I switched to this pump from the Omnipod which I was completely unsatisfied with, and did not really have a choice in my new pump. I have been pumping with a Minimed for about 6-7 months now and I really wish that I could have gotten the Animas Ping. I have been able to get both of my pumps covered by insurance because of changes with my Dad's company. Now Verizon (who he works for) is switching from Cigna to Blue Cross Anthem. I was just investigating the reality of making this happen.
Has anyone used both Minimed and Animas (Ping preferably)?
Hi Grayce - I too have used the MiniMed, OmniPod and now currently on the Ping; which I must add that I love. A brief history first. Prior to my last two pumps I mentioned I was a die hard Medtronic fan. I started on a MiniMed 505 back in the day and worked my way up to the Paradigm 512. All great pumps but I found the CGMS severely lacking. It is nice to have it all in one device but only if it was accurate. I decided to give the OmniPod a spin and at first I thought it was awesome. Tubeless, waterproof, Wireless, effortless… Right? Nah… I am very active with my 3 kids and it kept getting knocked off or there were the multiple occlusions. Each time forcing me to replace it and lose insulin and skin! All that adhesive, OUCH!! Then someone stole my PDM and it the pod is useless.
Enter the Animas Ping. A beautiful balance of the MiniMed and OmniPod, without the wireless; which it turned out to not be such a big deal. Now I can control my pump from meter/PDM or from the Pump. It has a more refined settings than the MIniMed but similar to what the OmniPod had. Plus its waterproof!! Very important if you plan on doing anything in water for extended periods of time. I used to hate to have to worry about getting my MiniMed wet. Now i have the best of both Worlds.
I use it in conjunction with my Freestyle Navigator CGMS which I think is the BEST and accurate CGMS I have ever used. I hope it gets incorporated into the Animas Ping or future model.
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out to me to ask any questions about this. I have no problem chatting about my pump or experiences.
-Mark
Thanks so much!!
I was thinking that the Ping would include the best of both pumps
-waterproof
-optional remote
-ability to disconnect
Maybe it’s just me but it seems like the Omnipod over-corrects and I always end up low, demolishing the kitchen at 4am. While my Minimed under-corrects and I’m always having to bolus and crank those basal rates up…
Have you noticed anything like this with yourself?
My minimed worked very well for me but never gave me the really tight control I desire. With the OmniPod I spent more time replacing the pods than I did wearing them. The footprint is too thick. Plus I enjoy having the ability to bolus without having the meter. I don’t know about you but sometimes I leave my meter behind and the ping allows me to bolus but the OmniPod I am running back to my home.
Do you forget or leave your meter behind sometimes?
I have a question for people who switched from MM to the ping as well. I’m wondering if any of you saw any difference in the cost of supplies? (I know it largely depends on insurance) I’m happy with MM, never had any problems or complaints & I’ve always received EXCELLENT customer service. But I have to admit, some of the features of the ping have me pretty intrigued. Mainly the remote-meter option (does it have a bolus calculator like MM’s bolus wizard? can you program a dual wave bolus from the meter?) and being waterproof.
Having used MM for the last 7 years has me hesitant to switch to a whole different company, especially since I’ve never had problems. Did any of you have difficulty with the switch? (adapting to new screens, things you miss about MM, etc)
Can I ask about insertion sets? My daughter wants to switch from OmniPod to either the Ping or the MiniMed. My biggest concern is the insertion set. She wants to put it in by hand. She is terrified of the inset with the inserter all in one. Is there a set that goes straight in and can be put in by hand. We tried not cocking the thing back and inserting it by hand but it seems to bend and occlud or not work properly. We used it over the weekend and she ran in the 300’s all weekend long with it on. Any thoughts or advice on insertion sets?
I have been using the animas ping now for 6 months. i previously used the minimed paradigm 512 (had a MM pump for 9 years). The main reason i was looking to switch was the need for a waterproof pump after beginning training for triathlons. It was a hard decision for me because i was so comfortable with the MM, and although my insurance company didn’t currently provide coverage for the CGM system i hoped they would in the future. In the end i decided to switch to the ping and have been very happy. I love being worry free around water ( I live in California, so there are frequent times around the pool and ocean). I also like fact that the pump itself looks more modern with a brighter screen. The screen displays and functions are very similar. The ping seems to scroll and deliver insulin at a faster rate, which i like. My only complaint is that the pump screen and rubber area around the buttons seems to “wear” quickly. It might be because i wear my pump inside my pocket 80% of the time so there is more rubbing.
I hope you find this helpful, good luck with your decision.
