I am an avid runner but I am having a difficult time keeping my sensor on during the week when I run every day. The sensor stays on for a few days but after a ton of sweat and activity, the sensor will just fall right off during a run. I use skin prep and the opsite flexi tape and I constantly place more tape down over tape that is rising up. I shave where I place my sensor, so I know hair isn't the issue. It has to be sweat getting up under the sensor adhesive. Does anyone have any tricks or other tapes/bandages they use? I read an interesting blog from a lady who places the sensor on her thigh and uses a Toughpad (j&j). She places the Toughpad down first and then puts the sensor directly on the pad and inserts the sensor directly through it.
Any other suggestions? I don't want to give up my Dexcom but I won't sacrifice running for it.
hey, what I found the best for my dexcom is very simple and inexpensive, ...glue only sticks good when the surface you are using is clean of oils, so get the 91% alcohol stuff from CVS or Walgreens, it is the same as cost as the normal 70%, but since using this I have noticed everything sticks to me much better...but on top of that, I also learned once I clean my skin, "sometimes", I will apply a small amount of SknTac, with the sponge applicator, this will give a little more glue action working..let that dry for 2 minutes ..and then place the dexcon on that area...and I have been getting approx. 21 days from my Dex Sensors..so much I need a Dex 7+ transmitter to use because I have so many sensors left...but I do hot yoga, and this 4 times a week is killer as well as swimming 2-3 times a week...and the Dex sensor has not fallen off since I have started this routine
I swear by rock tape. sensors are on abdomen and I shave before using. I typically put the tape on after a few days. Sometimes I need a second layer after about 5 days.
I use opsite flexifix and I have never had a problem with the sensor staying put even through swimming, racquetball, tennis and golf.I had one attached to my thigh for 25 days. I cut out a square of the tape large enough to cover the entire sensor and adhesive, cut out a keyhole for the transmitter and just place it over the sensor.
I also use opsite flexifix, same way as Clare does. I find after 7 days I have to add another layer sometimes. I tried tegaderm, but it was a bust for me. I’m training for a half right now, so far the opsite is working. I will say that I had my sensor on my stomach and the adhesion wasn’t so great - I guess I sweat a lot there? Anyway, I recently tried it on my butt, like maybe where the top of my jeans pocket is, if that makes sense, and it works like a charm! Way better sticking.
Yep, I do everything Clare does too! And with two showers a day, working out 5-6x week I got 28 days out of my last sensor. Opsite flexifix is incredible!!
I generally stick mine on the back of my arm, and when I'm going to be in extra wet or sticky situations (swimming, hiking in hot places, Honduras) I use regular athletic tape but wrap it ALL THE WAY around my arm. It generally takes 2 or 3 strips to get the whole thing strapped down, but there's no way it can come off then! Its not great for the skin on the inside of my arms, but it keeps the Dex stuck, so I usually think the sacrifice is worth it. Vet wrap, also known as.... powerflex (?) also works somewhat, its less irritating and easily removable, so if you just need to strap it down while you run I'd vote for this instead, but it can be hard to get it tight enough to be useful without feeling like its squeezing your arm off. It loosens a little after a few minutes though.
Well I tried a new location...on my thigh. It feels a little weird shaving my thighs but I'll give it a try and see if it stays. I used alcohol swabs and skin prep before placing the sensor on and then used opsite flexi to keep it down. I'll let you all know how it goes!
The thigh ended up being a miserable failure. I finally found a place that stays perfectly still but now my numbers are all jacked up after working out. The trend arrows have completely disappeared and the little question marks appear every hour or so. I placed the sensor on my outer thigh, so I may try inner thigh next. If that doesn’t work, I’ll go to the upper back of my arm I suppose. Honestly, I’m not sure having CGM is worth all this money and frustration anymore.
It's so weird, just today I stopped a sensor after 21 days. It was on my left outer thigh. If I put my hand in my jean pocket I can just feel the top of the sensor. I started a new one on my right outer thigh and have gotten good readings from the start up, even though I calibrated it with 69 and 62. It seems as though some people just can't do thighs, others can. Last night I ran like crazy on the racquetball court for an hour, and I had no issues with the sensor it continued to match my glucometer fairly closely.
I have the same issues with my pump adhesive, especially now with summer Hot and humid, not to mention I seat opening a bottle of water!
My Diabetic spec. Told me to try Arid extra dry before I put on the sensor. I haven't tried that but I will let you know how that goes.
Also I like Clare's post about Flexfix - I will try that - my problem is having the sensor dislodged when I am playing hockey.... No matter how much tape I put on it seems to let loose.
