Dexcom Sensor Fell Off Early — Adhesion & Overpatch Guide

Hello. If your Dexcom G7 or G6 sensor keeps falling off before the 10-day wear period ends, you are not alone. Adhesion is one of the most common CGM challenges. Here is how to make your sensors stay in place. Step 1: Identify why your sensor is falling off. The most common causes are skin oils at the insertion site, sweat during exercise or hot weather, showering without protection, and an incorrect application technique. Most adhesion problems can be solved by improving skin preparation. Step 2: Clean and prep the skin properly before insertion. Wash the insertion site with soap and warm water and rinse completely. Then wipe with an alcohol wipe and let it dry for a full 60 seconds — not just a few seconds. Applying the sensor to skin that still has alcohol on it is the number one reason sensors fail early. The alcohol needs to evaporate completely before you apply the sensor. Step 3: Apply a skin tac or adhesive wipe before inserting. Skin Tac Wipes and SkinTac liquid are barrier products that both protect your skin and improve adhesion. Apply a thin layer to the application site, let it get tacky — about 20 to 30 seconds — then insert the sensor directly into the tacky area. Do not use Skin Tac on the sensor adhesive itself. Step 4: Use an overpatch after insertion. Dexcom offers free overpatch stickers at dexcom.com/patches. These are clear, waterproof patches that go over the sensor to reinforce the adhesive. Third-party options like RocTape CGM patches, Simpatch, and Pump Peelz also work well. Apply the overpatch on the first day — do not wait until the sensor starts lifting. Step 5: For swimmers or heavy sweaters — add an additional waterproof layer. Nexcare Absolute Waterproof tape cut into a donut shape around the sensor can add a second adhesive layer without covering the transmitter. Let your skin dry completely after swimming or exercise before checking the sensor. Step 6: Rotate your insertion site. Repeated use of the same area causes scar tissue and skin breakdown that dramatically reduces adhesion. The Dexcom G7 and G6 are both approved for the back of the upper arm and the abdomen. Rotate between four to six locations, giving each site at least two weeks before returning to it. Step 7: If a sensor fell off before day 10 — contact Dexcom. Sensors that fall off before day 7 may qualify for replacement. Call 1-888-738-3646 with your sensor lot number and explain the adhesion failure. Dexcom's warranty team handles these quickly. Still need help? Find a CGM provider near you →