Does anyone have any tips on keeping the sensor taped and covered well? I currently am using IV3000 but they get wet in the shower and then start to peel off. I have heard of some tape called Flexi Fix (I think). Anyone use it and does it work?
Tegaderm works really well. The IV 3000 used to be better. i think they changed it though. If you have the Minimed CGMS if you call 24 hour support you can ask for their tape kit which has a few different samples to try.
I have a lot of problems with water getting inside the tape after a shower, as well. I tried the tegaderm, but found that I could hardly get it off and it really irritated my skin. What I've started doing is placing the IV3000 so that it is open on the bottom. This way, water and moisture doesn't collect inside and it air can get at it. This seems to be working really well for me!
Thanks for the tips. I have tried something new with the IV3000. I put one over the sensor and then I put another one just over the insertion point and then more than half of it is on my skin. They have been sticking better this way.
Where do u get ur tegaderm and how much does it cost? I can't find it anywhere. and my insurance doesn't cover it cuz it's an "accessory" and supposedly not necessary. any suggestions?
I've actually bought my tapes (IV3000) on ebay and saved a ton!
You can get the tegaderm through medtronic. However if your insurance is not covering it, you can find it a little cheaper here. http://www.fifty50pharmacy.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=F5&Product_Code=I3MTEGADERM&Category_Code=
I think this is the same as medtronic offers.
here's a list of taping choices that I saved from another CGMS group...Hope someone can find something useful in here!
If your insurance doesn't cover tapes/overbandages, etc...try Ebay...I've found several good deals there for hypafix and opsite flexitfit tape there!
Michelle, MM722 and MM CGMS
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Adhesives
Mastisol : Ferndale Laboratories, Inc., 1 888 548 0900, www.ferndalelabs.com
Skin Bond: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
Skin Tac H:Torbot Group, Inc., 1 800 545 4254, www.torbot.com
Tincture of benzoin: various, contact pharmacist or medical supplier
Adhesive Removers
AIIKare: ConvaTec, 1 800 422 8811, www.convatec.com
De solv it/Medi sol: Orange Sol Group, 1 800 877 7771, www.orange sol.com
Detachol: Ferndale Laboratories, Inc., 1 888 548 0900, www.ferndalelabs.com
Nail polish remover: various
Unisolve: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
IV 3000: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
Anesthetic Creams
EMLA (prescription): AstraZeneca PLC, 1 800 236 9933, www.astrazeneca us.com or
www.emia us.com
L.M.X.4 (formerly ELA Max): Ferndale Laboratories, Inc., 1 888 548 0900,
www.ferndalelabs.com
Antiseptics
Betadine:The Purdue Frederick
Company, 1 800 877 5666, www.purduepharma.com
BZK wipes (Benzalkonium Chloride): various
Hibiclens: AstraZeneca PLC, 1 800 236 9933, www.astrazeneca us.com
IV Prep: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
Clear, Occlusive Dressings
Bioclusive: Ethicon, Inc., 1 800 255 2500, www.ethicon.com
Opsite: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
Tegaderm: 3M, 1 800 228 3957, www.3m.com
Skin Barriers
All Kare Protective Barrier Wipes: ConvaTec, 1 800 422 8811, www.convatec.com
Bard Protective Barrier Wipes: C.R. Bard, lr~c., 1 800 526 4455,
www.bardmedical.com
Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream:
3M, 1 800 228 3957, www.3m.com
IV Prep (barrier and antiseptic): Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261,
www.smith nephew.com
Skin Gel Protective Dressing Wipe: Hollister, 1 800 323 4060, www.hollister.com
Skin Prep: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
Tapes
Hypafix: Smith & Nephew, Inc., 1 800 876 1261, www.smith nephew.com
Hy tape: Hy tape International,
1 800 248 010 1, www.hytape.com
Me Fix:Tendra,
1 800 882 4582 , www.tendra.com
Micropore: 3M,
1 800 228 3957,www.3m.com
Nexcare:3M,
1 800 228 3957, www.3m.com
Polyskin: Kendall, Silk tape: various, 1 800 962 9888, www.kendallhq.com
..
Dexcom makes awesome sensor shower covers that keep the sensor completely dry so that water does not break down the adhesive. This has been by far the most effective means of adhesive preservation that I have found.
I have recently started using Tegederm and it works 100% better than the IV 3000. The stickiness is better but I have one downfall. It leaves the adhesive on my skin around the outer edge of of the Tegederm was. What do you use to take off the adhesive. I had some adhesive remover pads but they do not work well.