What Are Underpatches and When Should You Use Them?

If you wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, you know how important adhesives are for keeping your device in place. But for some people, wearing device adhesive directly against the skin can lead to redness, itching, irritation, or general discomfort.

That’s where an underpatch can help.

Underpatches create a soft barrier between your skin and your CGM or insulin pump adhesive, making them a helpful accessory for people with sensitive skin or those who experience irritation from their device adhesive.

What Is an Underpatch?

An underpatch is an adhesive barrier that goes under your CGM or insulin pump, rather than over it.

Unlike an overpatch, which is placed around or over your device to help keep it secure, an underpatch is applied to the skin first. Your device is then applied over the underpatch.

ExpressionMed UnderPatches are specifically designed to help protect sensitive skin from reactions to device adhesives by creating a barrier between the skin and the device.

Underpatch vs. Overpatch: What’s the Difference?

Although their names sound similar, underpatches and overpatches serve different purposes.

Underpatch:
Applied underneath your CGM or insulin pump to create a barrier between your skin and the device adhesive.

Overpatch:
Applied over or around your device to provide additional security and help keep it in place.

In many cases, you can use both together. ExpressionMed recommends pairing its UnderPatch with an overlay patch because most devices are designed to adhere directly to skin.

Think of it as a simple layering system:

Skin → Underpatch → Device → Overpatch

When Should You Use an Underpatch?

You may want to consider an underpatch if you:

• Experience redness or itching underneath your CGM or pump adhesive

• Have sensitive skin

• Notice irritation after wearing your device for several days

• Want a barrier between your skin and your device adhesive

• Have previously experienced reactions specifically where your device adhesive touches your skin

Underpatches can be particularly helpful for people who love the convenience of wearable diabetes technology but find that repeated adhesive wear can be tough on their skin.

Everyone’s skin is different, so an underpatch may not be necessary for every CGM or pump user. If you experience significant or persistent skin irritation, talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to protect your skin while continuing to use your device.

How Do You Apply an Underpatch?

Application is simple, but it’s important to follow the directions for your specific device and underpatch.

For ExpressionMed UnderPatches, the basic process is:

1. Start with clean, completely dry skin.

2. Apply the underpatch where you plan to place your device.

3. Insert or apply your CGM or pump through the underpatch according to the product instructions.

4. Add a compatible overpatch to help keep the device secure.

ExpressionMed designs its UnderPatch material so the insertion needle can pass through it without pushing the material into the skin.

Always follow the instructions provided with your CGM, insulin pump, and adhesive products.

Find ExpressionMed Underpatches at Sugar Medical

At Sugar Medical, we know that diabetes accessories aren't one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to your skin.

That’s why we carry ExpressionMed UnderPatches designed for popular CGMs and insulin pumps. Our underpatch collection includes options for devices such as Dexcom, Libre, and Omnipod, so you can find an option designed for your device.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive skin or simply looking for an extra barrier between your skin and your device adhesive, an underpatch can be a small addition that makes everyday device wear more comfortable.

Ready to find the right underpatch for your device?

Shop ExpressionMed Underpatches at Sugar Medical and find the right fit for your diabetes routine.