Adhesion Guide: Keeping your Pod in place

Wear the Pod with confidence

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.

*Up to 72 hours of insulin delivery.

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.
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

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

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
Mastisol® A liquid adhesive www.amazon.com

Holding the Pod in place

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

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

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

Regional Disclaimer

Are you a resident of the United States?

Yes No

The content of the webpage that you are about to access is exclusively reserved for residents of the United States.

If you are a resident of the United States, please click 'Yes' to continue. If not, please click 'No' to exit and do not access the webpages. If you selected this country/language in error, you can go back to the previous page and select your country/language.

Thank you.