I don’t use arm sites for Dexcom sensors, generally, because when I did, I kept bumping into doorways; however, like you, I try to sleep on the side opposite the sensor until I’m ready to change sides. To simplify things, I rotate infusion sites on the same side of my body as the sensor.
I use back of the arm sites, too. I place the sensor such that it doesn’t rub if I hold my arm close to my body but I can sleep on that side and I don’t directly compress the sensor between me and my body. I used to get a solid 14 days from each sensor but lately it’s been less. I think I need to drink more water.
I am not sure if this helps with dexcom sensors or not because I have used Medtronic sensors for years but I am switching over soon. I never start up my sensor right after insertion. Usually I insert at night and then start the next morning. That has seemed to help a lot with erratic readings for the first day of course it still takes a few days to get the most accurate ones. So for the experienced dexcom users does “marinating” the sensor improve first day accuracy?
Purely pro forma I’ll mention for whatever it’s worth to any future Medtronic user who may stumble onto this thread that marinating an Enlite is a bad idea.
More specifically, Medtronic warns that leaving an Enlite sensor inserted without also attaching the transmitter can potentially damage the sensor. This is a practice which some people used to follow with the older Sof-sensors (Harpoons) but it should not be used with the Enlite.
On a more speculative note, I wonder what Dexcom might say about it.
Just want to add that I would insert the sensor and attach the transmitter. I would just wait hours or overnight before starting.
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