How to Prevent Your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) from Falling Off: Tips Using Skin Tac and Skin Prep

For people with diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems offer valuable real-time data that helps manage blood sugar levels effectively. However, a common problem many users face is ensuring that the CGM stays securely in place, especially with daily activities, showering, or intense physical exercise. One of the best solutions to this problem is using Skin Tac or Skin Prep, which can provide extra adhesion and keep your CGM firmly attached to your skin for longer periods. Let’s dive into how these products can help and some tips for using them effectively.

What is Skin Tac?

Skin Tac is a medical adhesive that creates a protective layer between the skin and the CGM patch. It improves the adhesion of adhesive devices, making it particularly helpful for people who experience issues with their CGM falling off too soon. Skin Tac is very tacky to the touch and provides a stronger adhesive for your device to stick to your skin. Skin Tac is commonly used by individuals with insulin pumps, CGMs, or any other devices that require skin adhesion for extended periods.

What is Skin Prep?

Skin Prep is a product designed to clean and prepare the skin before applying any adhesive devices like CGMs and helps with film and tape adhesion. Skin Prep helps remove oils, dirt, and sweat from the skin’s surface, creating a cleaner area for better adhesion. It also helps to protect the skin by providing a barrier that prevents irritation or skin damage caused by adhesives.

Both Skin Tac and Skin Prep can significantly enhance the longevity of your CGM's adhesive, reducing the chances of it coming off prematurely.

How to Use Skin Tac:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you use Skin Tac effectively for securing your CGM:

Materials Needed:

  • Skin Tac wipes
  • Medical device or tape
  • Clean cloth or alcohol wipes
  • Soap and water

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Skin

    • Wash the area where you’ll apply the adhesive with soap and water.
    • Dry the skin thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion.

  2. Optional: Clean with Alcohol Wipe

    • Use an alcohol wipe to remove any oils or residue. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

  3. Apply Skin Tac

    • Open the Skin Tac wipe packet and rub it gently over the area where the medical device or adhesive will be applied.

  4. Allow to Dry

    • Let the Skin Tac become tacky, which usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

  5. Apply the Medical Device or Tape

    • Place the medical device, sensor, or adhesive tape firmly on top of the tacky area. Press down to ensure a secure bond.

  6. Check the Edges

    • Make sure all edges are firmly adhered. You can reapply Skin Tac on the edges if needed for extra security.

  7. Removal (when necessary)

    • To remove, use an adhesive remover or Skin Tac remover wipes to break down the adhesive. Gently lift the device or tape from the skin.

 

How to Use Skin Prep:

Materials Needed:

  • Skin Prep wipes or spray
  • Medical device, tape, or bandage
  • Soap and water
  • Clean towel

Steps:

  1. Clean the Skin

    • Wash the area where you’ll apply the product with soap and water to remove oils, dirt, and residue.
    • Rinse thoroughly and dry the skin completely with a clean towel.

  2. Optional: Use an Alcohol Wipe

    • For areas prone to oiliness or residue, wipe the skin with an alcohol wipe. Allow it to air dry before applying Skin Prep.

  3. Apply Skin Prep

    • For Wipes: Open the packet and gently wipe the product over the area where you’ll place the medical device, tape, or bandage.

  4. Let It Dry Completely

    • Allow the Skin Prep to dry for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The skin will feel slightly tacky, which helps improve adhesion.

  5. Apply the Medical Device or Bandage

    • Once the Skin Prep is dry, place the adhesive portion of the medical device, tape, or bandage firmly onto the prepared area. Press down to secure it.

  6. Reapply as Needed (Optional)

    • If the medical device needs to be changed frequently, you can reapply Skin Prep to the same area to maintain skin protection and adhesion.

  7. Removal (when necessary)

    • When removing the device, tape, or bandage, clean the skin gently with soap and water or an adhesive remover.
    • Reapply Skin Prep if you plan to replace the device.
Choosing between Skin Tac and Skin Prep often comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Skin Tac is primarily an adhesive enhancer, designed to improve the stickiness of medical devices, while Skin Prep focuses on creating a protective barrier that can also aid adhesion and guard the skin against irritation. Some people prefer Skin Tac for its stronger tackiness, especially when dealing with devices that require a secure hold. Others favor Skin Prep for its added skin protection, particularly if they have sensitive skin or are prone to adhesive-related irritation. Testing both products and considering your specific skin type and the demands of your medical device can help you determine which works best for you.

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