People get creative in where to wear a pump. There are a wide range of pump accessories including cases, carriers, backpacks for kids, sleep and sports clothing with specially designed pockets to hold the pump. These cases can be strapped around the waist, thigh, or calf, and pouches that attach to a bra or garter belt. This head-to-foot list comes from Barb Chafe of Insulin Pumpers Canada™ with input from pumpers all over the world!
San Diego Pump Club
To the left, some of the happy pumpers in the San Diego Pump Club. Started in 1982, John Rodosevich ("light of hair", 2nd from right in the back row) heads this group.
Pump Kids
Having the right pump accessory can help make carrying your pump much easier. We carry a variety of products for every situation. You can view the various accessories below and choose the color for your specific pump. Click the links below and visit our store to buy pump accessories online today.
Today’s pumps have a variety of ways in which they attach an infusion set or a patch pump itself to the skin to deliver insulin. The skin is prepared in a similar way for any of these variations. To prevent infections and the need for antibiotics or surgical drainage or hospitalization, always use sterile technique when setting up a skin site:
Insert the infusion set or patch pump into the skin or through IV3000™ adhesive by hand or with an inserter. Have a qualified instructor demonstrate how to insert your set or pump properly. Some people feel pain or discomfort when inserting needles or catheters. Numby Stuff® and LMX™ 4 cream can be used to reduce sensation, or EMLA, a prescription numbing cream, can be applied to the skin about an hour before inserting the infusion set.
Excess sweating can cause even well constructed infusion sets to come loose and fall out.
No warning except highs or a dangling infusion set!
Liquid adhesives like Skin Tac-H (Mason Labs) can be brushed onto the skin to increase adhesion. Skin Prep by Smith and Nephew is another one to try.
Use an odorless, antibacterial antiperspirant on the infusion site. Then swab lightly with an antiseptic pad and place a bioocclusive dressing on the skin.
Air bubbles in the reservoir are not a problem unless they are large and enter the infusion line to replace insulin. If air bubbles are seen in the infusion line, an inch of air in the line is equal to half a unit of insulin. In most cases, up to an inch of air in the line is not of concern. Requires visual inspection.
The small bubble to the left in the picture can be ignored.
