Want to try different infusion sets (Animas)

[Jacob'sDad]

I want to try something besides the Insets for Jacob, and I wanted some opinions. Sometimes day 3 of the site is bad, sometimes it's good. We've tried the inset 30s and he doesn't like them. He says he feels the insulin going in. Yesterday I tried a sample of one and he was 500+ 3 hours later. He's fine now after changing to a regular inset. I know they take practice, but I don't like the inserter very much. I don't really like the spring loaded devices at all. It seems like a lot of extra crap just do do a simple procedure. Aren't there ones I can insert manually?
I think I like the idea of a steel infusion set. Maybe we should try that.

Money is a big issue. We pay the first $1000 out of pocket each year and then a percentage of the cost after that. It seems like these infusion sets are expensive because so much of it gets wasted.

So, all you experts out there, what do you think my options are?

By the way, I know I could have just searched the archives to find this info, but it's always good to repeat topics over and over for those that just scan the first couple of pages.

Thanks!

(I accidentally posted this in the pump section but added it here for more views)

[sammysmom]

You could always try the cleo's. We had a bad run of the insets lately and switched back to the cleo's. We switch on and off between the two frequently. The cleo's do not "pop" when they go in, you do it at your speed, or whatever speed your son likes.

shannon

[selketine]

William uses the Rapid D sets with the steel needle that stays in. He has used them the past 4 years (he is 6 now) and they work well. We do change them every 48 hours as it recommends - so you're not going to get more than 2 days on them unless you want to try leaving them in. I am concerned about the condition of his sites if I leave them in longer routinely.

We are charged about $100 a box for them from Animas and our insurance does pay most of that - but that might give you some idea of the cost. There are 15 sets per box.

[zeb'smom]

I second the Rapid D. We have been using them since Zeb started pumping and the only 'bad site' issue we've ever had was snapped tubing (got caught on his car seat). I like the simplicity and knowing we don't have to worry about kinks, the only way this site can really be bad is if it's pulled out. We change sites every third day and have never had a problem with it.

Robyn

[Mama Belle]

We left the Cleos to switch to insets and have had much better luck. But, we have a box of leftover Cleos. If you want to give them a try I would be happy to send you a couple sets (PM me if interested). I can't say I'd recommend them really, because we've had bad luck with them, but I know some people like them.

[Jacob'sDad]

We left the Cleos to switch to insets and have had much better luck. But, we have a box of leftover Cleos. If you want to give them a try I would be happy to send you a couple sets (PM me if interested). I can't say I'd recommend them really, because we've had bad luck with them, but I know some people like them.

Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll give the Rapid D's a shot. I'll call Animas Monday and have them send some samples.

Here's my next question:
Is the cost the same from Animas as from any other supply place? Is there a way we can save money?

[Hollyb]

If Jacob's ok with inserting by hand, the Comfort shorts are an angled set that are economical and reliable. Aaron started with them, and we have rarely had a problem with them -- but you have to have the nerve to pinch up the skin and just push it in yourself.

Aaron finds the part that bothers him is after the needle first goes in, there's a bit of resistance until you get over the edge of the cannula. Our Animas rep recently suggested putting the infusion set (not the tubing) in the freezer for a few minutes before inserting -- helps reduce the sensation and sort of "stiffens up" the cannula so it goes in easier. Aaron thinks it does help a bit.

One thing about those angled sets -- if the tape starts to peel up, you have quite a bit more leeway before you lose the cannula. Last night we reglued and taped down a set that was practically completely peeled away -- but we could see that the cannula was still in place and sure enough, it chugged on for another day.

A downside -- not having the all-in-one set reduces packaging, waste and cost considerably, but you are left with this big honking exposed needle to dispose of. We tuck them into empty glucose tab tubes...

[AP-Mom]

We just started pumping this past week and use the Contact Detach, which are similar to the Rapid D, I believe. They are really simple to insert. When we did the saline trial, DH and I wore the pump. We discovered that Animas had sent us the insets instead of the Contact Detach with the original shipment during the trial. We used one and found the insets to be far more complicated (of course, being total newbies, everything is complicated :cwds:) and the Contact Detach are really much more our speed.

[blessed]

We are new to pumping to, but the cleo's don't seem to stay on. Anyways not for my 16 year old is who a little bit of a clean fanatic. He showers min. of about 2-3 times a day. We just couldn't get them to stick even with the prep stuff... They don't hurt going in , but geeez repeating the inserting routine 3 times sucks! I've wondered if it is because he is kinda,,,, well he's kinda of a hairy guy....

[Ivan's Mum]

we use the rapid D. Over here you can purchase a box of 25 for $225 (we get the lines seperate) at $9 a site we leave them in 3-4 days and the sites are clean as a button. They recommend changing the tubing with every site but i use one tube for a month. (not to mention that I use the cartridge for a month too) so we're really in to cost cutting here!

I know that you get the sites with lines in the US. You should consider buying them here if it's cheaper with postage, I'm happy to post it all out for you!

[jcanolson]

We've used the Comfort Shorts for the past 2 years. We've had very little problem with them. In fact I just reordered and got a box of the inset 30's to try, but after seeing all the posts about them, I think I may be sticking with the Comfort Shorts.:)