Here’s an overview:

Top CGM Skin Grips 

1. GrifGrips

• Pros:
  • Wide variety of shapes and colours.
  • Latex-free and hypoallergenic.
  • Durable and water-resistant.
• Cons:
  • Can leave adhesive residue.
  • May irritate sensitive skin for prolonged use.

Specific Note for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups:

• Skin-tone matching options are limited, potentially feeling less inclusive.

2. Skin Grip

• Pros:
  • Long-lasting adhesive (up to 10 days).
  • Resistant to water, sweat, and humidity.
  • Latex-free, hypoallergenic, and designed for sensitive skin.
• Cons:
  • Limited color options for darker skin tones.
  • May peel at the edges in extreme humidity.

Specific Note for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups:

• Limited inclusivity in tone-matching, though clear versions blend reasonably well.

3. Simpatch

• Pros:
  • Affordable.
  • Easy to apply and remove without pulling hair.
  • Comes in various shapes for specific CGMs (e.g., Dexcom, Libre).
• Cons:
  • Not as durable in humid or wet conditions.
  • Limited aesthetic variety.

Specific Note for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups:

• Clear adhesive makes it moderately inclusive, though tone-specific options are absent.

4. ExpressionMed

• Pros:
  • Wide range of designs, including neutral and vibrant patterns.
  • Latex-free and non-irritating.
  • Water-resistant and sweat proof.
• Cons:
  • More expensive than competitors.
  • Some designs may not appeal to all age groups.

Specific Note for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups:

• Better inclusion with neutral colours but no tailored skin-tone options for darker skin.

5. Fixic Adhesive Patches

• Pros:
  • Affordable and reliable grip.
  • Gentle adhesive, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Cons:
  • Limited durability in water-heavy environments.
  • Few design and colour options.

Specific Note for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups:

• Lacks colour matching, clear patches are the only neutral option.

Considerations for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups

1. Skin Sensitivity:
   • Some ethnic groups may have heightened sensitivity to adhesives, leading to hyperpigmentation or irritation. Hypoallergenic options are critical.
2. Inclusivity:
   • Many brands lack skin-tone options for darker skin, which can affect aesthetic satisfaction and privacy.
3. Durability:
   • Humid climates, where some ethnic groups may reside, demand water-resistant and sweat-proof patches.
4. Appearance and Cultural Sensitivity:
   • Patterns or colours that do not reflect cultural preferences may reduce comfort in public settings.

Recommendations

• Best for Sensitive Skin: ExpressionMed and Skin Grip.
• Best for Durability: GrifGrips and Skin Grip.
• Most Inclusive: ExpressionMed (neutral designs and clear patches offer better inclusivity).

For those seeking tone-matching options, advocate for more inclusivity by contacting manufacturers to request darker skin-tone products.