Adhesion Guide: Keeping your Pod in place
Wear the Pod with confidence
The Pod is all about FREEDOM—including the freedom to swim and play active sports. Your Pod’s adhesive keeps it securely in place for up to 3 days*, but some users may find they need extra support from time to time. These tips from other Podders, healthcare professionals and Certified Pod Trainers can help to keep your Pod secure. This is not a comprehensive list of available products. Insulet has not tested any of these products and does not endorse any of the products or suppliers. The information below comes from users whose individual needs, preferences and situations may be different from yours.
Site Preparation
When changing your Pod, always:
- Make sure skin is cool and dry (not perspiring).
- Clean your skin well. Body oils, lotions and sunscreen can loosen the Pod’s adhesive. To improve adhesion, use an alcohol swab to clean the area around your site—about the size of a tennis ball. Then let it air dry completely before applying the Pod. We do not recommend blowing it dry.
Common challenges:
| Challenge | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oily skin | Residue from soap, lotion, shampoo or conditioner | 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 from sweat, showers, or swimming | Towel off and allow your site to air dry thoroughly; do not blow on it. |
| Body hair | Excess hair between skin and the Pod | Clip or shave the site with a razor to create a smooth surface for Pod adhesion. To prevent irritation, we recommend doing this 24 hours before putting on the Pod. |
Available Products
Experienced Podders use these products to help their Pods stay put.† Many items are available at pharmacies; others are medical supplies covered by most insurance carriers. Everyone’s skin is different—we recommend that you try various products to find out what works for you. You should consult your healthcare provider or Certified Pod Trainer to determine where to begin and what options are best for you.
Preparing the skin
Pods attach best to clean, completely dry skin. Use these to clean the skin. Let the skin completely dry 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. Put the product onto the area and let it completely dry before placing the Pod.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Torbot Skin Tac™ | A hypo-allergenic and latex-free “tacky” skin barrier | www.torbot.com |
| 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 |
Holding the Pod in place
Place these products over the Pod after it has been applied to provide an extra layer of protection.
PodPals®
Customized 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.
| Product | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bard® Protective Barrier Film | Provides clear, dry barriers that are impervious to most liquids and irritation associated with adhesives | www.bardmedical.com |
| Torbot Skin Tac™ | A hypo-allergenic and latex-free “tacky” skin barrier | www.torbot.com |
| AllKare® Wipe | Provides a barrier layer on skin to help protect against irritation and adhesive build-up | www.convatec.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 |
| UNI-SOLVE ◊ Adhesive Remover | Formulated to reduce adhesive trauma to the skin by thoroughly dissolving dressing tape and appliance adhesives | www.amazon.com |
| Detachol® | An adhesive remover | www.amazon.com |
| Torbot TacAway Adhesive Remover | An adhesive remover wipe | www.amazon.com |
After using the oil/gel or adhesive remover, clean area with warm, soapy water and rinse well to remove the residue remaining on the skin.
†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.
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