Freestyle Libre Tips – Your Libre Falling Off, Try This!

The Freestyle Libre is a sensor that helps those with diabetes monitor their glucose levels. It is a painless and easy-to-use device that can be worn for up to 14 days. However, there are some things users should know in order to get the most out of their Libre experience. Here are some tips and hints to help you stay on your diabetes game and help stop your Libre Sensor from falling off before 14 days of use.

DISCLAIMER: I have included links to my Amazon Store where you can purchase many of the items suggested. Looking for accessories for your FreeStyle Libre – look here.

Ensure the sensor area is clean, dry, and lotion free

To help prevent your Freestyle Libre from falling off, it is important to ensure that the Libre sensor area is clean and dry before applying a new sensor. This means no lotion, oils, hair, soap or makeup on the skin where you plan to place the sensor. I recommend washing the area with plain water and mild soap then patting it dry with a clean towel prior to applying the sensor. If your skin is particularly dry, you may need to moisturize it a few hours before applying the sensor. Just be sure to give the moisturizer time to soak in completely so that it doesn’t interfere with the adhesive. Finally, be sure to use both alcohol pads to remove any oils left on the skin. This will help keep your Libre working for two weeks. If you use Skin-Tac, another pre-adhesive, or other cover for your Libre, you can also try  – this unique formula effectively removes even the most stubborn adhesive residue leaving the skin clean, dry, and without a greasy film.

Need the sensor to stick better, pre-treat with Skin Tac

You may also want to pre-treat the sensor area with Skin Tac  , which is a hypoallergenic adhesive wipe or liquid that can be found at most pharmacies. This will help add another layer of adhesion to the sensor and help keep the edges of your Libre Sensor in place to reduce the chances of knocking it off or being caught on a piece of clothing. Be sure to wait at least one hour after applying the Skin Tac before getting the sensor wet such as having a shower, a swim, or excessive sweating.

Keep the applicator, its great for pressing the edges of the adhesive

Finally, be sure to keep the sensor applicator that comes with your LibreSensor. You can reuse each disposable applicator to help keep lifting edges of your sensor from lifting up! The Libre sensor applicator can be used to help press the sensor adhesive back into place if it starts to lift. Voila! Good as new! And you’ve saved money too by helping you Libre Sensor last the full 14-days!p

Watch for lifting edges around the sensor

Once you have applied the sensor, it is important to pay attention to any lifting edges over the 14 days your sensor is active . If you notice that the sensor is starting to lift at an edge, simply press it back into place with your finger or a blunt object like the end of spoon. You may also want to consider using kinesiology tape (i.e. KT Tape ), which is a hypoallergenic medical tape that can be found at most pharmacies, to secure any edges that are lifting. It doesn’t look sexy, but it is inexpensive and it works. owever, there are other products available such as Patchabetes , RockDex, or SimPatch  which are designed to cover the Libre and Libre 2 sensor with a protective bandage.

It is also important to protect your Libre from water damage until the adhesive has dried. Avoid swimming or taking showers for at least one hour after applying the sensor. You may also want to consider wearing a water-resistant bandage or covering over the sensor with a waterproof sticker if you are lucky enough to be going on vacation or regular access to a pool.

Can I go swimming with my Freestyle Libre

Yes, swimming is allowed with your Libre Sensor. Kinesiology tape works here too as our Libre Sensor are water resistant and designed to get wet. Just keep in mind that the sensor will continue working as long as it is not submerged more than 3 feet (1 meter) or kept underwater longer than 30 minutes at a time.

The Freestyle Libre is a wonderful tool for those with diabetes who want an easy and painless way to monitor their daily glucose levels. By following these simple tips and hints, you can make sure that you get the most out of your Libre experience and help your Libre Sensor last 14 days.

Cover photo credit: John Valette: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-orange-tube-dress-smiling-8343887/