I am currently using two of the IV3000 to cover one sensor. I am doing this because I had this tegaderm for the Enlite sensors.
Is there anything out there that fits the Platinum nicely?
Thanks!
G.
I don't COVER the sensor, because it leaves goop on it, and I think I remember them saying not to cover it. Instead, I cut IV3000 into strips and surround the sensor. The IV3000 doesn't stick to the paper all that well, but I'm allergic to Tegaderm. I've also tried Skin-Tac, which is a liquid adhesive, but it doesn't last very long, either. Medical tape works, but also leaves a gray dirty area at the edges, and peels up easily. I've even tried Scotch tape and duct tape, but I'm allergic to those, too, LOL! There may be larger dressings that you could cut a hole in for the sensor, that would extend to enough skin area to keep the sensor from peeling off, but I just haven't investigated.
I don't like IV 3000. For some reason, it seems to dissolve after one shower and then leaves a nasty gray film on my arm. I use either Tegaderm or ReliaMed clear adhesive bandages and cut them into strips. I put the strips around the Transmitter, but never on it. Dexcom told me not to cover the transmitter because moisture will sit inside the transmitter and attachment which is a problem. Left my first sensor on for 14 days. I only have to replace the taping every 4-5 days or so. I try to go as long as possible because the constant putting on and pulling off of the clear tape irritates my skin. One happy gal here with my Dexcom G-4.
So far I’ve been using tegaderm 6 X 7 cm; the package says “1624W”. I fold it over before peeling off the backing so I can use scissors to cut a sensor-shaped hole just big enough for the sensor base and transmitter to fit through. I usually go a little small on the hole and then I can slide the film around the edges of the transmitter for a snug fit. The 6x7 cm is just big enough to cover all of the adhesive patch that comes with the sensor.
Until this current sensor I had been waiting for week two to put the tegaderm over the sensor, by which time the adhesive patch it is attached to would already be a little raggedy around the edges. I just reset for week two with my current sensor, and the tegaderm I applied a week ago when I inserted it still holding up pretty well - just starting to peel up on the edges. The sensor adhesive patch looks to be in pristine shape under the tegaderm, for whatever that is worth!
I usually can get two solid weeks out of a sensor, but they seem to fade away and start showing ??? soon after the second reset. My last one made it 24 days though, a new record for me by about a week. By day 24 it had gone through two tegaderms and was being held on with flex-fix adhesive tape, which looks to be the same stuff the original sensor adhesive patch is made of. It looked pretty rough, but as long as it kept working, why would I want to pull it off?
Amazing technology. I run an Omnipod too, and as much as I love my pump, I would go back to MDI long before I would give up my Dexcom. I literally don’t know how I ever got by without it when I was just doing fingersticks.
I used the IV3000 when I started out on the Sof Sensors (several years ago) and found it to be pretty hopeless.
With the Dexcom G4, I use Opsite Flexfix tape (you can buy 1 m x 10 cm rolls from Amazon). Unlike with the Medtronic sensors, Dexcom recommend that you don't cover the transmitter. I cut a piece large enough to cover the adhesive patch on the sensor with around 1 cm (0.5") overlap. I cut out a hole in the middle just large enough for the transmitter bed on the sensor to fit through. I have also found that using Skin Tac to help stick down both the sensor and the Flexfix tape prevents it peeling off. With Skin Tac I have managed up to 25 days without having to touch the tape.
Joel
this stuff is the best. I just took a sensor off I started Feb 1. Today is Feb 27. I workout, too.
Smith & Nephew 5466000041 Opsite Flexifix 4 Inch x 11 Yards Transparent Film Dressing
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SIQCRI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o...
I don't cover the sensor but I cover around the sensor. I've used Nexcare waterproof tape, also Tegaderm, using the sensor as a template. Both work well. I wear my Dex for two weeks so I usually have to do some touch up with either adhesive.
My record so far is 6 weeks. that is nuts.
IV3000 does practically nothing for me and won’t last 24 hours. I use OpSite FlexiFix and have for many years now. It’s just about perfect for my needs. Stands up to daily showering, sweating, etc. The only possible drawbacks are that it is rather difficult to remove once it’s been on a few days (you may lose some body hair pulling it off). It also tends to get a little itchy after several days of wear.