I am finding the pump overlays a bit too much - it hurts to pull off, especially with hair - and I’m wondering if the sensor one makes sense, or if anyone has as any nuances about usage.
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I am new to overlays too.
Tons of info on older posts and some users tend to shave the area, it is a well discussed topic.
For my omnipod dash I tend to use the hypafix tape. It has an adhesive I can live with but is not waterproof. If it is too hot outside and starts to itch it can be easily removed, give skin a chance to breath and reapply if needed. I find it gives just enough security for me but I’m not in an active sport or a swimmer.
The dexcom g7 is a whole different ballgame for me. I seem to have adhesion and water issues. Still experimenting there.
I’ve only started, have used 3 sensors of which two failed.
In an older post someone suggested (sorry don’t remember whom) to try Glad press and seal in the bath/shower. Tried it today and while it still got wet not nearly as wet as previously. Will see how it goes.
Tried the Tegaderm last night. It failed but I had not yet rec’d skin tack wipes from pharmacy. Going to try that as the beach is in grankids plan in the near future.
Hope you get the help you need.
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I never did when I was pumping, and I didn’t use them with my CGM in the past, but recently I’ve had to start with my Dexcom.
The biggest game changer for me was using an alcohol wipe prior to starting a new CGM - removing those oils/dead skin cells really helped it last the 10 days. Now with the 15-day G7 sensors, and the fact that I’ve started swimming, and wearing them on my arm, I’ve needed to use an overpatch around day 10.
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@James.J.Igoe I don’t have much to shave, except on arms, but the locations used don’t have much. That said, I’ve taken to shaving the little hairs anyway of both stomach and arm. If you haven’t tried it, it’s something to consider. Makes the removal of sensors and pods fairly painless, though I still have trouble getting a hold of the existing adhesives pieces. I’m grateful I don’t need overpatches (not even the G7’s), though I keep them available.
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I seldom used over patches with the Dexcom G6, but I always do with G7.
Here in the hospital I had a G7 failure. The sensor lost adhesing with it pad. That’s a new one.
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I always do with the G7 as I did with the G6, G5 and all of the MedT sensors. As for pumps. I use over patches on my Omnipods, and I have always used them on my Pump sites with the exception of some early MedT pumps. I wear the pump patches as much for some color as necessity.
I guess I like calling attention to my D-Tech. LOL
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I used the “free” overpatches included in the box for Dexcom G7, seldom had a problem. I thought those overpatches were great. One G7 adhesive problem I recall occurred with a sensor that appeared to have no adhesive on it, literally fell off through the center hole of the overpatch. Now I use Eversense 365, and the transmitter is stuck to my arm using a provided double-sided adhesive patch. Each patch is used for 24 hours and then replaced while recharging the transmitter. I’ve never had a problem with this adhesive patch, including when removing for a shower and then re-applying the same patch.
For pumping, I occasionally used an overpatch for the Omnipod but not very often while on Omnipod Eros, Dash and Om5. The Omnipod adhesive seemed to work well. I did have frequent problems with ineffective insulin infusion using Omnipod, but I suspect it was from pods getting bumped/jiggled enough to allow tunnelling around the cannula. When this occurred, there was no correlation with use or non-use of an overpatch. I never tried “underpatch” with Omnipod.
A few months ago I changed to Sequel twiist pump, with Cleo 90 infusion set. I bought some overpatches sized for a different infusion and use those regularly. They seem to help although so far I have knocked a few off, drying off after a shower or otherwise rubbing something against my clothing atop the infusion. The overpatch does not seem to help much with this Cleo 90 infusion set but I wear it anyway.
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If the overpatch is necessary (see the other responses) remove the hair first. It’s easy enough, there are enough products (perhaps too many) to do that. I epilate when it gets annoying; it lasts longer.
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I use Opsite Flexifix sometimes. My day 7 reservoirs sometimes will peel a bit. I use the ones that come with Dex 7 but sometimes they start to peel up, so tape the edges back down
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I was using Libre a few years ago, and visited my brother and his pool in Florida. I would put a waterproof patch over it. A few days later my arm was itching because I had forgotten about the patch.
This is what my overpatch looks like after a week
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We use Kinesiology tape. It sits tight, can stretch while you move, it’s breathable works well with libre sensor. You buy a roll so its affordable.
When its time to replace the sensor, you just apply some petroleum jelly an hour or so before to soften that that glue on the sides and it comes off easier.
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I am using 4x4 inch Tegaderm over the sensor. Have not lost a single one to sweat or bumping off since I started that. Hair all comes off with the patch, so don’t need to shave any more. I don’t bother with the Dex overpatch. For me the Tegaderm grips tightly and doesn’t peel at the edges. I scrub the arm with alcohol first and after it dries I insert the sensor then smooth down the Tegaderm over and over and over and over, since adhesive doesn’t stick well on first contact. I don’t try to remove the backing until the patch has warmed up on my arm. I use a 2x4 Tegaderm over my infusion set buttons and the first few inches of tubing, and those don’t sweat or pull off any more either. Probably not for everyone but it works for me.
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I use Not Just A Patch over my G6 sensor. Usually Skin Tac for both sensor insertion and over patch. Way back when I switched to Not Just a Patch, keeping water out seemed to result in better and longer sensor performance.
I don’t use over patch or adhesive with my Medtronics infusion sets.
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We each have such different skin types and needs. I use both the Dexcom G7 and the OmniPod 5, and I NEVER use any of the over patches. The OmniPod 5 stays secure for the full three days – and I shower each day and am very active – and I cannot PRY the dang G7 off my skin! I have trouble getting the G7s off even without using an over patch. I have a whole box full of Dexcom over patches that I may make into an artwork of some kind because I certainly do not need more adhesion to my skin.
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I’m the same way with the G7. I feel like I’m taking off a layer of skin along with the sensor when I take them off. I’ve started using medical adhesive remover on the G7 when it’s time to remove it. That has helped a bit. I definitely do not need an overpatch!
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I only use an overpatch when I need extra hold. The sensor patches are usually more comfortable and easier to remove than the larger pump ones.
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I always use an over patch. I use the Lexcam over patches as the adhesive does not irritate my skin. Yes, they can be very difficult and painful to remove. My solution: I use 91% isopropyl alcohol as an adhesive loosener and remover. You do need to apply it several times, but it works, removes all the adhesive and I have no skin issues. During the pandemic, I could not find 91% alcohol anywhere, but my mom got me some 99% alcohol. That works really well, but, it is very expensive and 91% alcohol works well enough for me. Hope this helps. Pear.
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My take, at least for now, is no overlays unless the device shows signs of loosening, or I expect to be in water heavily. Separately, I took an AI summary from another forum and then had Gemini re-summarize it:
Gemini:
Key Takeaways
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Device & Lifestyle Variance: The need for extra adhesive overlays depends largely on individual activity levels, device type, and wear duration (e.g., shorter pump wear vs. longer sensor wear).
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Sensor vs. Pump Overlays: Sensor overlays (Dexcom G7, Libre) are commonly used for extra security against bumps or during water activities, whereas pump/infusion set overlays are rarely seen as necessary due to frequent site changes every 3–4 days.
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Skin Prep & Hair Management: Proper preparation is critical for adhesion. Methods like cleaning skin with cool water, removing dead skin, and shaving the site are often more effective than relying solely on overlays.
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Alternatives & Removal Tips: Products like Skin Tac serve as strong adhesive alternatives, while 3M Coban wrap offers extra protection for swimming. For painful overlay removal (especially over hair), users recommend adhesive removers (like Uni-Solve), alcohol, or baby oil.
Bottom Line: Overlays offer peace of mind against accidental bumps and water exposure, but strong adhesion can often be achieved through proper skin prep, alternative liquid adhesives, and hair management.