Taping over infusion set?

[Mich]

Do you use a dressing or tape over your infusion set when you take a shower? How about when you swim? My supplier sends IV3000 stretchy tape IV dressings, but I am not sure when to use them.

I can see that my detachable fitting on my set has a seal like the top of an insulin vial, meaning it is waterproof. My set itself sticks VERY well after using an IV Prep with the slightly sticky alcohol and never gets loose unless I accidentally scrape it.

When do I use the IV covers?

Mich

PS: Progress report on my 3 month old Cozmo: Wow! A1c counts are down to 6.5, a 2.5 point difference. I am finally getting used to being tethered. A longer tube helped, I can put it down while I get dressed. Inserting the infusion set is now as routine as lots of "little sticks" used to be.

It seems to be working well for me after MANY years of MDIs.

[JediSkipdogg]

I never use the IV covers. I find that the set itself sticks on it's own well enough to not worry about it. I think it's experimental for each person. If you happen to run 5 miles every day, you may need to use one. But that applies to each person individually.

Glad you like the pump and glad it lowered your A1C. I think I heard once that each 1% in A1C is a 10% drop in any complications. And that is a huge bonus and help in living longer. Good job.

[camjen1]

SOmetimes I use them under a infusion set. I just cut a lil hole in it and apply it first. Then I wipe the area with IV prep and then insert an infusion set. I somtimes also cut a bigger hole in another one and put it uver the infusion set. I tend to snag my line alot so I like to take extra precaution.

[lelggren]

SOmetimes I use them under a infusion set. I just cut a lil hole in it and apply it first. Then I wipe the area with IV prep and then insert an infusion set. I somtimes also cut a bigger hole in another one and put it uver the infusion set. I tend to snag my line alot so I like to take extra precaution.
I just started putting tegaderm under the set before I insert it, and it works so great! What I do is I put IV Prep on first and let it dry. Then, put the tegaderm over that, and then just insert the infusion set right through the tegaderm. I was worried at first because I didn't want to have it snag the cannula or anything like that. But, my dr is on a pump too, and that is what he does. He recommended it to me. It is really a great way to do it :)

[camjen1]

Is the Tegaderm the same thing as the IV3000? On the IV3000 it shows a needle going right through it and I was always afraid to do it that way thinking it would block the cannula.

[lelggren]

Is the Tegaderm the same thing as the IV3000? On the IV3000 it shows a needle going right through it and I was always afraid to do it that way thinking it would block the cannula.
It is the same basic thing except they say that a lot less people are allergic to tegaderm than they are IV 3000. Don't be afraid :) It works really well. I even made sure to put it in a spot where the set's adhesive always comes off, and it still is sticking. And my bg's are fine, with the exception of the new symlin, making me jump a little.

[spike]

Do you use a dressing or tape over your infusion set when you take a shower? How about when you swim? My supplier sends IV3000 stretchy tape IV dressings, but I am not sure when to use them.

I can see that my detachable fitting on my set has a seal like the top of an insulin vial, meaning it is waterproof. My set itself sticks VERY well after using an IV Prep with the slightly sticky alcohol and never gets loose unless I accidentally scrape it.

When do I use the IV covers?

Mich

PS: Progress report on my 3 month old Cozmo: Wow! A1c counts are down to 6.5, a 2.5 point difference. I am finally getting used to being tethered. A longer tube helped, I can put it down while I get dressed. Inserting the infusion set is now as routine as lots of "little sticks" used to be.

It seems to be working well for me after MANY years of MDIs.

You didn't tell us what set you are using.

[Cyborg]

I use the Unomedical Insets and I've never taped mine down for any reason. I have not gone swimming yet though.

[spike]

I use the Unomedical Insets and I've never taped mine down for any reason. I have not gone swimming yet though.

Quick Sets work fine while swimming and you can't put a dressing over the top to waterproof it unless you don't want to disconnect from the pump. the new Sure-T's I got can be taped over because the quick disconnect is located abt 4" away from the set. My old Soft sets would hardly stay on just from working up a sweat. :)

[poodlebone]

I've taped down sets if they started to peel up. That sometimes happens in the summer, with humid weather and two showers a day (sometimes). I cut a hole in the Tegaderm or IV3000 and tape it over the set, after disconnecting first. I wish I could get some that come with holes precut, like you get with Minimed's Sof-Sets.

I tried using it under the set a couple of times, inserting right through the Tegaderm, and it did bend the cannulas (Quick-Sets). I decided to put them over the set after that.

[camjen1]

I've taped down sets if they started to peel up. That sometimes happens in the summer, with humid weather and two showers a day (sometimes). I cut a hole in the Tegaderm or IV3000 and tape it over the set, after disconnecting first. I wish I could get some that come with holes precut, like you get with Minimed's Sof-Sets.

I tried using it under the set a couple of times, inserting right through the Tegaderm, and it did bend the cannulas (Quick-Sets). I decided to put them over the set after that.

I agree, they need to make precut one's for Quicksets. It's a pain in the rump to have to guess how much to cut then try it only to have it not fit. You cut some more then you find out that you cut to much and the adhesive part is now coming through the hole you just cut.

[spike]

I agree, they need to make precut one's for Quicksets. It's a pain in the rump to have to guess how much to cut then try it only to have it not fit. You cut some more then you find out that you cut to much and the adhesive part is now coming through the hole you just cut.

The Quick Sets stick so well to me, I've not needed any additional tape, even when swimming, sweating, etc for 3 day wear period.

[camjen1]

I'm in the lake all the time during the summer and just after a day of a new set being in the edges start to come up. I find the edges come up more often when the set is more on my sides towards my rear end. :reddy:

[spike]

I'm in the lake all the time during the summer and just after a day of a new set being in the edges start to come up. I find the edges come up more often when the set is more on my sides towards my rear end. :reddy:

Funny how we react differently to the same product. My wife can wear Soft Sets with no additional dressing. I HAVE to apply Skin Prep, wait until it's almost dry, apply the Soft Set, and cover it with an IV3000. Doing all that still doesn't assure it will remain in place for 3 summer days, even without swimming.

The Quick Sets, OTOH, stick tenaciously with no lifted edges ever, no matter what I've done. Granted, I don't spend hours and hours in the water at any one time, but I sweat heavily for hours during outdoor activities and take long hot showers. So far, the Sure T's have stuck well, but they haven't been put to the final test yet.

[parrotletzoo]

the only time I use tape or anything to cover the set is when it starts to peel off before I'm ready to change it. It doesn't happen often. With iv prep they stick well endough that I need goo gone to get the glue off my skin afterwards. :)

[poodlebone]

Quick Sets work fine while swimming and you can't put a dressing over the top to waterproof it unless you don't want to disconnect from the pump. the new Sure-T's I got can be taped over because the quick disconnect is located abt 4" away from the set. My old Soft sets would hardly stay on just from working up a sweat. :)

How do you like the Sure-T's? I'd really like to try them because I miss the ease of using a 90 degree set. Just not sure I want two adhesive pads stuck to me, and they only come in the shorter tubing length.

You can put a dressing over the Quick-Sets if you cut a hole in it first. I use an Xacto knife to do that (for Sils as well). I never had a problem with the Sof-Sets staying on because I used both pieces of adhesive that comes with them. I have a hard time getting those off! I like those when I use my hips, because they have a low profile and they are hard for me to yank out accidentally.

[psilocybin]

i tape over the little pice of my infusion set that is peeling off not the whole thing

[EdnaDeel]

PS: Progress report on my 3 month old Cozmo: Wow! A1c counts are down to 6.5, a 2.5 point difference. I am finally getting used to being tethered. A longer tube helped, I can put it down while I get dressed. Inserting the infusion set is now as routine as lots of "little sticks" used to be.

It seems to be working well for me after MANY years of MDIs.

Great job on the A1c that is really good
Its good that the pump is working out for you
keep up the good work

[Poe]

I attempted to use the IV3000 once... it was a disaster. I couldn't peel off the paper cleanly and it was sticking to everything. Haven't gone back to try it in over a year. Glad I'm not a person who perspires much.

[psilocybin]

i used surgical tape, stuck very well and definately got the job done =]...i was impressed, dont waste your money of iv3000

[HollyB]

You guys are lucky, my son isn't a big sweater or anything but his sets peel away like crazy. I'm not sure what's going to happen when we get to the cottage and he starts swimming every day.

We started using Skin Tac on top of the IV Prep and that usually does the job but we sometimes have to Tegaderm over that by day two to baby the set through the full three days. Skin Tac isn't that great with the Quickserter through as it sticks the serter to his skin.

Just a skin chemistry thing, maybe. Or maybe, being a skinny active kid, he's a little harder on them physically than most adults would be?

[spike]

You guys are lucky, my son isn't a big sweater or anything but his sets peel away like crazy. I'm not sure what's going to happen when we get to the cottage and he starts swimming every day.

We started using Skin Tac on top of the IV Prep and that usually does the job but we sometimes have to Tegaderm over that by day two to baby the set through the full three days. Skin Tac isn't that great with the Quickserter through as it sticks the serter to his skin.

Just a skin chemistry thing, maybe. Or maybe, being a skinny active kid, he's a little harder on them physically than most adults would be?

Ever prepped the skin with S&N's Skin Prep? I used to use that to keep the old Soft Sets on. I'd swab it on, wave my hand over it a few times to dry it quickly to the point of being barely tacky and then insert the set. IV3000 over the set, and that was as good as it got.

Do not confuse Skin Prep with IV Prep--that doesn't have the same adhesive quality.

[Mich]

Oops. Sorry for failing to mention my set. I see some folks sign with their pump and set and meds listed for reference.

I started with the 23" Comfort sets. I traded some supplies to another pumping friend for some 43" Silhouette sets. They are exactly the same thing, but the colors of the plastic are different and I like the longer tubing. I see that they are shipped by two different companies but manufactured by the same manufacturer.

So far I have used only the angled sets, but I just got some Cleo 90 sets to try. I see that the fittings are interchangeable with the Comfort and Silhouette tubing. I think that the interchangeability is a great idea, giving us more options.

Note on keeping things cool when in the sun:
I am off to Kauai next week (Yea!) on a long planned trip. I will be continuing my experiments on a variety of ideas to keep my pump cool while I am in the sun. One idea was simply to wet a washcloth and wrap it around my pump and tubing while it was off, keeping it in the shade under my chair. That way it is nearby and I could bolus every hour or so easily. I was amazed at how well that works. (Since my Cozmo has the Cozmonitor on the back, I was worried about exposing the whole thing to moisture in a Frio pack.) With a washcloth I can wrap the whole thing, but leave the bottom of the Cozmonitor open to the air. I was amazed at how cold everything stays as long as the washcloth is wet.

Thank you all for your good ideas and your sharing.

Mich
Deltec Cozmo Slate Gray Pump
Still experimenting with infusion sets
Pumping since Jan 27, 2006
Type 1 Diabetic since Jan 12, 1960
Diagnosed at age 12 in the Dark Ages.
Two grown daughters, neither of which is diabetic so far.
Both already know the drill anyway...

[spike]

Oops. Sorry for failing to mention my set. I see some folks sign with their pump and set and meds listed for reference.

I started with the 23" Comfort sets. I traded some supplies to another pumping friend for some 43" Silhouette sets. They are exactly the same thing, but the colors of the plastic are different and I like the longer tubing. I see that they are shipped by two different companies but manufactured by the same manufacturer.

So far I have used only the angled sets, but I just got some Cleo 90 sets to try. I see that the fittings are interchangeable with the Comfort and Silhouette tubing. I think that the interchangeability is a great idea, giving us more options.

Note on keeping things cool when in the sun:
I am off to Kauai next week (Yea!) on a long planned trip. I will be continuing my experiments on a variety of ideas to keep my pump cool while I am in the sun. One idea was simply to wet a washcloth and wrap it around my pump and tubing while it was off, keeping it in the shade under my chair. That way it is nearby and I could bolus every hour or so easily. I was amazed at how well that works. (Since my Cozmo has the Cozmonitor on the back, I was worried about exposing the whole thing to moisture in a Frio pack.) With a washcloth I can wrap the whole thing, but leave the bottom of the Cozmonitor open to the air. I was amazed at how cold everything stays as long as the washcloth is wet.

Thank you all for your good ideas and your sharing.

Mich
Deltec Cozmo Slate Gray Pump
Still experimenting with infusion sets
Pumping since Jan 27, 2006
Type 1 Diabetic since Jan 12, 1960
Diagnosed at age 12 in the Dark Ages.
Two grown daughters, neither of which is diabetic so far.
Both already know the drill anyway...

That sounds like a lot of rigamarole to go through. When I go on vacation in Hawaii or Vegas I do nothing different with my pump, with the sole exception of when I laying down in the sun I'll put my pump under me or under a towel. Other than that, I swim, jet ski, snorkle, whatever, with my pump (MM 515) clipped to my trunks. I think you are making a big deal out of wearing your pump in warm weather. it's not like Hawaii is going to be 115 degrees in the shade. :)

[Mich]

Spike, have you ever had the insulin in the tubing get denatured from being in the direct sun? I've had insulin in pens and bottles get "weaker" so that it took about four times as much to do the same job. Usually toward the end of the bottle and usually when I was in very hot weather for a few days.


I may be overstressing on this one. It's not completely unknown that I do that now and then :laugh: Mich

[spike]

Spike, have you ever had the insulin in the tubing get denatured from being in the direct sun? I've had insulin in pens and bottles get "weaker" so that it took about four times as much to do the same job. Usually toward the end of the bottle and usually when I was in very hot weather for a few days.


I may be overstressing on this one. It's not completely unknown that I do that now and then :laugh: Mich

Not so far, in my experience. I don't know if perceptions of "weakened" insulin are accurate or not. In 10 years of pumping and working/playing in lots of hot weather, I've never noticed my insulin go bad. consider my comments anecdotal <g>. You need to be prepared for the possibility that your experience may differ.

[psilocybin]

Not so far, in my experience. I don't know if perceptions of "weakened" insulin are accurate or not. In 10 years of pumping and working/playing in lots of hot weather, I've never noticed my insulin go bad. consider my comments anecdotal <g>. You need to be prepared for the possibility that your experience may differ.

insulins good for like a month out of the fridge. and temperature change will not change this at all idont think ...from what ive heard...havent had my pump exposed to heat yet, its just getting to be summer up here in canada =]