Glucose Sensor Wear Guide: Armbands, Patches & Secure Hold (FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom & more)
Your sensor should stay put — without stress.
Sweat, friction, bumps, clothing snags… these are the real reasons sensors lift early or feel “in the way”. This guide starts with the problem, then points you to the right solution (without turning the page into a full catalog).
Sweat & peeling: when your sensor edges start lifting
Heat + sweat + repeated movement can weaken adhesion. The goal is to reinforce hold before a small edge-lift becomes a full peel-off.
Start here: adhesive patches (extra hold on active days)
- Designed for sport, swimming and everyday movement.
- Choose the patch cut that matches your device.
- Often works best when applied before the edges start lifting.
Tip: if you also get bumps/snags, combine a patch (adhesion) with a fabric hold (stability).
Snags & friction: protect and secure your sensor like a “second layer”
If your sensor catches on clothing, rubs under straps (backpack, sports bra), or gets bumped in contact/outdoor sports, a fabric solution can reduce friction and keep it steady.
Dia-Band: steady fabric hold (sleeve-like feel)
- Holds and protects your sensor on the arm with a close-to-body fit.
- Helps reduce snagging in daily life, at work, at school and during activity.
- Available across many sizes and styles.
Sport & changing intensity: when you want adjustable hold
Some sessions need a tighter fit, others need comfort. An adjustable armband can help you fine-tune hold as your activity changes.
Dia-Style: adjustable fit for active days
- Adjustable design lets you tighten/loosen for better hold during workouts.
- Chosen when you want control and stability (it’s not the lightest option).
- Works with many sensors and also some patch pumps.
Tip: for the best stability on sweat-heavy sessions, many people pair an adhesive patch + an adjustable armband.
Wearing a sensor/pod on the waist: extra protection under clothing
If you wear a sensor or pod on the waist, it can catch when dressing/undressing or rub under waistbands. A soft protective band can help keep it secure.
Dia-Waistband: comfortable waist protection
- Helps protect and keep your device stable around the waist.
- Useful for daily routines, play, and movement.
- Available in multiple sizes (including kids options).
DIY patches: cut your own with your favorite tape
Prefer choosing your own tape (breathable, hypoallergenic, waterproof)? Use a template to cut clean, device-matched shapes.
Kaio-Patch Template
- Cut patches from the material you trust — for your routine (sport, swimming, sensitive skin, etc.).
- Available for many popular sensors.
Compatibility (brands)
Kaio-Dia accessories are designed as universal solutions for many glucose sensors. Common examples include FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, Guardian / Simplera, Sibionics, and other sensors of similar size.
Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. Kaio-Dia is not affiliated with these brands.
FAQ (tap to expand)
My sensor lifts at the edges — what should I try first?
Start with adhesive patches for extra hold. If you also get friction or bumps, add a fabric option like Dia-Band.
Dia-Band vs Dia-Style: what’s the difference?
Dia-Band is a close-to-body fabric hold (sleeve-like feel) to reduce friction and snagging. Dia-Style is adjustable, so you can fine-tune fit as intensity changes.
What’s best for sport?
If sweat is the main issue: start with patches. If bumps/snags are common: add Dia-Band. If you want adjustable control: Dia-Style.
For a full sport guide: sport (sensor & pump) →
Do you have a solution for swimming?
Yes — see the water-specific guide: swimming with a sensor/pump →
Can you help with insulin pump wear too?
Yes — start here: insulin pump accessories guide →
Browse everything (quick links)
- All patches →
- All Dia-Band armbands →
- All Dia-Style adjustable armbands →
- All Dia-Waistband options →