Finding the Best Adhesive for FreeStyle Libre
As a healthcare professional with extensive experience in diabetes management, I understand how crucial it is to find the best adhesive to protect a CGM sensor, especially when it comes to effectively managing diabetes with a FreeStyle Libre sensor. A good patch not only ensures the secure placement of the sensor but also allows for a personal touch. When advising patients on adhesive patches or tapes for their diabetes devices, it’s crucial to consider factors like the skin type, lifestyle, and body chemistry. What works well for one individual may not be the best choice for another.
“ I often recommend trying out several options to find the most suitable one.”
The evolution of diabetes gear has brought forth a wide array of choices for personal expression and enjoyment, offering creative avenues to integrate one’s unique style into their diabetes care routine. With a myriad of options on the market, it can be overwhelming for patients to discern the truly effective ones. Drawing from my professional experience and insights from patients, I’ve curated a list of top-notch adhesive solutions that seamlessly complement both FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3. Let’s delve into these options to discover the perfect fit for your individual needs.
Not Just a Patch
In the realm of the best FreeStyle Libre patches, my top recommendation as a healthcare professional for ensuring reliable and long-lasting sensor protection is Not Just A Patch. Their innovative design and commitment to user satisfaction make them a standout choice for individuals seeking a high-quality adhesive solution. Not Just A Patch offers a range of adhesive patches designed for various CGM & diabetes devices, including Dexcom, Medtronic, MiaoMiao, Omnipod, and the FreeStyle Libre.
Key Features of Not Just A Patch adhesive patches:
- Differentiation: Not Just a Patch patches are innovative with their “non-stick” back section ensures the patch adheres to your skin without attaching to the sensor, allowing for hassle-free patch replacement without the risk of sensor displacement.
- Options: Wide range of patch styles and colors for personalization, allowing users to match their device and coordinate with their outfits, and express their unique style.
- Material: The Original patches are made from 96% cotton and 4% spandex, AIR patches are made of a unique non-woven microfiber material offering great elasticity and allowing the skin to breathe. All patches use medical-grade hypoallergenic adhesive, minimizing the risk of skin irritation and making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Waterproof: the patches are specifically designed to stay in place even during activities like swimming, showering, and workouts.
- Application and Removal: Specially designed to cover but not stick to the device, allowing wear to easily replace if patch without compromising the device.
- Specialization: Not Just a Patch is continuously innovating and committed to evolving patch designs to match user lifestyles and devices, ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
Skin Grip
If you’re a FreeStyle Libre user, you’ve likely experienced the challenge of making your sensor last the full 10 days, especially when you lead an active lifestyle involving workouts, swimming, and daily showers. This is where Skin Grip comes in.
Very similar to the Original Patch that Not Just a Patch offers, Skin Grip differs by its circular shape and gym marketing.
Key Features of Skin GripPatches:
- Differentiation: Designed to be used for activities
- Options: Varied patch styles and vibrant colors to choose from.
- Waterproof: Whether you’re exercising, swimming, or showering, Skin Grip allows you to partake in your favorite activities without the fear of your glucose monitors and insulin pumps coming loose.
- Material: Skin Grip’s patches are breathable and made of hypoallergenic and latex-free adhesive, ideal for sensitive skin.
With Skin Grip FreeStyle Libre adhesive patches, you can enjoy the freedom to live your life without worrying about your devices. So, go ahead, exercise, swim, and shower with confidence, knowing your sensors are securely in place, thanks to Skin Grip.
Stick2Hope
As a healthcare professional, I have a profound appreciation for companies like Stick2Hope, which have emerged from the experiences of fellow type 1 diabetics. This understanding of the unique needs of individuals managing diabetes is reflected in the thoughtful range of FreeStyle Libre covers/patches they offer. Based in the USA, Stick2Hope has garnered a reputation for providing print-designed patches that stand up to the demands of daily life.
One notable feature of Stick2Hope is the diverse selection of patches they offer, allowing users to find designs that truly resonate with their personalities. Whether one opts for themed packs like the butterfly variety or prefers to mix and match individual patches, Stick2Hope ensures a wide array of choices. I’ve personally found their patches to reliably endure the entire wear duration of the FreeStyle Libre sensor, providing the dependable protection individuals need. Additionally, for those with sensitive skin, Stick2Hope’s underlay FreeStyle Libre patch offers a valuable solution. By acting as a protective barrier between the skin and the sensor, it effectively alleviates potential irritation
Easy Application, Secure Adhesion:
Applying a Stick2Hope patch is a straightforward process. Simply peel back the protective layer and gently apply. While applying to the stomach or leg area is manageable solo, seeking assistance for the back of the arm is advisable. Stick2Hope has recently introduced a new tape version featuring a “crack and peel” backing, making the application even more convenient.
Key Features of Stick2Hope patches:
- Differentiation: Huge range of patch designs to be able to suit the season, occasion, mood, or personality, and even match it with your outfit.
- Personalization: Stick2Hope can print any design you provide as a JPEG file, allowing for truly one-of-a-kind patches.
- Extras: Stick2Hope offer underlay patches provide relief for those with sensitive skin, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- Giving Back to the Community: Stick2Hope proudly donates to JDRF, contributing to diabetes research and support.
ExpressionMed
ExpressionMed specializes in crafting colorfully designed adhesive tapes, patches and stickers for FreeStyle Libre, that provide a secure hold over continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) or pumps, ensuring devices stay firmly in place throughout their wear time. Designed for reliable and safe skin adhesion, The material’s omnidirectional stretch moves seamlessly with your skin, offering a barely-there sensation.
Key Features of ExpressionMed patches:
- Differenciation: ExpressionMed offers a large selection of designs, shapes, and styles, to suit every device in every season.
- Waterproof: ExpressionMed tapes are built to endure water, beaches, pools, and everyday activities.
- Material: They offer a breathable and stretchy material that is a comfortable fit that moves with your skin, ensuring you hardly notice they’re there.
- Application and Removal: With a 2-part or 3-part backing, applying and removing the tape is a breeze.
- Extras: ExpressionMen offers underpatch tapes to protect skin from device adhesion.
Drawbacks to ExpressionMed patches:
- It may be on the pricier side, especially for individual patches.
- Some users with oily or sensitive skin may require additional preparation.
PumpPeelz
PumpPeelz is a brand that is known for its high-quality peelz for insulin pumps, PumpPeelz has extended its expertise to create patches and covers for the FreeStyle Libre. One of the standout features of PumpPeelz is the wide range of colours and patterns they offer for the FreeStyle Libre. Whether you’re looking for something vibrant and bold or prefer a more understated design, PumpPeelz has options to suit various tastes. Their patches come in a standard circular shape, and you have the flexibility to purchase them individually or in multiples, depending on your preferences and needs. A notable addition to PumpPeelz’s product lineup is their Universal Infusion Set Tape, a valuable tool for individuals who have experienced the inconvenience of accidentally dislodging their infusion set. This extra layer of security can provide peace of mind for those who rely on insulin pumps.
Key Features of PumpPeelz patches:
- Differentiation: Pump stickers and Universal Infusion Set Tape for added security and peace of mind.
- Options: Diverse range of colors and patterns for personalized expression. Circular-shaped patches are available for individual or bulk purchases.
- Waterproof: Patches are adhesive for extended wear, even in water-exposed environments.
Universal Tips for Patch Application
For the best results when applying FreeStyle Libre patches, it’s crucial to follow the specific application instructions provided by each brand. These instructions can typically be found on the product page for each patch. To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, consider the following quick tips:
- Prep the Skin: Before application, clean the skin using an alcohol swab or soap and water. Remove hair and avoid skin folds. This step helps create an ideal surface for adhesion.
- Moisture-Free: Ensure that the chosen area is free from oils, and avoid using moisturizers or soaps containing moisturizers. A dry surface is key for proper adherence.
- Mind the Placement: Avoid placing the patch where it may bend excessively or be prematurely knocked off.
- Allow for Drying Time: After applying the patch, wait for a few hours before activities including showering. This ensures a solid initial bond.
- Enhance Adhesion with SkinGlu: For extra adhesion strength, consider using SkinGlu adhesive wipes. Apply it before attaching the device and patch or use it to secure any loose edges.
- Simplify Removal with SkinGlee: To facilitate patch removal and clean any residue, SkinGlee adhesive, and skin oil remover wipes can be handy.
By following these tips and the specific instructions provided by the patch brand, you can achieve the best results in applying and maintaining your FreeStyle Libre patches.
*Disclaimer: The information within this blog is for informational and educational purposes only.
Article written by Adil Maqbool, MD
Dr. Adil has been a speaker at various medical conferences and health awareness campaigns, where he shared his research and findings, and advocated for accurate medical knowledge. He has been featured in publications such as Cardiology & Vascular Research, The Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine, and The Lancet.
Last medically reviewed on November 22, 2023
About us
Not Just a Patch is designed to give you more confidence while wearing your Freestyle Libre, Dexcom or MiaoMiao devices. Our patches are created with the idea of offering the best comfort and protection for your sensor.
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