Have you ever glanced down and noticed the adhesive on your insulin infusion set or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) beginning to lift at the edges? It’s a terrible feeling — maybe your set is nearing the end of its wear time, or perhaps you only applied it that morning, yet it’s peeling off prematurely after swimming, a sweaty exercise session, or for other reasons.
The good news: you can prolong the life of your set or sensor. Enter device patches.
Device patches serve as an additional adhesive layer to keep your sensors and sets adhered for longer. Personally, I rely on them in the summer when I’m frequently in the water or active in hot weather. They help my sensors remain attached for their full intended wear time, reducing anxiety about interruptions to therapy and the waste of costly supplies.
With so many device patch choices available, picking one can feel daunting. Some are tailored to athletes, while others feature custom artwork so people with diabetes (PWDs) can add a bit of style and self-expression to their medical gear.
Below are eight solid patch options favored by our DiabetesMine team.
GrifGrips
What they are. Adhesive tape patches made to secure a variety of insulin pump infusion sets and CGM sensors to the skin. They come in many colors and themed patterns, from solid stars to whimsical animals and monsters, yoga motifs, and seasonal designs.
Form factor. Their proprietary “SUREGRIP” material is a compact mesh fabric with water-resistant adhesive engineered to provide strong hold while staying flexible and breathable.
Designed for use with. Insulin pumps such as Omnipod, Medtronic 630 and 670G, SOOIL Dana Diabecare, and the Tandem t:slim X2. CGMs like Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom G4/G5/G6, Eversense, Medtronic Enlite and Guardian, and NightRider BlueCon. They also sell their adhesive by the roll.
Backstory. Founded by the Jordan family in Huntsville, Alabama, after their young son Griffin was diagnosed with T1D at age 9. “With the help of several NASA engineers, our first challenge was finding a way to keep tech secure for diabetics,” Stephanie Jordan told DiabetesMine, and the product is named for their son. A share of sales supports diabetes nonprofits.
User feedback. Their oval G6 patch — the ‘Power-X Formula Wrap Shape’ for Dexcom — averages about 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Many users say they’re comfortable, durable, and conform well to device shapes. Others reported fraying and lifting within a few days, particularly after repeated showers.
What’s unique. They offer “Tiny Grips” sized for children at 2.5″w x 3″h to better fit smaller bodies.
Price Range. About $24 for a 20-pack, roughly $1.20 per patch.
Where to buy.Amazon or the GrifGrips site.
Explore GrifGripsThe Sugar Patch
What they are. Decorative adhesive patches available in multiple patterns that secure pump infusion sets and CGM sensors.
Form factor. The Sugar Patch uses medical-grade hypoallergenic nonwoven spun-lace polyester tape to create a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable patch that’s easy to apply. The company claims wear of 5 to 15 days. For designs with a cut-out, they include the removed piece to place over the sensor or pod to finish the look.
Designed for use with. CGMs such as Dexcom G4/G5/G6, Medtronic Enlite and Guardian, Abbott FreeStyle Libre. Insulin pumps including OmniPod and universal infusion sets for tubed pumps.
Backstory. Ashley Bagwell, diagnosed with T1D in 1983, began using an insulin pump and CGM in 2015. Frustrated by premature set failures and the clinical appearance of device tape, she developed an adhesive solution that would extend wear time and add a fashionable touch to diabetes care.
User feedback. The Sugar Patch holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 82 reviews on the company’s Facebook page. Many note it’s suitable for sensitive skin and keeps sensors on for their full lifespan. One reviewer wrote: “I’ve been using these for 2 months now and OMG what a difference!! No more awful irritation, torn skin that would be painful for days. It holds my sensors in place, no issues in water or humidity.”
What’s unique. They sell many designs and combo packs so you can mix-and-match. Popular motifs include mandalas and mermaid scales.
Price Range. Generally $2.25 to $2.75 per patch.
Where to buy.The Sugar Patch website.
Explore The Sugar PatchSimpatch
What they are. Bandage-style adhesives made to encircle and secure insulin pump infusion sites or CGM sensors.
Form factor. Available in round or oval shapes and waterproof, Simpatches are made from latex-free, 100% acrylic adhesive that’s breathable yet very sturdy. Colors include beige, black, blue, and purple. For Dexcom sensors there’s an option with an extra strap for added security.
Designed for use with. CGMs — Dexcom G4/G5/G6, FreeStyle Libre, Medtronic Enlite and Guardian. Insulin Pumps — OmniPod and universal infusion set patches.
Backstory. Produced by Triad Co., Ltd in Seoul, Korea, the company’s origins are somewhat opaque, but its patches are distributed globally.
User feedback. The Simpatch universal CGM patch averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2,244 global Amazon ratings and is listed as “Amazon’s Choice.” Many reviewers reported it lasted the sensor’s entire 10-day wear and found it easy to apply and remove. Some users did report skin irritation or sensitivity.
What’s unique. Simpatch began focused on Dexcom but has broadened compatibility. The company claims their patch adheres longer with less irritation than competing CGM tapes.
Price Range. About $17.75 for a 25-pack.
Where to buy.Amazon or Walmart.
Explore SimpatchGlucology
What they are. Adhesive patches intended to keep CGMs or Omnipod devices secured. The company markets them as “like a Band-Aid for your sensor, but less irritating and more comfortable.”
They’re tape patches designed to anchor various infusion sets and CGM sensors to the skin and are available in a range of patterns from playful animals to yoga and seasonal themes.
Form factor. Constructed from a cotton and spandex blend for both stretch and resilience.
Designed for use with. CGMs — Dexcom G4/G5/G6, Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Medtronic Enlite and Guardian. Insulin Pumps — Omnipod.
Backstory. Launched in Sydney, Australia by IBM Medical, the founder aimed to make living with diabetes a bit simpler by offering stylish, discreet, and innovative accessories that support diabetes care.
User feedback. The Dexcom G6 black patch scores about 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon. Reviewers often cite comfort and minimal skin irritation, though some note the patches sometimes only last a few days.
What’s unique. Glucology sells a broader assortment of diabetes-related items, including meter cases, foot-care products, and portable sharps disposal solutions.
Price Range. $19.95 for a 24-pack on Amazon, and $24.95 for a 25-pack on the Glucology website.
Where to buy.Amazon or the Glucology site.
Explore GlucologyExpressionMed
What they are. A range of patches meant to be worn over insulin pump sets or CGM sensors to keep them secure. They’re noted for fray-resistant material and being sweat- and water-proof, offered in playful designs from dinosaurs to camo to sports and cheeky sayings like “love you latte.”
Form factor. They use a nonwoven fabric so edges won’t fray, producing a flexible, breathable patch that molds to the body. The adhesive is hypoallergenic and free of natural tree saps, resins, or rubbers. The company states patches can be worn from 10 up to 21 days without lifting or fraying.
Designed for use with. CGMs — Dexcom G5/G6, Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Medtronic Enlite and Guardian. Insulin pumps — Omnipod and universal infusion sets for tubed pumps. They also sell versions without a precut hole to fit almost any device.
Backstory.Founder and CEO Meghan Sharkus launched ExpressionMed to support a friend with diabetes and boost confidence. It has since grown into a multimillion-dollar business focused on improving the day-to-day life of device users.
User feedback. The Dexcom G6 5-pack (Dreamy Escapes Variety Pack) has about a 4.4-star average on Amazon. Many customers say these are the only patches they’ve found that don’t fray, and most report full-sensor wear duration. Others still had issues with early lifting after a few days.
What’s unique. They offer “underpatches” that sit between the device and skin to help reduce skin reactions from adhesives.
Price Range. Typically $4.99 for a single patch or $19.99 for a 5-pack.
Where to buy.Amazon or the ExpressionMed site.
Explore ExpressionMedA Silly Patch
What they are. Custom art and featured-design adhesive patches to secure CGM sensors or insulin pump sites. Like other options here, their goal is to reduce the fear of devices falling off too soon while providing something that looks good on your skin.
Form factor. Constructed from water-resistant 3M medical device tape, these patches conform to body contours and allow the skin to breathe. The graphics range from food and tribal motifs to cartoons and sports imagery.
Designed for use with. CGMs — Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom G4/G5/G6, Medtronic Enlite and Guardian. Insulin Pumps — Omnipod, Medtronic, Animas. They also offer a “no cut” tape suitable for any sensor or infusion set.
Backstory. Founder Jason Forrester, who lives with T1D in Florida and enjoys water sports, began by cutting his own bandages and tape to keep devices attached. Dissatisfied with the look and durability, he launched A Silly Patch to both secure devices better and let people feel confident wearing them.
User feedback. A Silly Patch boasts a 5-star rating from over 30 reviews on their Facebook page. Customers praise the unique designs and robustness; one reviewer said, “The patch has stayed on after working outside, pool, showering, and being caught in rain.”
What’s unique. Patches can be vivid art pieces, including pop culture characters like The Incredible Hulk and Yoda. For those who want a tougher look, they offer skull-and-crossbones and even a Harley-Davidson Silly Patch.
Price Range. About $1.89 per patch.
Where to buy.A Silly Patch website.
Explore A Silly PatchThe bottom line
There are many device patch choices, and you’ll want to select the one that best fits your routine and skin needs. Device patches can help keep CGM sensors, infusion sets, and OmniPods attached for their full intended wear. If you opt to use a patch, follow the manufacturer’s directions for application and care to minimize skin irritation and reduce the chance of premature patch failure.
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