I just have a question for anyone who has switched between pump brands. Not necessarily interested in doing this just yet, but curious.
I have a Minimed Revel pump. So far, I've loved it. Had very few issues, it's withstood a fair amount of abuse since I got it a year ago, and it meets my needs for management. I initially went with the Minimed because it was a system I was familiar with, I liked Carelink, the pump is reliable/durable, and it had an integrated CGM.
Overall, I've been happy with my decision. While I ended up not using the CGM, it's a nicer feature to have if I ever want to use it. The pump has been incredibly reliable and my control hasn't ever been this good.
BUT....
There are three things that bug me about the Revel:
1. It's not completely waterproof. 2. The screen is hard for me to read (and I have pretty decent vision!)
3. No remote bolusing feature.
So, I had two questions - 1. Am I only able to switch pumps once my Minimed is out of warranty? and 2. When will Minimed be updating the Revel and, when that happens, are they going to be including any of the three features I list above?
In general, I would prefer to stay with Minimed if they had plans to include any of the above features, but I am starting to wonder if it wouldn't be better to have a pump that is truly waterproof.
From my understanding, you can only switch if your pump is out of warranty or if you switch insurance companies.
I don't know about Minimed's future pump plans, but there's a good rumor mill on the internet. Someone else should be able to give you more insight than me.
I don’t know if this matters to you but the newer model of the animas that is supose to be released in the US in the next year won’t have a remote to bolus from.
The newer model from Animas (Vibe outside the US), that will be/is integrated with Dexcom CGMS, will not have the meter/remote to bolus from. I don't know if the new one is waterproof.
But Animas will continue to sell the Ping, which is waterproof, and has the meter/remote. The Animas rep I spoke to said they thought many users will prefer to stay with the Ping if they don't plan to use CGMS.
I currently have MM 523, and there is a remote. But it is very basic, and I use it mostly for corrections, since it does not have options for dual/square wave, or bolus wizard. The remote is the size of a key chain, and I keep mine in my BG meter case.
When MM released the 508 (I think), they announced it as being waterproof. Then they retracted it, saying that when delivered it is waterproof, but over time cracks can allow water in. But being waterproof is not that important for me, otherwise I might have switched to Animas. I stayed with MM because I like the smaller size, and I didn't like the menu paths on the Ping.
MegaMinxX, how did you get a remote for your MM. I have the 523 MM pump too, and while a remote isnt a HUGE requirement for me, lol sometimes my pump ends up in difficult places to easily get to in polite company, hahhaha nothing like digging down your shirt and into your bra to retrieve your pump.
You need Rx for it. I was able to get it through my mail order service (Caremark) similar to how I get my other pump supplies. I assume it could also be ordered direct from MM.
To use the bolus, you have to first set up the 'easy bolus' feature, and you set the amount you want for each 'button' press. It's the same as the 'easy bolus' button on the pump (up arrow.) Then via the remote, each button press means to deliver that amount. The pump vibrates and confirms it gets the signal. I have mine set to .2, since I usually do corrections of .2 - .8 units. For meals, I always bolus from the pump, for larger amounts, and dual/square waves. As I said, it's very basic, but comes in handy.
Oh awesome, thanks. I go see my endo on Tues, I'll have to see if he can write me a script for it. You know lol its crazy I wouldnt be buying the remote if I hadn't already HAD a script for the pump. LOL.
The Vibe has the most recent dexcom sensor (G4, not the previous seven plus) and micro + sensor + transmitter are water proof, you can swim with them. The promo for tha launch was a swim through the English Channel (link).
Depends on what model your old MM pump is. The MM 508 has a different remote than the one for the current 'paradigm/revel' models. When I ordered mine for the MM 523, the MM support person provided me with information for the Rx to ensure I got the right remote.
I felt the same as you with my first minimed pump. After 4 years when the insurance allowed it, I switched to Cosmo (no longer being manufactured). It was pretty bad and also not waterproof. The truth is, no pump is waterproof especially if it cracks (which happens all the time). So I went back to minimed. My doctor said the important thing is for a pump company to have good customer service and he was right.
I have carried Minimed's for the duration of my pump therapy which started 12 years ago. My brother who is also diabetic T1 and also a pumper started with a medtronic. He recently went to the animus; not sure of the model but its two years old now and has a color screen. Being that we both have carried 507 / 508s and various paradigm models. He thought he would give the animus a go. His opinion of his pump after two months was like taking a step in reverse and he really is not to crazy about his current hardware. He urged me to stick with medtronic; and showed me how the reservoirs look very similar to the 507/508.
This makes me sad because I am a big fan of dexcom and I was looking forward to getting a device that integrates the dex into the pump.
It would be great if you could get a prescription for a pump trial and wear it for 2 months. But once you buy it your stuck with it till the warranty expires.
Just my two cents about ANIMAS pump. My son how is 9 has been using Animas 2020 (old model) for past 3 years. It is waterproof and he spends hours with it in the pool in summer.
Here in Australia we had fantastic customer service from ANIMAS. The cartridge is 200 and good / big enough for a child (5 days). I am looking forward to the VIBE, newer version with CGM which we can get next year at the end of 4 years warranty period for the current one.
But it is true that people stick with what they are used to....
Thanks, all. Your responses have been very helpful! The one thing I remember when seeing/handling the Animas Ping at a seminar was that it was slightly larger than the Minimed and when I clipped it on my waistband, the little black cap where the tubing came out of kept hitting me in my stomach. It was annoying and one of those little things that I was worried would bug me enough to affect compliance once I had it. Also, I didn't like the number of button pushes I had to go through to deliver a bolus. BUT, the waterproof feature was nice and so was the screen.
Bottom line, I think I'm sticking with my Minimed for now. It works so well and things have improved so much that I don't want to rock the boat. I just really, really hope that Minimed at least makes its next model to be both waterproof and to have a better screen.
I would disconnect any pump regardless of their claims before going in the water.
The screen is an issue. I wish they would do something about that, but it does not seem like they are going to.
At first remote bolusing seemed like an attractive thing. But after thinking it out, I really did not want to carry another thing in my pocket. Pump, keys, walllet, meter, phone. I am not metro and will not carry a man purse. I also wanted the extra insulin capacity of the MM. At the time I was using 220-230units/3days. Since Symlin, I am down to 160 units/3days. (and down 20+lbs).
In the end I found function over form was bests for me.
