If you’re active, sweat a lot, live in a hot climate or your skin just doesn’t get along with the adhesives of your CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor), you undoubtedly know the frustration of the CGM tape peeling and your sensor being at risk of falling off.
This has been a huge problem for me in the past. Not only do I live in southern California (with summer year-round), but I’m active on a daily basis and the CGM tape of my Dexcom G6 simply can’t keep up with my lifestyle.
My solution is to add a patch over my sensor to extend its lifetime and make sure it doesn’t fall off. But not all patches are created equal and in this post, I’ll show you why Skin Grip is my favorite go-to patch.
This post is sponsored by Skin Grip, but the opinions are my own and I used Skin Grip patches before they became a sponsor.
What I look for in a CGM patch
When it comes to CGM patches, the most important factors for me are
- Comfort
- Ease of use
- Affordability
- How they look
Patch Comfort
I have very sensitive skin and most patches will make my skin angrily red and itchy. Because of that, I always look for patches that will allow my skin to breathe but where the glue is still strong enough that the patch will stay on for at least 10 days, but not so strong that it will take my skin off when I peel off the patch.
There are many different options available, and the patches are generally either:
- a paper or plastic-like material
- a fabric material (like Skin Grip)
I’ve found that the paperlike material is very stiff so it doesn’t stick to the skin as well and will start to peel within a few days. The plastic, on the other hand, will stay on for a long time, but my skin clearly doesn’t like it and will look red and irritated within the first day.
So I tend to gravitate towards fabric patches that Skin Grip provides.
Some have suggested that I just add some Skin Tac Glue (an additional body adhesive) under some of the other patches to make them stick better. I guess I could do that, but why not choose one that will stick in a comfortable way by itself?
I do sometimes use an Adhesive remover (I have both adhesive wipes and liquid adhesive removers to remove the patches and any residue adhesive after the 10-days that the Dexcom G6 lasts. Since the patch sticks so well, it’s a great way of easily removing the patch (especially if you apply the patch in a place with body hair).
Patch Ease of Use
It clearly shouldn’t require an advanced degree to apply a CGM patch, but if you have 10 thumbs like I do or like to place the patch in places that are hard to reach (the back of my arm is my preferred placement), it can be a little tricky.
With some patches, it’s quite tricky to get the patch off the paper that protects the adhesive. Some patches even require that you remove the whole piece of paper before applying it to the skin.
The issue with removing all of the paper is that now you have a floppy and VERY sticky patch, and the likelihood of just gluing the patch to itself is high (yes, I’ve done that more than once).
What I like about Skin Grip is that the paper comes off in 4 sections, so you can choose to remove one or none of the paper pieces before you apply the patch to the skin.
I like to place it over the sensor and then remove one section, push it down on the skin to make sure it sticks, and then work my way around to the other sections. Works like a charm and I haven’t had to discard a single patch yet from having it adhere to itself.
This method also means that I can apply it with one hand, without help. So I can keep wearing my sensor on my arm without having to ask my husband for help every time I want to change a patch.
You can see how I put on the Skin Grip in this video:
Patch Affordability
Let’s face it, living with diabetes isn’t fun and it’s very expensive in most countries, so CGM patches are not really something I can spend a ton of money on.
I’ve tried other patches with intricate designs, and they are fun, but I don’t want to spend $3-4 per patch. But of course, that’s a preference.
A pack of Skin Grip patches is $24.99 and includes 20 single-use patches. That’s only $1.25 per patch, which is very affordable relative to the other patches currently available on the market.
How they look
The final thing I consider when it comes to patches is how they look. I mostly wear my CGM on my upper arms so it’s not hidden away under clothing.
The Skin Grip patches come in an oval design that you can cut thinner if you prefer that. I generally don’t since I want as much patch as possible holding my sensor in place.
They are currently available in Tan, Pink, Black, and Blue but will soon be available in more colors. So stay tuned…
These patches don’t come in any crazy color combinations or designs, it’s more about functionality.
Where to get your SkinGrip
SkinGrip can be purchased on the SkinGrip website or on Amazon. They provide patches for Dexcom G4, G5, G6, Medtronic Guardian and Enlite, Abbott Freestyle Libre, and Insulet OnmiPod.
I just recently started using the Libre 2 CGM and have noticed a significant improvement in my average glucose. I first bought the Honyou Freestyle Libre Sensor Covers 25Pack Waterproof Liber Sensor Adhesive Patches Flesh Flexible CGM Patches Without Glue in The Center-Enlite-Guardian-Freestyle Libre 14 Day Sensor Patches and without the glue in the center of the patch, they seemed to stay on quite well, lasting the full 14 days. I misplaced those and had to buy more but decided to buy the Skin Grip brand. The Skin Grip patches have adhesive in the center and I was wondering if I should leave the center backing paper on the patch or remove it. I guess by removing it the sensor stays pretty anchored; however, it makes application tricky as you only get one chance to get the patch directly over the sensor. Maybe I should anchor the center of the patch first?
I don’t believe you are supposed to cover the actual sensor, but I’ve seen people do it. I’ll usually loosen the paper (not take it off), “anchor” the sensor, and then peel each paper panel off at a time. Works for the Dexcom sensor but might be a little different for the Libre
I have work a cgm for many, many years and have always covered it. I wore a Dexcom, now Medtronic cgm. The only time I did not cover it was when I tried the Eversense.
Hi. I am an insulation contractor. I live in Tennessee where attic temperatures can get 140 degrees. I sweat profusely and can’t get my CGM to stay on my skin for more than 2 days. Any suggestions?
Have you tried adding a skin grip (mentioned in the article)?
Does wearing the sensor at your arm (between upper tricep below deltoid) get in the way of arm exercise. Meaning do you feel the needle when doing arm exercises?
No, it has never bothered me when exercising. The sensor is so thin that I think (wouldn’t recommend it) you can place it in muscle and still be ok
Hey I’m new to all of this, and I’m a bodybuilder and it says to put it on the abdominal but with lifting I can’t wear a lifting belt, where at on the arm do you put it if you don’t have any fat on your arm?
I like to place it right below the deltoid on the back/side of my arm (not an FDA-approved placement). I’m working on a YouTube video on where you can place the sensor that will be published Saturday, March 20th, so keep an eye out for that (https://www.youtube.com/c/Thefitblog)
As you mentioned, it is a good idea to find a patch that allows your skin to breath, but still does its job. My neighbor has told me that they have a hard time getting their patches to stay on while running and working out. I will have to share this article with them, and see if it helps them out at all.
I read your skin patch review late last year. Based on it, I decided to try Skin Grip. I love them. I extend my sensors. When I change sensors, I use skin tac first, going up over the Dexcom patch, and apply a Skin Grip. I typically get 12-15 days from that combo.
Thanks for your articles, they’re great!
Excellent, so glad it was helpful (and that you get that much sensor time!!)
Excellent article
I have trouble with mine and also have sensitive skin so very much appreciated
You’re welcome. I hope this will be a good solution for you
Hi Christel!
Do you find that the SkinGrip patches will stay on for the life of the CGM? I have been cutting my own patches out of athletic tape but find that showering/water makes them lose their stickiness after 5-7 days. It is tricky removing the tape and replacing it without disturbing the sensor. Any tricks for this? I have a Freestyle Libre 14 day- so am really looking for something that will stay on as long as my sensor.
Thanks! Kristin
I usually don’t wear the patch for the full 10-days since I only apply it when my CGM starts to peel. But yes, I do find that it sticks and for some reason, it seems that the tan ones sticks the most.
If no matter what you do, your patch peels, you can add a little Skin Tac (basically body glue) to the edges and glue them down
I’m not sure about the Libre. I use a Dexcom G4. I use Opsite Flexifilm 4″ size. I cut a rectangle 8 squares long then cut 2 squares away and cut 8 squares away from the middle going in 3 squares. I lay one of these on one side and another one on the other side of my sensor. Then in a few days (a week) I can lay down a full 8 squares on each side. Then any other spots, I can add more tape (I also buy the 2″ size that I mostly use around my tslim pump sites (cut a crooked hole in the middle). Sorry, long comment. I like patches but can’t always afford them.