The Guardian Sensor for the Medtronic CGM system comes with oval tape, which is not very well liked. The oval tape is intended to go on both the transmitter and the sensor, but alternative solutions are quite populate for many different reasons. Some people find that the oval tape doesn’t stick well, or they’re allergic to it.
What CGM tape can I use if my skin is itchy I’m having allergic reactions?
If you have sensitive skin or allergic to common adhesives, you may want to consider Hypafix tape.
Hypafix tape is frequently recommended as a hypoallergenic solution for securing a CGM. It is breathable and strong sticking.
Many reviewers describe how they have allergies to latex and adhesives and bad reactions to common bandages. If this sounds like you, take a look at the reviews. People comment that they don’t get rashes or hives, it sticks for a long time, and it’s easy to remove as well. It is described as working well even when swimming and sweating.
Hypafix tape comes in rolls and will need to be cut with scissors to the right shape for covering your CGM. If you have other CGM tape that’s the right size for your CGM, you may consider tracing those to cut out the same shape.
One person says that Hypafix dressing holds for about 7 days and that they apply another layer if they are extending their sensor and need it to last longer.
Also, Hypafix won’t tear off your hair when you pull it off, unlike some possibly too strong patches such as Simpatch.
Tips on Applying CGM Tape
With all tape, it needs to be applied a few hours before getting it wet, so plan ahead for pool time! You may want to take a “naked” shower and put on a new sensor after that shower.
In addition to choosing a different kind of tape, another recommendation I frequently see is a product called Skin Tac. It’s a liquid adhesive that can be applied under the tape to increase adhesion. Skin Tac can also be used to help keep insulin pump infusion sets in place as well.
Tegaderm Transparent Film
Tegaderm film is supposed to really adhere well and not irritate the skin. It may be available at your local Walgreens, CVS, or other pharmacy. It’s usually next to bandaids and other first aid bandages, as it is used for a dressing for wounds. If you want to buy online, you can purchase from Amazon here.
Simpatch
Simpatch is available in tan, black, purple, and purple colors. Buy here.
It is made out of breathable fabric and is designed to last a long time. I first bought it for my Freestyle Libre, but the Libre was so sticky that I found that I didn’t need it. It does also work for the Guardian 3 CGM.
So many options for your Guardian CGM
Using Kinesiology Tape for CGM Tape (alternative adhesive patch solution!)
I found that the well known CGM tapes like Grif Grips and Sugar Patches are selling adhesive patches at the cost of $1-$3 a patch! They have lots of fun decorations and there’s nothing wrong with their business model… However, there are lots of skin friendly tapes out there!
Personally, I have a hard time justifying paying $10/month on CGM adhesive patches if I can buy a roll of tape that will last me a year for $6. So, that’s what I did. My husband, who is even more frugal than me, and loves a good bargain, found Kinesiology Tape on Amazon. I had never heard of Kinesiology Tape before, but I researched it and found that it’s used by athletes. It’s tape meant to be applied to the skin. I hesitantly decided to give it a try.
Fast forward a month, and we’ve been using this Kinesiology Tape. It sticks to my skin really well. The adhesive stays working longer than the oval tape. It’s easy to cut out an oval shape and apply.
Before trying any new tape on your CGM, you may want to first try it on a different area of skin, just to check to see what your reaction is to it. Everyone is different, and manufacturers/suppliers can change, so I think it’s wise to try it on your skin somewhere else first as a test. Do you react to it? Make sure that it doesn’t cause any skin irritation for you before trying it on the CGM area!
Everyone’s different, but Kinesiology Tape may be a cheap solution for you too. It definitely has turned out to be a good low cost alternative for me! I like saving money!
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