Have you ever been considering putting your sensor to an alternative location and giving your upper arm a break?
I recently started testing various alternative sites for Freestyle Libre.
In the last post I shared with you my experience with the thigh sensor placement and today we will tell you about the chest sensor placement.
For each sensor location, I focus on 4 key categories: Placement, accuracy, durability, and comfort.
Libre Sensor Placement in Thigh
I have the sensor at the top of my chest about 3 inches or 8 cm from by armpit and about 2-3 inches or 6-8cm down from my collar bone.
But you can definitely go closer to your armpit or closer to the mid-chest area. The range of safety on the chest is quite big and you can try different pots to see which one works best for you.
This is the area where I would be generally comfortable inserting the sensor. I tested the spots in this range and I did not have any issues with them from the placement perspective.
Of course, this might not work for everyone.
I am a guy and I can imagine ladies probably need to consider bra straps and breast sizes.
I obviously don’t have much experience with that so please keep that in mind.
Do not put the sensor directly in the chest muscle or too close to the collar bone. This could be a bit painful.
I find it super easy to apply the sensor to your chest and remove it. It is easily reachable and almost as good as a thigh from the application and removal perspective.
That’s why I give chest 9/10 points for placement.
Accuracy of the Libre Sensor Readings from Chest
I found the sensor readings from chest very accurate. I didn’t have any big differences between the chest readings and my glucometer readings.
It is also very unlikely that you will compress the sensor while sleeping which would result in incorrect readings. Unless you sleep on your belly.
So, when I compare with the upper arm and the thigh, which as we have been proved to be very accurate, I don’t actually see any difference.
And that is why I give chest 8/10 for accuracy.
Durability of Libre Sensor in Chest
I did not knock out the sensor from my chest.
I actually think that the chest is the most secure location as I never bump into anything with my chest and when I am getting dressed nothing catches onto the sensor.
So much better then upper arm or thigh!
I was very happy and I give the chest 10/10 for durability.
Is the Libre Sensor in Chest Comfortable?
The sensor in my chest does not bother me at all. I got used to the chest so much that when I changed the site I was still scanning chest although the sensor was not there anymore.
It is very easy to scan and super discrete. When you scan with your phone even while talking to someone it does not look weird at all. You can quickly check the screen and I guarantee they will not even notice you just checked your blood sugar.
Chest is a great place if you want to fully hide your sensor. Especially when you are wearing a dark shirt. Only when you’re wearing a white thin shirt the white button of the sensor might shine through a bit.
And that is why I give chest 9/10 for comfort.
Conclusion
I was overall extremely happy with the chest location.
It provided me a very durable and very comfortable alternative to the upper thigh and upper arm.
You see that in total the chest received 36 points which is the highest score so far, 4 points better than upper arm and one point better that the thigh.
But you have to decide for yourself based on your lifestyle and your personal preference.
Please keep in mind that no other location than back of your arm is recommended by Abbott and if you put your sensor in other spots it is at your own risk! I am not a doctor and my videos are not medical advice. I am a diabetic just like you sharing his experience. So please be responsible.
Here is a video from my YouTube channel where I discuss the thigh placement in detail. Enjoy watching!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and everything here is my opinion in my own words. On this page, I am sharing my diabetic journey with you and do not provide medical advice. Certain links on this page are discount links and/or affiliate links. When you use affiliate links for your purchase I will receive a small provision from the seller.
Photo credit: Tedward Quinn on Unsplash