NOT JUST A PATCH Review: The best CGM adhesive patch!?

The market for CGM patches has exploded and there are SO many options available.

You can find a range of patches for your Freestyle Libre, Dexcom’s, Enlite sensors, and even Miao Miao! 

With so much choice on offer, how can you possibly know who is best? Well, luckily, I’ve been using NotJustAPatch for a few months now and I can tell you they’re FANTASTIC. 

I’ve put them to the test and I can say they’re my favourite CGM adhesive patch right now. 

Want to learn more about Not Just A Patch? Then keep reading...

Who are Not Just A Patch?

Not Just A Patch is a company founded by Pete, a t1d swimmer who needed a solution to his CGM falling off during certain activities.

The solution? Not Just A Patch was born! 

They provide a range of patches for diabetic CGMs and one of their key designs is the “non-stick” back section of the patches. 

The middle back part of the patches don't actually stick to your sensor, they only stick to your skin, this means you can actually swap and change your patches as often as you like, without the fear of your sensor ripping out. 

This is really great, firstly because I have had experience with other patches that ripped my sensor off when I was trying to remove a patch, and also, not every patch goes with every outfit, so the fact I can swap and change the colours of my patches without losing the sensor is awesome. 

You have the confidence that your CGM is staying right where it should be, and that it looks great at the same time. 

They’ve also got some other key design features which make them stand out from other patch brands: 

• No skin irritation due to the use of medical quality hypoallergenic adhesive: this is great for me because I have SUPER sensitive skin. 
• Wave pattern form for skin adhesion and respiration 
• It’s water-resistant (it was designed by a swimmer after all!)

What products do they offer patches for?

Freestyle Libre

There are a range of really beautiful patches for the Freestyle Libre. These patches will fit both the Freestyle Libre 1 and 2!

And they come in a range of colours including: 

• Blue
• Orange
• Purple
• Green
• Pink
• Yellow
• Beige
• Black
• Red
• Clear
  

They all come in packs of 20. 

You can also get Freestyle Libre “X PATCHES” which are basically patches in the shape of an X and they come in the same range of colours as above, as well as a multi-colored box that includes a variety of colours.

I recommend this because you can swap and change depending on your outfit, and mood!

Get your Freestyle Libre patches here with 10% with the code cazzy10

Dexcom

They offer a range of Waterproof patches for your Dexcom G4, G5, and G6 sensor.  Specially designed to keep your CGM in place for more than 10 days. 

Colour choices include: 

• Blue
• Orange
• Purple
• Green
• Pink
• Yellow
• Beige
• Black
• Red
  

They all come in packs of 20. 

You can also get a Dexcom X PATCH which is in the shape of an X and it comes in the same colours as above, or just like the Libre, you can opt for a box of multiple colours. 

Buy your Dexcom patches here and get 10% off with the code cazzy10

Medtronic 

There are a range of adhesive patches available for your Medtronic Guardian sensor and they come in a range of colours, but they also come in a “clear” option which is perfect if you want to keep things subtle. 

Colour choices include: 

• Blue
• Orange
• Purple
• Green
• Pink
• Yellow
• Beige
• Black
• Red
  

They come in packs of 20, and you can get an X-style path too. 

Buy your Medtronic patches here & get 10% off with the code cazzy10.

Miao Miao (1 & 2!)

If you’re using a Miao Miao, you’ll be happy to hear that there are patches compatible with those devices too. 

I’ve used both the MiaoMiao 1 and 2 in the past. 

Colour choices include: 

• Blue
• Orange
• Purple
• Green
• Pink
• Yellow
• Beige
• Black
• Red
  

Buy your Miao Miao patches here and get 10% off with the code cazzy10

Omnipod 

So Omnipods are a little different, they’re not a CGM, they're an insulin pump, but Not Just A Patch offers protection for them too. They have a range of waterproof Omnipod patches designed for active persons. 

These patches are in the X shape and come in a variety of colours including: 

• Orange
• Purple
• Green
• Pink
• Yellow
• Beige
• Black
• Red
• Blue

Skin Glu

So Skin Glu is a really cool product that will compliment the effectiveness of your patches.

Skin Glu is a barrier wipe that you use before you apply your CGM. This will give your skin extra protection and actually help your CGM stick better, which will, of course, help make it last longer. Some elements of the Skin Glu include: 

• Creating a ‘tacky’ surface for CGM adherence
• Hypoallergenic and latex fre
• Reduces skin reactions by creating a skin barrier
• Skin Glu + NJaP (Not Just a Patch) for best CGM outcomes.

Are Not Just A Patch waterproof? 

Yes, they’re water-resistant, I’ve used mine in a swimming pool, hot tub, shower, and the sea and I’ve not had any issues with quality or it coming off.

How to apply Not Just A Patch Patches

Every box comes with an instruction manual, but it really is a simple case of peeling back the covers, but leaving the cover for the circle that is going to be the device, so this means, your patch won't stick to whatever device your using...

You can always ask a friend or family member to help you apply your patch to make sure it goes on just right!

Does Not Just A Patch make your sensor last longer?

The adhesive on a lot of sensors or CGMs isn’t perfect, and we’ve all probably ripped one-off on a door before (I have).

The use of a patch gives your sensor the best chance of lasting longer, i.e the full length of time it’s meant to.

If you combine that with the Skin Glu, then you’re giving yourself the BEST chance of getting full use out of your sensor. 

My Personal Thoughts

I mainly use a Freestyle Libre, so that’s what I’ve tested the patches on. I can honestly say that I love them.

But what I love is that I can choose to be as vibrant or as subtle as I want. If I’m not feeling a bright colour, I can opt for a clear patch, or if I want a patch that will match a particular outfit, then I love that I can choose that! 

If I had to pick a favourite colour, it would be red...but then again, red is my favourite colour! But I also love yellow and purple. 

I love that you can match patches with your personality.

I also love that they use their patches on pets too, so not only can us humans look stylish, but your t1d pets can too!

Diabetes is such a tiring illness, that adding a bit of life and colour to your technology defiantly makes things better. 

Remember, you should be proud of your diabetes, wear that patch with pride and show off your diabadass nature with NotJustAPatch!

Don't forget you can get 10% off your purchase with the code cazzy10