shorts when I sleep too.
