What do you use for overtape when the adhesive fails, or you yank out your just installed site?
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@Sally I’m sure other here that use infusion sets will respond. I don’t use a tube pumped, so don’t have specific infusion set issues; I use a G7 and Omnipod Dash. There are many over patches available from manufacturers as well as Amazon or other medical device providers of infusion sets, CGMs, and pumps to aid keeping them on. Just do a web search for the device name and the word “patch”. There are also various manufacturers for thin materials for covering wounds, IVs, and the like that may help you.
Thanks Tom. I hadn’t had many issues, but the last couple weeks I have had a few times.
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Couldn’t think of the names of stuff I’ve tried. Tegaderm makes patches in at least two sizes for securing IV’s and protecting wounds; but its is useful for various things. Opsite Flexifix is similar. I’m currently testing the latter for under my pods and CGM for security and stabilization of the cannulas of the pods (working out very well) as well as to stabilize the wire of my G7 CGMs (not sure it adds a lot). Other people use them for protection from adhesive reactions to that used on devices, but could be used for securing devices in place like you’re asking about. The Flexifix is available in various lengths/widths (makes it more affordable than Tegaderm). Hope you find something that helps!
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I’ve had 5 Tandem XC sets fail in about 2 months, I reported this to Tandem and the sent me 6 of the awful Autosoft 90s.
There are over patches available but pretty pricy. This Amazon link will give you an idea. I am not pushing Amazon, mind you.
Tried using tattoo tape, but it started lifting before site change day. What I am using is something not available to most people. I get adhesive strips that help secure the urostomy pouch. Part of the equipment for dealing with an ostomy are curved scissors for cutting the right hole in the pouch. They work well for cutting the homemade overpatch.
I have a site button with the cannula cut off, use a fine sharpie to outline it, cut a starter cut by folding the tape and then cutting around the outline.
This picture shows the cut patch with the site button in the hole.
Sorry for the blurry picture of the one in use.
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Oh that’s a great idea! I have those scissors from the supplies given to me after my cancer surgery.
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Now if you can find a tape that works, if you do let us know.
I sure will. Thanks for your help.
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Isn’t that what this site is about.
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@Sally I’ve used patches (and cut up patches to fit) from pump peelz and skin grip with success…
I’ve also hady best luck ensuring my skin was as clean of oils as possible before applying the trusteel set initially. Soap/water followed by alcohol works best for me.
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Thank you! I’ll add that brand to my shopping list.
Thanks for your suggestions and ideas. I was able to have the $13 Courrier delivery fee waived for the $25 box oF 30 IV3000 infusion set covers when I ordered along with my regular pump supply order. I just have to pay $25. + Tax. I will source out the other products suggested here for next time.
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That’s my protocol which makes the failures odd.
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That is odd @CarlosLuis . Using that protocol I can usually reuse the set for a second go’round and just pull it out and reset it for a second use ( yep, I’m a cheapo lol )
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I only had on set come unstuck in 3 years before these. It was after a long hot sweaty bike ride. These failed without a lot of sweat. I think maybe the adhesive was applied too thin.
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Same site for two filled cartridges? Only time I reuse the same site is when adhesive lets go or I yank out the newly inserted site. Am I too cautious?
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Hot and sweaty makes the adhesive fails in my experience. Having cold weather now makes that a non issue, at least outdoors here… although we haven’t hit -40° yet.
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Elver said same infusion set, not same infusion site. The trusteel set has a metal needle, so it’s straightforward to pull it out of the skin and slap it back in somewhere else. (Need to use some kind of adhesive for the second go-around.)
They say change the infusion site every 3 days because that reduces the chance of scar tissue that would make that spot no longer absorb well in the future.
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Okay thanks for sorting that out for me! Still learning after 2.5 years as a T1D.
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@Sally the steel sets are easy to reinsert. Now, should you? According to the FDA, Tandem, the medical community and probably a whole bunch of other people - no.
Some of us, or maybe just me I can’t really speak for anyone else, have had to do with less than we would like at times in our lives so we might be a little too thrifty? I’m also the person that will recycle the last little bit of insulin from the last cartridge and put it in a needle for a hotshot when I need it. Nothing goes to waste.
I’m probably not a good example of proper insulin pump usage. That said, with this blog, all the fantastic members, and @Eric 's little tidbits my A1c has never been better. Yep, I’m a cheapskate, or thrifty, or a hoarder for when I have no insurance again. I’m prepared. I’m a survivor. I’m on this side of the grass and I’m super duper happy to have found this blog and that they haven’t kicked me out yet.
Now you know way too much about me. TMI. And back to your original question, should you?
That choice is strictly up to you, and no one else - ever.
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