I just started using the Minimed CGM about a week ago and am now on my second sensor. When changing to a new sensor I had a heck of a time removing the tape. It was hard to find an edge to pull on and then as it finally started to come loose I though it would rip out the sensor and half of my belly skin (although there’s plenty to go around, I prefer to keep what I have). On the positive side, the tape really holds the sensor in place–no problem with it sweating off.
I’ve been on the pump about 12 years and wouldn’t do without it. The first week with the CGM was a bit trying (wide disparity between sensor BG and meter, getting low alarms when I know I’m running at about 170, etc). I found myself testing much more frequently and recalibrating all the time to get things back in line. But I think I’m getting the hang of it. The last few days the differences between sensor and meter reading have narrowed.
Any suggestions on the tape issue?
Oh, also, I don’t really hear the alarms at night when I’m sleeping. I wear the pump in a Leg thing, so there is some distance away (which also affects weak signals), plus I sleep with a cpap for sleep apnea so the noise tends to drown out the pump alarm. I just ordered a sleep t-shirt with a middle pocket so hopefully that will bring the pump closer to the sensor and I’ll be more likely to hear and feel the alarms.
Hi Mike,
I just started using the same CGM just a few days ago so there might be others out there with more knowledge on this matter. I am wondering, however, what tape you use? My educator suggested I use surgical tape over the sensor and I can tell you that it was a HUGE mistake for me. Taking it off irritated my skin so much that I can’t use the entire area now for the pump or CGM until it calms down.
I immediately tried the IV 3000, 1-Hand sticky pads that are offered by Minimed and they are perfect. They cover the entire sensor perfectly, without sticking to it, they are translucent, and thus barely visible, and they come off the skin with almost no effort at all (but not so easily that you have to worry constantly if they are staying in place.
Alternatively you could try various kinds of surgical tapes, or other tapes made to be used on skin, by testing them first on an area of your body that is less sensitive (preferably with no hair also). They tend to stick to the CGM pretty badly though so it depends which you hate the most (pain from pulling off your skin or from pulling on your sensor).
hi mike,i had the same problems when i first started with the cgms and pump,the nurse ed told me about a tape that would work well over my site,and i tried it and it worked wonder.hypafix tape<2inx2yds dressing retention sheet>.i love it,good luck////odessa brown-----you can get it @ www.americandiabeteswholesale.com or call 1-877-241-9002x411 and ask for gail hoover.your insurance will cover it,i have medicare and it does.
I use a reliamed bandage.http://www.reliamedproducts.com/WCa_Transparent.cfm it is the transparent film and it works great. It holds very well and while it is not easy to get off, it does not irritate the skin.
I use the 2 x 2.
I am not completely sold on the minimed CGM but certain things have been more helpful to me. I have been using the CGM for about two years now. First I put the CGM in my abdomen, and the pump in my leg on the same side. The abdomen seems ot give the best CGM reading for me. Second, I put the pump on vibrate on night. I tend to feel it long before i hear it.
Finally, I work hard to only calibrate when stable. The more steady you are when you calibrate, the more accurate over time your CGM will be.
rick phillips
hello mike ,try adhesive tape remover on your skin lightly,do not scrub hard at all,do not want to irriate your skin,please do not use on transmitter,just use a little soap and water on a towel to clean.about not hearing your alarms when sleeping,try to put your pump on your pillow ,pin it on with a safe pin,what type c-pap machine do you have,it shouldn’t be that loud if you use a mask.i use the face mask and found it to be less noisy.making sure it is seal and air isn’t escaping.make sure to get the right size. good luck,i hope this will helpODESSA BROWN.
HI RICK,YOU ARE RIGHT ,AT NITE I WILL PUT MY PUMP ON VIBRATE AND ALWAY FIND PUT THE SENSOR AND PUMP IN MY ABDOMEN IS THE BEST PLACE FOR ME TO. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF I DO NOT PLACE THEM WITHIN 3-4 INCHES FROM EACH OTHER THAT I GET A WEAK SIGNAL AND I WILL GET AN ALARM AT TIMES.THANKS //////ODESSA
Thanks to all for your feedback. Actually, I use the IV3000 tape. As I mentioned it sticks real good. The first time I removed it, it was a bit tricky because I thought was going to rip everything out and that taking off the sensor was going to be a disaster. Since then I think I’ve mastered the technique of slowing peeling the tape from all sides while holding the sensor in place.
I will also look into some of the other tapes that were suggested.
I’ve been using the elastic leg thing to hold my pump while I sleep and find it works best. Don’t even know it’s there, never gets twisted plus if I get out of bed during the night I don’t have to fuss with taking the pump with me. Perhaps the t-shirt I mentioned will work better and keep the pump closer to the sensor.
I’m sure it will take a while to iron out all the kinks related to this new gadget.
Thanks,
Mike
I use 3M Tegaderm dressing over my sensor. It stays on through a few showers and so far I like it better than IV3000. I found that to be really gooey and sticky everywhere when I took it off. I also use Uni-solve adhesive remover to get the sticky off my skin. So far so good.