Pod Placement Guide
Follow these steps to help you wear your Pod with comfort
Because there is NO TUBING, you can wear the Pod most places you would give yourself an insulin injection. Please note the recommended positioning for each body area.
Placement Techniques for Best Results
Site Selection
- Rotate sites for best insulin absorption. Do not overuse sites.
- The new site should be at least 1 inch away from the previous site, 2 inches away from the navel and not over a mole, tattoo or a scar.
- Be careful not to put it where it will be uncomfortable or dislodge when you sit or move around; for instance, don’t place it near folds of skin or directly under your waist band.
- Avoid irritated or swollen skin, open wounds, scabs, or cuts.
- Place the Pod so it lays flat, not on a curved area of the body.
- If using Omnipod® 5, remember your Pod and Sensor communicate best if they are in direct line of sight/on the same side of the body.
Prepare the Skin First
- Use an alcohol swab or an oil-free antibacterial soap to clean a spot the size of a tennis ball where you will place the Pod. Let the site air dry completely before applying the Pod.
- Shave or trim any excess body hair before applying the Pod.
- Always ensure the skin is completely dry before you apply the Pod. Especially after swimming or bathing.*
| CONCERNS | WHAT YOU CAN DO |
|---|---|
| Oily skin: Residue from soap, lotion, shampoo or conditioner can prevent your Pod from sticking properly. | Clean your site thoroughly with alcohol before applying your Pod – and be sure to let your skin air dry. |
| Damp skin: Dampness gets in the way of adhesion. | Towel off and allow your site to air dry thoroughly; do not blow on it. |
| Body hair: Body hair literally gets in-between your skin and your Pod – and if there is a lot of it, can keep the Pod from sticking securely. | Clip/shave the site with a razor to create a smooth surface for Pod adhesion. To prevent irritation, consider doing this 24 hrs before putting on the Pod. |
| Sweating: Sweat on the skin can prevent the Pod from sticking securely. | Apply unscented solid or spray antiperspirant in the insertion area. Wait 10-15 minutes before applying the Pod. |
Pod Positioning:
- Arm and Leg: Position the Pod vertically or at a slight angle.
- Back, Abdomen and Buttocks: Position the Pod horizontally or at a slight angle.
Pinching Up
This step is critical if the insertion site is very lean or does not have much fatty tissue.
- Place your fingers on each side of the viewing window and make a wide pinch around that skin. Do not pinch too hard. The Pod should not come off the skin. Then press the Start button on the Controller/PDM. Release the pinch when the cannula inserts.
Warning: Occlusions may result in lean areas if you do not use this technique.
Applying the Pod
- Gently place the Pod on the skin to avoid wrinkling the adhesive pad.
- Run your finger around the adhesive 2-3 times to ensure that it is properly secured to the skin.
- After cannula insertion, hold the entire Pod down firmly using the palm of your hand for 10-20 seconds to secure the entire adhesive to the skin.
Considerations for Daily Pod Use
- Avoid using spray sunscreen, body oils, lotions, personal care sprays or bug sprays on or near the Pod. They can loosen the Pod’s adhesive, and can irritate the infusion site, damage or crack the Pod’s plastic, which could result in water getting into the Pod, causing the Pod to not work properly.
- Check your Pod adhesive regularly, especially when swimming.
*The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 7.6 m or 25 feet for 60 minutes. The PDM/Controller are not waterproof.
To learn more about Pod adhesion, visit Pod Wear Tips.