What type of battery does your CGMS transmitter use? Are you happy with it?

I would like to know more about what type of battery your CGMS trasmitter (wearable component) uses. I have a few questions:

1. Are the batteries disposable or rechargeable?

2. If they are disposable, how are they replaced? Are they "coin cell" batteries? Does the replacement compromise water tightness?

3. If they are rechargeable, are they recharged by induction or ... how?

I'm interested in learning about the Dexcom, Abbott/Freescale Navigator, Metronic/MiniMed Guardian RT, or any other (are there others?).

Most importantly:

1. What would you like a new product, in final design stages, to use: disposable or rechargeable?

2. If disposable, what type?

3. If rechargeable, what method?

Thank you!

Gil

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gil DePaula on November 28, 2010 at 7:40am

Hi Melissa,
Thank you. I was expecting the "rubber o-ring" reply in some of the responses, but apparently only the Abbott has a replaceable battery. It certainly is nice to have the system indicate that the battery is at 100%, and so on.

A couple of questions:
1. How many days does the battery last?
2. Do you carry a few spare batteries at all times?

Thanks,
Gil

Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on November 28, 2010 at 3:24pm

I can get about 3 5-day sensor wears out of a battery. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. They ship you 2 Renata 357s in each box of 6 sensors, and Abbott is happy to send you more free of charge if you call and request it (though I don't think they make that known to most users).

I don't carry spares with me, no, but I do usually change the battery when the battery life indicator shows in the 25-50% range. The battery cannot be changed while the sensor is in use without disconnecting or you will have to initiate a new warm-up period (which is how one 'restarts' the sensor). I have a video on youtube on how to change the transmitter battery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMFu6iS3BZs

Permalink Reply by DBolding on May 11, 2011 at 12:10pm

I agree with Melissa, I also use the Freestyle Navigator (I actually got it after watching Melissa's video on Youtube, seeing how easy it was to operate) I like the fact that it does not use a rechargeable battery, meaning that the battery will not die in a year or so which would lead to another expense.

Btw, Melissa, do you get Hypo warnings and readings if you sleep on top of the sensor? say its on your arm and you lay your head on it?

Sorry, I also have noticed how old this thread is, oops

Permalink Reply by Gil DePaula on November 28, 2010 at 4:37pm

Thank you, Melissa, Natalie, Jake, med464rescue and ClumsyChemist! I've learned a lot. I'll study all of your responses, input & suggestions, and see what we'll adopt for the Pancreum products.
Regards,
Gil