My daughter currently uses the Animas Inset. It seems to hurt her less but, it comes off VERY easily, especially in the water, pool, bath, etc. The mini Comforts stay in very well but, conversely,she hates the long, angled insertion needle. Are there certain infusion sets that are more often used by kids? Is there anything other than lidocaine to numb her site area? Is there anything to ensure that the site adheres better?

The two biggest factors we see when parents are having difficulty keeping an infusion set intact is making sure the EMLA or LMX-4 s completely removed before inserting the infusion set and keeping moisturizing soaps away from the infusion set once it is in place. The best way to clean the skin after using EMLA or LMX-4 is with antibacterial Dial liquid soap. Use a washcloth and be sure to rinse well after soaping. It will not take away the numbness. Moisturizing soaps will break down the adhesive in the tape of the infusion set. If you are moving the site every two to three days as instructed, you should really just leave the area alone and avoid soap altogether.

With regard to infusion sets, it depends on how much subcutaneous fat your child has when choosing an infusion set. The two most common sets are the Inset and the Comfort Short. If your child is thin to very thin, you can try inserting the Comfort Short in half to three-quarters of the way.

There are several products on the market to help keep infusion sets in. The two most common are tincture of benzoin and Mastisol. Follow the directions on the product for application and removal as the infusion sets can adhere to the skin so well that they cause damage when pulling them off. Animas has excellent, as well as free, clinical follow-up and s/he will be able to address your questions better simply because s/he has actually met with you face to face.

NB