How to Insert and Wear Your Dexcom ONE+ Sensor Safely

The Dexcom ONE+ sensor is a discreet continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that measures interstitial glucose to support day-to-day diabetes management. Correct insertion, secure adhesion and careful wear directly improve reading accuracy and reduce interruptions, so this guide focuses on practical, safety-first steps to help you insert, protect and remove your sensor reliably. You will learn where to place the sensor on different body types and ages, a step-by-step applicator method, site preparation with alcohol wipes and skin-prep options, and how to secure the sensor with overpatches for active or water-exposed lifestyles. The article also covers common troubleshooting scenarios — from adhesion loss to sensor failed alerts — and Australian-specific disposal guidance so you can manage used sensors responsibly. For Australians seeking supporting supplies or professional advice, SuperPharmacyPlus offers diabetes accessories and in-store Diabetes Management and Advice services that can help you find compatible skin prep, adhesive supports and disposal solutions. The next section explains approved placement sites and a simple comparison to help you choose the best insertion spot for accuracy and comfort.

Where Is the Best Place to Insert Your Dexcom ONE+ Sensor?

The best insertion site for a Dexcom ONE+ sensor is a flat area with consistent subcutaneous tissue where the sensor filament can rest without being compressed or repeatedly bumped. Proper site selection reduces motion artifact and improves signal stability, which in turn increases the likelihood of accurate glucose readings and fewer false alerts. Choosing sites that avoid scars, bony prominences and high-friction clothing areas reduces irritation and premature adhesive lift. Follow these placement principles to preserve skin health and sensor performance, and rotate sites regularly to prevent tissue damage and localized skin irritation.

What Are the Approved Sensor Placement Sites for Different Age Groups?

Approved insertion sites vary by age because tissue thickness and activity patterns change from infancy to adulthood, and placement choices balance accuracy with comfort. For most adults the abdomen and the back of the upper arm are preferred due to stable tissue and lower risk of compression; children may use the abdomen or upper buttock for ages where the buttock provides adequate subcutaneous tissue. Avoid placing sensors over scars, moles, or areas with active rashes, and prefer sites that are easy to see or ask a caregiver to check if mobility or vision limits self-inspection. Selecting an age-appropriate site helps maintain reliable readings and reduces the chance of accidental displacement, which leads into practical selection criteria below.

How Do You Choose the Optimal Site for Sensor Accuracy and Comfort?

Choosing the optimal site is a practical balance between tissue thickness, likely movement, clothing contact and personal comfort to ensure the sensor rests securely for its wear cycle. First, inspect candidate areas for intact skin, minimal hair, and absence of irritation; then consider daily activities — athletes may prefer the upper arm to avoid abdominal contact during sports, while desk workers may choose a protected abdomen location beneath clothing. Use a quick checklist: avoid scars and bony areas, select an area that won’t be repeatedly bumped, pick sites with sufficient soft tissue and mark rotation locations to prevent reusing the exact spot. A consistent selection method reduces sensor variability and supports longer, trouble-free wear, which leads naturally into how to prepare the chosen site before insertion.

What Are the Step-by-Step Dexcom ONE+ Sensor Insertion Instructions?

Insertion follows a sequence of preparation, applicator use, and immediate post-insertion checks to ensure correct placement and adhesive contact. The process reduces infection risk, protects the device components and sets the sensor in a stable position for its warm-up period. You should prepare supplies before starting — clean wipes, any skin-prep, and a planned site — and verify that the applicator is intact and within its use window. The following subsections explain site preparation and applicator handling in clear steps and end with safety reminders to watch for unusual bleeding, pain or signs of infection.

How Do You Prepare the Sensor Site Using Alcohol Wipes and Skin Prep?

Effective site preparation involves removing oils, lotions and dirt so the adhesive bonds to clean skin; this starts with washing hands thoroughly and choosing a dry flat area on the body. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the targeted site using a single outward swab motion and allow the skin to air dry completely to avoid trapping moisture under the sensor adhesive. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, consider a skin barrier product (film or wipe) to protect the skin before applying the sensor, but test a small patch first and avoid irritant sprays if you have a documented allergy. Proper drying and minimal handling of the cleaned area improves adhesion and reduces the chance of early lift or localized irritation, which leads directly into applicator use.

How Do You Use the Applicator to Insert the Dexcom ONE+ Sensor Correctly?

Handle the applicator by the outer housing and avoid touching the sensor tip or adhesive patch directly to maintain sterility and adhesive performance. Position the applicator perpendicular to the skin at the chosen site, press firmly to ensure full contact, and then activate the mechanism according to the sensor instructions — hold steady while the applicator seats the sensor and then remove the applicator housing carefully. After firing, press and smooth the adhesive patch from center to edges to secure full contact and reduce trapped air pockets, and check that the transmitter (if applicable) is seated as instructed and that the adhesive lies flat. If the applicator misfires or the sensor is not seated correctly, follow manufacturer guidance for replacement and contact a healthcare professional for assistance if needed, which transitions into critical safety considerations.

What Are the Key Safety Considerations During Sensor Insertion?

Safety during insertion begins with hand hygiene and ends with watching the site over the first 24–48 hours for signs of infection or excessive pain to ensure safe sensor use. Avoid insertion into skin that is inflamed, broken, infected, or with a rash; if you experience heavy bleeding, sustained pain or signs of infection such as spreading redness, seek clinician advice promptly. Keep the sensor away from implanted devices and discuss any bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy with your clinician before inserting to minimise risk. Understanding these precautions protects skin integrity and patient safety and naturally introduces strategies to keep the sensor adhered during daily wear.

How Do You Apply and Wear the Dexcom ONE+ Sensor Overpatch for Secure Adhesion?

An overpatch or adhesive reinforcement helps protect the sensor from moisture, friction and accidental peeling, improving wear-time and data continuity for active users. Applying an overpatch correctly increases contact area and reduces edge lift; it also provides a protective barrier during activities like swimming or sports once the initial adhesive has set. Best practice is to ensure the sensor adhesive has at least some initial bonding time (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour) before prolonged water exposure, and to select adhesives or tapes compatible with sensitive skin where necessary. The next subsections provide detailed application technique and practical maintenance tips for active and water-exposed situations.

What Are the Best Practices for Applying the Overpatch to Maximize Sensor Wear?

Apply the overpatch by centring it over the sensor, then pressing firmly from the middle outward to eliminate air pockets and ensure even adhesion across the patch surface. Use steady pressure for 20–30 seconds and rub along the edges to encourage the adhesive to bond to the surrounding skin; for fragile skin, consider using a skin barrier beforehand and a patch with a gentler adhesive to reduce trauma during removal. If additional security is needed, place a small piece of hypoallergenic tape over the patch edges rather than the sensor itself to avoid obstructing the sensor area. Careful application techniques extend wear time and lead into daily maintenance for wet or high-sweat conditions.

How Do You Maintain Sensor Adhesion During Daily Activities and Water Exposure?

To preserve adhesion during activity, avoid sudden rubbing or high-impact contact over the sensor; cover the sensor under clothing when possible and pat dry rather than rubbing after showering to protect the adhesive bond. Observe a recommended initial dry period after insertion before prolonged water exposure; if you plan swimming or heavy sweating soon after insertion, use an adhesive reinforcement or athletic tape rated for water exposure. For athletes or frequent swimmers, rotating to a site with less clothing friction — such as the upper arm — can reduce accidental lifting and improve comfort. These practical measures reduce lift and disruption, and if adhesive loss occurs the troubleshooting section outlines immediate fixes.

Common overpatch application steps:

1. Center the patch: Place the patch so it fully covers the sensor adhesive with margin on every side.
2. Press outwards: Firmly smooth from center to edges for 20–30 seconds.
3. Seal edges: Run a fingertip along all edges and secure with hypoallergenic tape if needed.

What Are the Common Issues with Dexcom ONE+ Sensor Wear and How Do You Troubleshoot Them?

Most wear issues fall into adhesion loss, skin irritation, or communication/sensor-failure alerts; addressing the root cause quickly restores reliable monitoring and protects skin health. Troubleshooting begins with a quick checklist: inspect the site, confirm the device or app connection, and consider environmental causes like sweat, recent lotions or a recent misfire during insertion. Many problems can be resolved with targeted fixes such as adhesive reinforcement, skin-care adjustments or sensor replacement if the device reports a failure that cannot be corrected. The following subsections provide hands-on immediate remedies for adhesion and a checklist for dealing with sensor failed alerts.

How Do You Address Sensor Adhesion Problems and Skin Irritation?

When adhesive starts to lift, first clean and dry the surrounding area and apply a patch or hypoallergenic tape to the lifted edge, pressing firmly to reattach without stressing the sensor filament. For minor skin irritation, remove adhesive buildup gently and use a skin barrier film before reapplying a fresh patch; if irritation progresses to blistering, open sores, or persistent discomfort, remove the sensor and seek clinical assessment. Avoid applying topical corticosteroids directly under adhesives without clinician advice, and consider different adhesive products or barrier films if you have recurring sensitivity. These immediate care steps reduce downtime and segue to how to handle device alerts.

What Should You Do When You Receive a Sensor Failed Alert?

A sensor failed alert usually means the device cannot relay accurate readings and requires a structured check sequence to determine whether replacement is necessary. First, confirm the receiving device or app is powered and within range, then inspect the sensor site for displacement or heavy adhesive lift that could interrupt readings; reseat or replace transmitter components only as manufacturer guidelines allow. If basic checks do not clear the alert, prepare a replacement sensor, and contact a clinician, diabetes educator or the vendor’s support line for persistent failures; document the failure for warranty or replacement assistance. These escalation steps ensure patient safety and transition naturally to safe removal and disposal when replacing a sensor.

How Do You Safely Remove and Dispose of Your Dexcom ONE+ Sensor?

Safe removal minimises skin trauma and prepares the device for appropriate disposal under Australian medical-waste guidance, protecting household members and waste handlers. Removal combines slow, steady peeling with adhesive-removal aids when needed, followed by cleaning and inspection of the site for bleeding or infection. For disposal, treat the sensor and any sharp components as clinical waste: place them in an appropriate sharps container or follow local council and health authority instructions for household medical waste. The subsections below outline removal steps and Australian disposal options, and reference available sharps collectors that can facilitate compliant disposal.

What Are the Recommended Steps for Safe Sensor Removal?

To remove the sensor, loosen an edge of the adhesive patch with an adhesive remover wipe or oil-free remover and then peel the patch back slowly toward the sensor filament to reduce tension and avoid pulling the filament. If there is resistance or pain, pause and apply more adhesive remover or warm water to loosen the adhesive; clean the area with an alcohol wipe after removal and apply a sterile dressing if there is minor bleeding. Inspect the site for signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth or discharge — and seek medical review if these occur. Proper removal and aftercare reduce skin injury and prepare you for safe disposal, discussed next.

How Do You Dispose of the Sensor and Sharps According to Australian Guidelines?

Australian guidance recommends using an approved sharps collector for any used sensors or components that could pose injury or contamination risk, then following local council or clinic take-back schemes for final disposal. Place used sensors and disposable sharps into a puncture-resistant sharps container, store the container securely and return it to an authorised collection point or follow municipal instructions for household medical waste collection. SuperPharmacyPlus stocks sharps collectors and can advise on suitable sizes and safe handling practices if you need a compliant container or advice about pharmacy disposal services. Ensuring proper containment protects family members and waste workers and transitions into the product support available.

Safe disposal steps:

1. Contain: Place used sensor and sharps directly into an approved sharps collector.
2. Store: Keep the collector sealed and out of reach until disposal.
3. Return: Use local authorised collection or pharmacy take-back services for final disposal.

Which Related Products from SuperPharmacyPlus Support Dexcom ONE+ Sensor Use and Care?

SuperPharmacyPlus provides a selection of diabetes accessories and skin-care products that support sensor application, adhesion and safe disposal, helping users maintain reliable monitoring and skin health. Core product categories to consider include alcohol wipes for site cleaning, skin barrier films for sensitive skin, adhesive overpatches and hypoallergenic tapes for secure wear, and sharps collectors for compliant disposal. SuperPharmacyPlus also offers Diabetes Management and Advice and Blood Glucose Testing services to help you choose the right products and to receive personalised guidance on insertion, adhesion strategies and local disposal rules.

How Do Alcohol Wipes and Skin Prep Products Enhance Sensor Application?

Alcohol wipes remove oils and residues that interfere with adhesive bonding and reduce microbial load on the skin prior to insertion, which helps the sensor adhesive contact the epidermis more effectively. Skin-prep barrier films create a thin protective layer that both improves adhesion for sensitive skin and minimises irritation from adhesives, and they are particularly useful for people who experience recurrent adhesive reactions. Use alcohol wipes to clean and allow full air-drying before applying barrier films where needed, and test new products on a small area to rule out allergic reactions. These steps clarify why combining cleaning and barrier protection often improves adhesion outcomes and prepares you to select the right adhesive supports.

What Sharps Collectors and Adhesive Patches Are Available for Safe and Comfortable Sensor Wear?

Sharps collectors range from compact portable sizes for travel to larger home bins for frequent users, and choosing the right capacity depends on the frequency of sensor changes and household storage preferences. Adhesive patch options include thin overpatches for low-profile protection and more robust athletic patches designed for water resistance and high-sweat activities, so select the product that balances comfort, profile and adhesive strength for your lifestyle. SuperPharmacyPlus staff can advise on suitable sharps collector sizes and compatible adhesive patches during a Diabetes Management and Advice consultation, helping you pick options that reduce skin trauma and simplify disposal. Matching product choice to your activity level and skin sensitivity ensures more reliable wear and fewer interruptions.

Product selection tips:

1. Match capacity: Choose a sharps collector size based on replacement frequency and storage convenience.
2. Consider activity: Use water-resistant patches for frequent swimmers and low-profile patches for everyday wear.
3. Test for sensitivity: Trial a barrier film or hypoallergenic patch before committing to long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Dexcom ONE+ sensor is not sticking properly?

If your Dexcom ONE+ sensor is not adhering well, first ensure the skin is clean and dry before application. If the adhesive starts to lift, you can use a hypoallergenic tape or an adhesive patch to reinforce it. Additionally, consider using a skin barrier film to protect sensitive skin and improve adhesion. If problems persist, it may be necessary to replace the sensor or consult a healthcare professional for further advice.

Can I swim or shower with the Dexcom ONE+ sensor on?

Yes, you can swim or shower with the Dexcom ONE+ sensor, but it's important to allow the adhesive to set for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour after application. To enhance water resistance, consider using an overpatch designed for moisture protection. After swimming or showering, gently pat the area dry instead of rubbing to maintain the adhesive's integrity. Always monitor the sensor for any signs of lifting or irritation after water exposure.

How often should I change my Dexcom ONE+ sensor?

The Dexcom ONE+ sensor is typically designed to be worn for up to 10 days. However, individual experiences may vary based on skin sensitivity, activity level, and environmental factors. It's important to monitor the sensor's performance and replace it if you notice any issues such as inaccurate readings or adhesive failure. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal sensor use and replacement timing.

What are the signs that I need to remove my Dexcom ONE+ sensor?

You should consider removing your Dexcom ONE+ sensor if you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at the insertion site. Additionally, if you experience persistent pain or discomfort, or if the sensor is not providing accurate readings, it may be time to remove and replace it. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your sensor or skin condition.

Is there a specific way to dispose of used Dexcom ONE+ sensors?

Yes, used Dexcom ONE+ sensors should be disposed of according to local medical waste guidelines. In Australia, it is recommended to place used sensors and any sharp components in an approved sharps container. This helps prevent injury and contamination. Always check with local health authorities for specific disposal instructions and consider using pharmacy take-back programs for safe disposal options.

Can I use other adhesive products with the Dexcom ONE+ sensor?

Yes, you can use other adhesive products, such as overpatches or hypoallergenic tapes, to enhance the adhesion of your Dexcom ONE+ sensor. However, it is important to ensure that any additional products are compatible with the sensor and do not cause skin irritation. Always test new products on a small area of skin first, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.

What should I do if I receive a sensor failed alert?

If you receive a sensor failed alert, first check the connection between the sensor and the receiver or app to ensure they are properly paired. Inspect the sensor site for any signs of displacement or adhesive lift. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the sensor. Document the failure for warranty purposes and consult a healthcare professional if you continue to experience problems with sensor performance.

Conclusion

Successfully inserting and wearing your Dexcom ONE+ sensor enhances glucose monitoring accuracy and supports effective diabetes management. By following the outlined steps for site selection, insertion, and maintenance, you can ensure a secure and comfortable experience. For additional support and quality products, consider exploring the range available at SuperPharmacyPlus. Take the next step towards better diabetes care today.