A Freestyle Libre 2 is water-resistant, but its sensors have not been tested in salty seawater. You should avoid using the device for any activity that requires submersion. This includes swimming, scuba diving, and bathing. It is recommended that you wear the device over a bathrobe when performing these activities.
Water-resistant Libre sensors can cause skin problems.
If you’ve ever worn a Libre sensor and worried it would cause skin problems, you’re not alone. A recent article in Libre Life magazine addressed this issue. They offered more details and tips for wearing water-resistant sensors. One of the biggest concerns of sensor wearers is the risk of getting their sensor wet while swimming, taking a bath, or doing other water activities. While water-resistant sensors may be waterproof, they do not offer waterproof protection.
One solution is to apply a protective barrier called Cavilon to the sensor. The product is available as a spray or wipes and forms a film between the sensor and your skin. It can help prevent contact dermatitis from forming. However, it can’t eliminate the risk of skin problems. This type of barrier is only effective for a few hours. It’s best to immerse the sensor in water for over 30 minutes and up to 72 hours.
Some people who wear Libre sensors often experience a skin reaction called contact dermatitis. This condition can cause redness and swelling in the insertion site. It may also cause itching or pain. According to a study in Belgium, contact dermatitis affected 5.5% of Libre users. An allergen most commonly causes this problem in the sensor’s adhesive. However, other components of the device may also cause these symptoms.
In addition to these problems, prolonged water immersion weakens the sensor adhesive. The sensor then becomes loose and will come off with movement. It can also be affected by the viscosity of the water, which makes it more susceptible to peeling. Wearers should use water-resistant wraps or tapes to hold the device onto the skin to prevent this problem.
To minimize the risk of skin problems, participants should use a latex-free skin barrier before applying the sensor. Skin Tac(TM) or Skin Prep(r) can help adhere the sensor to the skin. Latex-free adhesives can also help avoid skin irritation by making the detector more secure.
Water-resistant Libre sensors have not been tested for salty seawater use.
While Libre sensors are water-resistant to IP67 standards, this does not mean they are waterproof. This means they have been tested to withstand a certain amount of immersion in water under specified conditions, including a 30-minute immersion. However, they have not been tested for use in salty seawater. Using a water-resistant Libre sensor in salted water may cause the sensor to stop working.
If you plan to use the Libre sensor in a pool, follow these guidelines to protect the device. The Libre band will provide additional protection, but it is not waterproof. Waterproof protection comes from a neoprene armband or cover that keeps the sensor out of water.
Some 3rd party transmitters may not be suitable for water immersion. This is because the plastic of the transmitters can get cracked if they are immersed in water for too long. Also, prolonged water use and intense diving may compromise the waterproof rating.
Can users bathe, shower, swim or exercise while wearing a FreeStyle Libre 2?
You might wonder how to bathe, shower, swim, or exercise using the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. The good news is that you can! There are a few tips to help you stay safe. The first step is ensuring your sensor is protected from the water. The sensor can get wet but will not damage if you wear a Libreband. It can also be submerged up to three feet for 30 minutes. In addition, the Libreband will reduce the chances of the sensor falling off.
It is essential to drink plenty of water. This will keep your FreeStyle Libre sensor functioning properly. It would help if you also rinsed off immediately after swimming to reduce the effects of water and salt from the sea. It is also a good idea to moisturize yourself after swimming to help keep moisture in the skin.
