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Looking for the BEST Medtronic CGM patches for the Guardian sensor? Look no further, I've rounded up my favs, including the ones I've tested too!
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I’ve been using my Medtronic Guardian Sensor for just over 2 years now, and I absolutely LOVE it!
It was a game changer for my diabetes.
But because I self-fund it, it’s really important to me that I can protect my sensors, and make sure they don’t rip out early!
That’s where Medtronic CGM patches come into play.
I’ve tested 2 or 3 patch varieties over the years, and there’s one that I’m continually using, and a clear winner for me.
But I thought I’d take you through my top 5 patches for the Medtronic CGM, including ones I’ve personally used, and one’s I’ve researched (thought about using!).
I've been using Not Just A Path for a while now, and I absolutely love their range of colours and the feel of the material. Hands down, it's better than any other sensor protector I have used. They look better and last longer.
What are the benefits of using a patch for your CGM?
Using a patch for your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) offers several benefits, enhancing the user experience and overall efficacy of the device. Here are some key advantages:
1. Improved Sensor Adhesion
Extended Wear Time
Patches will help to secure the CGM sensor more effectively, preventing it from dislodging due to daily activities, perspiration, or water exposure (swimming, hot tubs, water parks!). This ensures the sensor remains in place for its intended lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. (In the past I’ve 100% lost Freestyle Libres in waterparks when I haven’t had a patch on!)
Reduced Skin Irritation
Patches can act as a barrier between the adhesive of the CGM and the skin, potentially reducing irritation for those with sensitive skin (i,e me)
2. Enhanced Comfort and Flexibility
Increased Comfort
Patches are designed to be comfortable and flexible, allowing for a more natural fit that adapts to body movements, which can be particularly beneficial during physical activities.
Minimized Discomfort
With better adhesion and flexibility, patches can prevent the tugging or pulling sensation that sometimes occurs with CGMs, making the device less noticeable during wear.
3. Protection and Durability
Physical Protection
Patches can protect the CGM sensor from accidental knocks, bumps, or snagging on clothing, which can be crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the device.
Water Resistance
Many patches are water-resistant, offering additional protection against water exposure during activities like swimming or showering, ensuring the sensor remains functional.
4. Add style to your diabetes
Having diabetes isn’t fun, but you can make it fun by wearing a patch that suits your personalised. You can go as big and bold as you want, or as subtle as you want with patches with skin tones or even clear patches! There is truly a patch to suit everyone.
These patches are the patches I currently use for my CGM! I’ve been using them for over a year on the Medtronic Guardian, and I love them.
I’ve had no problems whatsoever with them!
Not Just A Patch offer a wide collection of adhesive patches for the Medtronic Guardian sensor which come in an array of vibrant colors, including pink, blue, and purple, designed to add a fun touch while ensuring your sensor stays securely in place. Each pack includes 20 patches, providing ample supply for extended use.
Engineered for comfort and flexibility, the patches are water-resistant, making them ideal for active individuals who want reliable protection during workouts, swimming, or daily routines.
I actually started out by wearing the bright colours, but then I realized I wanted something a little more stubble and I switched to their “Air” range, which are basically lighter, more stubble colours, but super strong yet thin.
I find they don’t move when I sweat, and they’re so lightweight, it really doesn’t feel like I’ve actually got a patch on- which is nice too!
All the patches offered by Not Just A Patch come with a soft non-stick back section for easy changeability and skin comfort.
This means you can switch your style up if you’re matching outfits, or simply want to change your patch before your sensor runs out.
They also offer a product called “Skin Glu” which you can apply before you put your patches on to help hold them in place even longer. This is pretty good if you feel like you’re prone to sweating or you’re spending a lot of time in water based activities.
Pros of Not Just A Patch for Medtronic CGM Patches
Wide variety of products: something to suit everyone, whether you want to be bold and bright, or cautious and subtle!
Doesn’t irritate my skin: this is based on me. I have super sensitive skin and I confidently say these patches do not irritate my skin.
Cons of Not Just A Patch For Medtronic CGM Patches
The brighter colours can look quite “plasterish”, and what I mean by that is I’ve had some people ask if I’ve cut myself because of the plaster
Skin Grips are known for being STRONG, and I’ve seen them all over the place.
I actually used them when I had my Freestyle Libre, and they were super strong then.
Whilst I haven’t used them on my Medtronic CGM specifically, it’s the same type of patch, so if works well on one device, then it’s going to work well on others!
They come in a variety of collections- each holding 20 at a time and there’s a bunch of styles to suit various personalities.
My personal favourites are the pastel collection, because I love the stubble colours. Skin Grips are so confident you’ll love their patches that they offer a 30 day money back guarantee!
The patches have backing paper made of 4 tabs for easier application and use, and they won’t irritate your skin since they’re free of latex, FDA approved, medical grade and hypoallergenic!
They also offer a subscribe and save program, so if you want to commit to them, when you run out of patches, you’ll get more via the subscription you’ve set up at a reduced rate! OR you can just buy as you go too!
Stick2Hope offers a variety of adhesive patches specifically designed for the Medtronic Guardian CGM.
These patches come in numerous themed prints, adding a personal and stylish touch while ensuring the sensor remains securely in place.
I tested a few of their patches on my road trip through Europe a couple of years ago, and I found them to be great!
You can buy their styles individually, so I tested 3 or 4 and found them all to stick great, they didn’t irritate my skin, and I thought they were stubble and stylish! Stick2Hope focuses on combining functionality with aesthetic appeal, allowing users to showcase their personality through their medical devices.
If you don’t want to buy them individually, you can buy them in packs such as the butterfly variety pack!
The patches will last the duration of the Medtronic CGM and they're water resistant.
This is also a US company and the patches are made just outside of Philadelphia.
They offer underlay patches too which are particularly useful for people who suffer from sensitive skin (that's me!)
You can even get a patch personalized to your own design if you send in a JPEG file!
GET 10% OFF WITH CODE DreamBig10
Pros of Stick2Hope patches for Medtronic guardian sensors
Strong adhesion: Ensures the sensor stays securely in place
Waterproof: Allows for swimming, showering, and sweating without compromising the sensor's functionality.
Skin-friendly: Made from hypoallergenic materials to minimize skin irritation and discomfort
Cons of Stick2Hope patches for Medtronic guardian sensors
Potential for residue: Some users may find adhesive residue left on the skin after removal, which can be difficult to clean.
Limited durability: In certain conditions, the patch may not hold up as well as expected, leading to the need for more frequent replacements.
More expensive: buying individually may increase overall costs.
Type Strong are another great diabetes patch company offering simplistic patches for your Medtronic Guardian sensor.
Their Adhesive Patches are designed to securely hold Medtronic Guardian sensors in place for over 7 days and are made from medical-grade adhesive, they are hypoallergenic and latex-free, which makes them perfect for sensitive skin.
The patches are also water and sweat-resistant, which ensures durability during physical activities like swimming and exercising.
Every pack has 20 patches which gives you a 4 month supply and their so confident you'll love the patches that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction.
The patches don't come in hundreds of different styles and colours, rather there is 3 standard colours, black, tan and clear, so they are perfect for the individuals who really don't want to draw attention to their CGMs!
Pros of Type Strong patches for Medtronic Guardian Sensors
Free Shipping: This is available in the UK, USA, Aus and NZ!
Sensitive skin friendly: medical grade hypoallergenic!
Cons of Type Strong patches for Medtronic Guardian Sensors
Less choice: the lack of colour variations may bother some people
GrifGrips offers a wide variety of adhesive patches designed for the Medtronic CGM.
These patches are available in numerous shapes, colors, and themes, ensuring that you can find something to match your style and preference. What I love about these patches is the variety, and the fact you could pretty much have a patch for every theme of the year, Halloween, Christmas, Easter and lots more!
Also, the patches are waterproof, long-lasting, and available in six different adhesive formulas to suit various skin types and activity levels.
They’re also reasonably priced and Gif Grips is a pretty well known brand and started as a family business by the partners of a T1d son!
Pros of Gif Grips patches for Medtronic Guardian Sensors
Suits all skin types: The fact they’ve got 6 different adhesive formulas, means there’s a super high chance you’ll find a patch that will not irritate your skin
Wide range of themes: Love that there is so much choice!
Rewards program: Stay loyal and you’ll win points to get “free” patches!
Cons of Gif Grips patches for Medtronic Guardian Sensors
Expensive shipping: If you don’t meet the $20 threshold, shipping costs can mount up
As I mentioned at the beginning, I'm currently using Not Just A Patch, and I'm having no issues with the product, and don't forget you can get 10% off with the code cazzy10 if you order direct with them.
Have you tried any of these patches? Or do you have other patch companies you recommend? Let me know below!
Living with type 1 diabetes for over 10 years has given me a lot of life experience, challenges and opportunities. I’ve had ups and downs, but I’m proud that I can live out my dreams whilst managing t1d. I hope my stories can help your daily life with diabetes too!
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