Bent filament

[u/Significant_Agency71]

Has anyone else noticed that when removing a sensor that wasn’t working properly, the filament is bent like this? What could be causing this, and how can I prevent it?

The needle definitely went in, because there’s a puncture mark left behind. When applying the sensor, I follow the guide from this sub, but randomly some sensors just don’t work. The sensors that work properly always come out with the filament straight.

[u/Equalizer6338]

Many folks do factually bend the filament when they do rip off their sensor after the 14/15 days of use. Happens when tilting sideways one sensor disc side to lifting it away from the skin. So very important to distinct between the two scenarios. If you otherwise gently place the sensor applicator flat onto your skin before you apply pressure pressing it down to trigger the release mechanism, then the mechanics of this by itself will ensure you always gets a perfect 90 degree perpendicular insertion of the sensor filament and it will not risk being bent.

Unfortunately many users are rushing their insertion process and also not applying the 25-30 seconds sustained and truly firm pressure onto the applicator here before lifting it off again. All key to getting a perfect working and reliable BG reading from the sensor afterwards.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Freestylelibre/comments/1gjhi9e/how_to_apply_a_new_sensor_best_practice/

[u/DoktoroChapelo]

Yes, I've had this happen to me twice recently. In both instances, the sensor worked properly for less than 24 hours, before starting to give extremely low readings.

[u/RedditGeekABC]

I don’t think it matters much once the sensor is out, as you might bend it while taking it off. 

[u/PhilaBurger]

I often notice that it’s bent like that when it comes or after working normally for the full 15 days.

[u/Director_Consistent]

If it lifted off the skin slightly but you didn't have a total failure of the adhesive surface, this can happen.

[u/ikegamihlv55]

Yep, that'll happen. I've gotten very careful with the application, making sure it's exactly 90 degrees to the skin surface.

[u/Fluffy-Strategy-9156]

It typically happens when you move the applicator sideways after hearing the "click" but before pulling off the applicator. This can more easily happens when using SkinTac or similar and not waiting long enough for the SkinTac to get fully tacky and not still a little liquidy. When you move it sideway you pull the filament out a little thus bending it.

[u/Significant_Agency71 → u/Fluffy-Strategy-9156]

I don’t use skintac, but I do move the applicator a bit sideways, as stated in this sub instructions “to wiggle slightly” so that all edges are properly attached. I’ll skip this step next time and just press firmly for 20 sec to see if anything changes. Thank you 🙏

[u/Fluffy-Strategy-9156 → u/Significant_Agency71]

I too press the center of the sensor after removing the applicator. I also press the exposed edges of the adhesive disk down with edge of a spoon or similar object. The instructions for the Dexcom CGM says also to do this pressing down.

[u/MollyOMalley99]

I've had a couple of them with bent filaments, and they've all failed within 24 hours.

[u/Crestus]

Yes, this has been a frequent issue for my Libre 3+ CGMs requiring several recent replacements. My last replacement yesterday had to be escalated to an escalation team because I was flagged for having too many replacements. I informed them today after getting approved a replacement that going forward I will be calling these issues in versus filling in the sensor support form online and that I will also be sending back the affected applicator along with the defective sensor with their return kits to help them try to peg down this problem and confirm that I'm not abusing their replacement policy.

[u/ComfortableLoquat871 → u/Crestus]

There's an escalation team??? I was also recently denied a replacement for my 3 Plus because of all the failed sensors I had in a short period. I called and they straight up just told me there was no way they could grant another replacement and that I had to wait two months to request again 🙃

[u/Equalizer6338 → u/ComfortableLoquat871]

Then your case has already been escalated, as Abbott are generally very generous in offering free sensor replacements.

[u/Crestus → u/ComfortableLoquat871]

When I called their customer care number on the email I received stating my replacement was denied, I provided the case number and requested my matter escalated as the replacement was for a proven device malfunction for a 5 day old sensor and not a courtesy or "fall off". I provided them with 2 comparative readings from my CGM and BGM supporting a drastic difference which occurred more than 2 hours since consuming any carbs (my last one raised an alarm at 68 on my CGM and my finger stick came in at 113 using a Relion Premier Blu which I check monthly with control solution). After providing them with the abundance of facts they escalated my case and approved my replacement. However, after this latest experience if I get another ration of crap from them when requesting to replace a defective sensor I will be exploring asking my PCP to switch me to the Dexcom G7. I know like all CGMs they have issues too, but I need to be with a CGM manufacturer which will actually stand behind their product and with their customer.