I tested two samples of the Smiths Medical Cleo 90 Infusion Set (Cleo) from 2007-06-07 to 2007-06-15. I compared them to the Unomedical Comfort Infusion Set (Comfort) which is the only other set I have ever used. Details of the Cleo can be found at
Cleo 90 Infusion Sets from Smiths Medical and of the Comfort at
Unomedical comfort . A comparison of both sets (along with quite a few others) is at
Infusion set information, pump compatibility and manufacturer links . Both sets have Teflon cannulas, have a Luer lock connection, can disconnect at site, and have 23 or 24 inch tubing. In summary, I found the Cleo to be very acceptable, but somewhat less desirable for me. I compared several parameters, namely infusion performance, insertion ease, wearing ease, site health, and price. My conclusion is that the Cleo merits a longer trial (for me), primarily because of the better BG control. I intend to purchase a box of 10 Cleo sets and conduct a 40 day trial.
Infusion Performance. Over the period that I used the Cleo, I tested my Blood Glucose (BG) four times daily. In general, my BG control was generally satisfactory. In fact, it was slightly better than when I used the Comfort. The numbers (in mmol/L for 33 readings) are:
Cleo Comfort
Average 7.3 7.7
Std Dev 3.2 4.0
Max 16.7 15.6
Min 3.0 2.8
However, my BG usually ranges quite widely, so this finding may be simply a part of my normal variability.
Insertion Ease. The Cleo includes an all-in-one “automatic” inserter built-in to the device. Basically, the user simply presses the device inwards until it clicks and then holds it for five seconds. That action introduces the cannula and removes the needle. Lifting off the device leaves behind the actual infusion site ready for connection to the tubing. This process is shown very clearly at
Cleo 90 Demo . I found the process to be quite simple. For me, though, the process was actually uncomfortable. I have no problem giving myself injections and doing the manual insertion of the Comfort infusion set. Using the Cleo automatic process seemed to me to be “uncontrolled” in that I was not in charge of what was happening. Essentially, I was at the mercy of the Cleo device and spring. This feeling was really psychological rather than physical. Others might have a totally different opinion.
Wearing Ease. The Cleo adhesive was good and adhered well even in the shower. That is an improvement over the Comfort which comes off fairly easily when wet. The Cleo site is slightly higher and less streamlined than the Comfort. Accordingly, it caught on various things like the edge of a table when I was seated. I felt as though the site could have been ripped off quite easily – it seemed vulnerable. Both sites disconnect at site, though the Comfort was slightly easier to disconnect. The Comfort comes with a plug for the disconnected site whereas the Cleo opening is uncovered. The Cleo can attach at eight angles so the tubing can be led away easily. The tubing with the Cleo seems to be more flexible – it is likely a different plastic. Removal of both sets was about the same. Overall, the two sets are about equal in wearing ease considering all the variables. However, in my opinion, the slightly greater vulnerability of the Cleo makes it slightly less desirable for me.
Site Health. Both manufacturers recommend changing the set after 48 – 72 hours. However, I have been in the habit of wearing the Comfort for 96 hours (four days) without problems so I wore the Cleo for four days as well. I found that the insertion point was slightly reddened, but not at all sensitive to the touch. Basically, it was about the same as the Comfort, perhaps slightly better because the Cleo covers the area completely whereas the Comfort has an opening right at the insertion point. The two sets were about the same for site health.
Price. I obtained both sets from Auto-Control Medical, the Smiths Medical distributors in Canada. The Cleo is more expensive. Based on price comparisons at a US wholesaler (
Diabetic Supplies Online - Diabetes Testing Supplies - American Diabetes Wholesale ), the Cleo is about 7% more costly. The difference is greater from Auto-Control. When you consider insurance coverage, the added cost of the Cleo is small but not negligible.
Conclusion. Both sets are quite acceptable. The Cleo may be desirable for those who have problems with manual site insertion. For me, I conclude that the Cleo merits a longer trial particularly because of the slightly better BG control.
For the record, I have been Type 1 diabetic for over five years and have been pumping with a Cozmo for three years. My latest HbA1c (before this comparison) was 7.1
