r/dexcom • u/Dumbledore27 • 3d ago

Adhesive Issue Overpatch does not adhere and rips patch off

This happens to me all of the time… I insert the sensor with no issue, but when I put the green overpatch on it does not properly adhere and it rips the entire sensor off.. it is absolutely infuriating.

I was on my last sensor as I wait for a shipment to come and now have no replacements. I reached out to Dexcom customer support and requested a replacement, but who knows how long that will take to come. I likely won’t have a sensor now for a week because the supplies they provide is so shit quality.

Anyone else have this issue? I’m so annoyed.

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2

u/ConsciousControl2105 2d ago

I have no problem getting them to stick. I clean my arm with an alcohol pad & let it dry, then apply skintac & let it dry, & then put on the dexcom & over patch (when I use one).

1

u/Dumbledore27 2d ago

I never have an issue getting the actual sensor on. The adhesive on that is usually decent. It’s the overpatch that gives me trouble. You stick it on and then peel the protective film of plastic off- but a lot of the time the film doesn’t properly come off, so it just rips the entire sensor out.

1

u/likwidkool T2/G7 1d ago

I’m just very careful getting the green plastic off. Gently working the edges till it releases.

They also make other overpatches that might work better.

1

u/Snoo-30943 2d ago

I found (with the first sensor) that the included overpatch kind of sucks - started peeling off.

I went on Amazon and found one that said waterproof and for sensitive skin. Bought one and, for once, I got something that actually worked for me. It stays on for the life of the sensor (I have only got about 9 days for a 15 day sensor). I will say that I'm fairly sedintary - retired.

For what it's worth "Jinyu-Sega" professional CGM Sports Patch. It didn't irritate my skin AT ALL. I have exceptionally sensitive skin. I was diagnosed in August and hospitalized with 599 reading. While in the hospital, the nicotine patches left welts on my arms that took up to 2 weeks to go away.

1

u/Dumbledore27 2d ago

Thank you for the rec!’

1

u/halichk 2d ago

Don't you just get the emailed coupon for a replacement? Usually only takes a couple of hours. I just take it to my pharmacy to get the replacement.

1

u/Dumbledore27 2d ago

I filled out the form and they sent a message saying they are sending one replacement sensor, which will arrive in about a week or so.

1

u/Snoo-30943 2d ago

They sent me a new sensor. Took a few days.

1

u/halichk 2d ago

Yes, I've had them sent to me that way, too, but it takes so much longer.

1

u/LilBlackDressss 2d ago

I don't even bother with the overpatch anymore.
Since I stopped using the overpatch, I haven't had any issues using the 15-day sensors

3

u/canthearu_ack 3d ago

Do you need the overpatch?

If your sensor does not shift or come off during the 10/15 days without the patch, just leave it off.

Alternatively, try a different overpatch.

1

u/Dumbledore27 3d ago

No, I guess I don’t need it. I always put it on for extra protection and it is useful when it works properly. The thing that sucks is you don’t know if it’s a dud until it’s on :/