Adhesion Guide: Keeping your Pod in place
Wear it with confidence
Applying the Pod
- Place the Pod on the skin being careful to avoid wrinkling the adhesive pad.
- Push the Pod down firmly using the palm of your hand to secure the entire area of the adhesive to the skin.
- Run your finger around the adhesive 2-3 times to ensure that it is fully secured to the skin.
Considerations for Daily Pod Use
- Avoid using spray sunscreen, body oils, lotions, personal care sprays or bug sprays on or near the Pod. They can loosen the Pod’s adhesive, and can irritate the infusion site, damage or crack the Pod’s plastic, which could result in water getting into the Pod, causing the Pod to not work properly.
- Check your Pod adhesive regularly, especially when swimming. If needed, see the available products, listed below, for additional adhesive resources.
Common challenges:
| Concerns | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Oily skin: Residue from soap, lotion, shampoo or conditioner can prevent your Pod from sticking securely. | Clean your site thoroughly with alcohol before applying your Pod - and be sure to let your skin air dry. Gentle exfoliation may also be useful for oily skin. |
| Damp skin: Dampness gets in the way of adhesion. | Towel off and allow your site to air dry thoroughly; do not blow on it. |
| Body hair: Body hair literally gets in-between your skin and your Pod - and if there is a lot of it, can keep the Pod from sticking securely. | Clip/shave the site to create a smooth surface for Pod adhesion. To prevent irritation, consider doing this 24 hrs before putting on the Pod. |
| Sweating: Sweat on the skin can prevent the Pod from sticking securely. | Apply unscented solid or spray antiperspirant in the insertion area. Wait 10-15 minutes before applying the Pod. |
Available Products1
These are tips and products from experienced Podders, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and Pod Trainers to help you get the best from your Pod. Consult your HCP for options that would work best for you.2 Many items are available online or at pharmacies; others are medical supplies covered by some insurance carriers.
Preparing the skin
Pods attach best to clean, dry skin. Use these products to clean the skin. Let skin dry completely before applying the Pod.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| BD™ Alcohol Swabs | Helps to clean and disinfect skin | www.bd.com |
| Hibiclens® | An antimicrobial antiseptic skin cleanser | www.amazon.com |
Helping the Pod stick
These products provide a tacky barrier between the Pod and the skin in order to help it stick. Wipe the product onto the area and let it completely before placing the Pod.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| AllKare® Wipe | Provides a barrier layer on skin to help protect against irritation and adhesive build-up | www.convatec.com |
| Mastisol® | A liquid adhesive | www.amazon.com |
| Torbot Skin Tac™ | A hypo-allergenic and latex-free “tacky” skin barrier | www.torbot.com |
Holding the Pod in place
Place these products over the Pod after it has been applied to provide an extra layer of protection.
PodPals®
Adhesive overlays developed by the makers of Omnipod®, PodPals are water resistant, flexible, and medical grade, making them ideal for active users. PodPals are thoroughly tested and validated for use with the Pod.
Looking for more adhesive support? Here are some additional products to try.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Pod Patch Tape | Custom-designed patches add a personal touch to your Omnipod insulin delivery system. | https://pumppeelz.com/collections/pod-patch-tape |
| 3M™ Tegaderm™ HP | Thin, transparent adhesive tape | www.amazon.com |
| 3M™ Coban™ Self-Adherent Wrap | A conformable, lightweight, cohesive self-adherent wrap | www.3m.com |
Protecting the skin from irritation
Use these products as a barrier between the skin and the Pod adhesive to help limit skin irritation. For films or bandages, cut a small hole where the cannula is to ensure it inserts properly.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| AllKare® Wipe | Provides a barrier layer on skin to help protect against irritation and adhesive build-up | www.convatec.com |
| Hydrocolloid bandages | Self-adhesive, waterproof dressings that provide a moist environment for wound healing | www.amazon.com |
| Torbot Skin Tac™ | A hypo-allergenic and latex-free “tacky” skin barrier | www.torbot.com |
| 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film | Clinically proven, long lasting skin protectant | www.3m.com |
Gentle removal of the Pod
These products can be used on the adhesive of the Pod in order to help with the removal. This can reduce irritation after you remove the Pod.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Oil/Baby Oil Gel | Soft moisturizer | www.johnsonsbaby.com |
| Detachol® | An adhesive remover | www.amazon.com |
| Torbot TacAway Adhesive Remover | An adhesive remover wipe | www.amazon.com |
| UNI-SOLVE ◊ Adhesive Remover | Formulated to reduce adhesive trauma to the skin by thoroughly dissolving dressing tape and appliance adhesives | www.amazon.com |
Note: After using the oil/gel or adhesive removers, clean the area with warm, soapy water and rinse well to remove the residue remaining on the skin.
To learn more about Pod adhesion, visit Pod Wear Tips.
1. Messer LH, et al. Preserving Skin Integrity with Chronic Device Use in Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2018;20(S2):S254-S264. doi:10.1089/dia.2018.0080
2. Insulet Corporation (“Insulet”) has not tested any of the above products with the Pod and does not endorse any of the products or suppliers. The information was shared with Insulet by other Podders, whose individual needs, preferences and situations may be different from yours. Insulet is not providing any medical advice or recommendations to you and you should not rely on the information as a substitute for a consultation with your health care provider. Health care diagnoses and treatment options are complex subjects requiring the services of a qualified health care provider. Your health care provider knows you best and can provide medical advice and recommendations about your individual needs.