Opsite Flexifix

For the first time since Arden began wearing a CGM we are using a third party product to aid with adhesion. Back in December I realized that the adhesive on the new DexCom G4 sensors wasn't as resilient as it was on the prior version of the device. I tried for a few weeks to be sure that we weren't just having a bit of bad luck, but after a few attempts my suspicions were validated. As others started to experience the same lack of longevity the Internet became littered with folks saying that the new DexCom G4 adhiesive just doesn't stick like it did with the 7+.

I knew instantly that I wanted needed to add a third party product into the mix and I began to search online for options. All of my research led me to want to try Opsite Flexifix first so I ordered a roll on Amazon and waited for the UPS driver to arrive. 

I later found a post on the D-Mom Blog that explains, step-by-step, how Leighann prepares her daughter's Flexifix to work in conjunction with a CGM sensor. I co-opted Leighann's plan for how she cuts the center hole and made one small change. Instead of a significant overlap, I cut the Flexifix just slightly larger than the DexCom's original adhesive (image below).

Tomorrow will the twenty first day since the sensor above was applied.

Opsite Flexifix, write it down.  

Update on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10:16AM by Scott Benner

Here it is Shelley.

Comments

[Jen.]

LOVE Opsite Flexifix for Dexcom. LOVE

[shelley hause]

Hi Scott,

Glad to see your post. The G4 is our first exerience with a CGM and we've had trouble keeping her sensor on from day 1. I also heard that Opsite Flexifix was a miracle and I thought I ordered the right product from our local pharmacy but it doesn't have the green grid like your picture and I've had a difficult time using it. It is very thin and hard to cut without having it curl up on itself. It only says "Opsite" on the box. Could you be more specific about what roll you ordered? The G4 is absolutely a dream come true, if we could just keep it on! Thanks so much for your input.

[Marlise]

My two year old son started using the Dexcom g4 in January, and we too have had to re-enforce the adhesive. Just using medical tape as suggested in the Dexcom booklet actually left red marks on his skin for days after removal. The product we use now is "SKIN TAC". We buy it from our insulin pump supplies supplier. It comes in individually wrapped little wipes, like alcohol wipes, but to use i just cut off a small corner, and drip the liquid on to the back of the sensor adhesive when it starts peeling up. it takes a minute or two to dry, but it holds the sensor down securely even in baths or swimming. To remove, we use "UNI-SOLVE" wipes in the same way, cutting off a corner and letting it drip out onto the adhesive, let it set for about a minute and it removes all the stickiness fairly easily.

[Barbra]

Is there a reason you can't put a Opsite IV dressing over the transmitter to aid in adhesion? This is what I've done with the transmitter to the Medtronics CGM. I'm thinking of switching to the Dexcom G4. How long does the charge on the transmitter last? Do you have to re-charge if you are re-starting it after 7 days?
Great blog! thanks

[Scott Benner]

Barbra - I don't see why you couldn't cover the transmitter, it works through walls, clothing and more so the FlexiFix shouldn't be a problem - with that, I should say that I've never tried it before.

The transmitter doesn't require charging but the receiver does. I believe that the transmitter has an expected battery life of six months (check on DexCom.com to be certain). Insurance should cover it's replacement when the battery gives up.

The receiver seems to go for many, many days but we charge it probably twice a week while Arden is sleeping.

Glad you found Arden's Day! Best, Scott