Water Damage to CGM: What to Do

This article provides general guidance about CGM water damage solutions. Always consult your device manufacturer’s specific instructions and contact your healthcare provider with medical concerns.

Has your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) been exposed to water? Don’t panic – we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your CGM gets wet and share proven CGM water damage solutions to help protect your vital diabetes management tool. Whether it’s an accidental submersion, a longer-than-expected shower, or an unexpected rainstorm, this comprehensive guide will help you save your device and understand your replacement options through Medicare.

A Note from Susie Adriance, Healthcare Compliance Expert

We get calls about water-damaged CGMs weekly at our DME company. Seniors in Florida (where I’m based) deal with humidity, pool time, and unexpected rain—and CGMs don’t always love water as much as we do.

After helping 12,000+ Medicare patients with their CGM needs, I’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when your sensor gets wet. Here’s the real-world guidance I give to patients every week.

Understanding CGM Water Exposure: What You Need to Know

While most modern CGMs are marketed as water-resistant, there’s a crucial difference between water-resistant and waterproof that every senior with diabetes should understand. Excessive exposure to water can sometimes affect their performance, and knowing the limits of your specific device can prevent costly damage and dangerous gaps in your glucose monitoring.

Water Resistance Ratings by CGM Brand

FreeStyle Libre 2 & 3:

IP27 rating (water-resistant)
Safe for: Showering, brief water exposure
Maximum depth: 3 feet (1 meter)
Time limit: 30 minutes
Not recommended: Hot tubs, saunas, ocean swimming

Dexcom G6 & G7:

IP28 rating (water-resistant)
Safe for: Swimming, bathing
Maximum depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
Time limit: 24 hours total over sensor life
Not recommended: Scuba diving, high-pressure water

Guardian Connect:

IPX8 rating (water-resistant)
Safe for: Swimming, showering
Maximum depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
Time limit: 30 minutes per incident
Not recommended: Salt water, chlorinated hot tubs

Important: Most CGMs can handle:

Short showers (10-15 minutes)
Swimming up to manufacturer’s specified depth
Light rain exposure
Washing hands and daily activities
Accidental splashes

What CGMs Cannot Handle:

Extended submersion beyond specifications
Hot water above 104°F (40°C)
High-pressure water (jet skis, water parks)
Steam rooms and saunas
Salt water (degrades adhesive faster)

Signs Your CGM Has Water Damage

Recognizing water damage early can help you take appropriate action and potentially save your device. Here are common indicators that water may have affected your CGM:

Visual Signs:

Screen appears foggy or has condensation inside
Moisture droplets visible under the screen
Discoloration of the display or housing
Bubbling or peeling of adhesive edges
Corrosion around charging ports (for receivers)

Performance Issues:

Connection errors between sensor and receiver/phone
“Sensor Error” messages appearing frequently
Readings seem incorrect compared to fingerstick tests
Gaps in data or lost readings
Device won’t turn on or respond to commands
Battery draining unusually fast

Physical Symptoms:

Skin irritation under wet sensor
Sensor falling off prematurely
Adhesive not sticking properly
Unusual warmth from device
Clicking or crackling sounds when device operates

Expert Tip from Susie Adriance

Document everything with photos before calling your supplier. In my experience, clear documentation makes the replacement process much smoother. Take a photo of the damaged sensor, note the date and what

happened, and keep your original packaging if possible. This helps your supplier process a replacement faster.

Immediate CGM Water Damage Solutions

Time is critical when dealing with water exposure. Follow these senior-friendly steps if your CGM gets wet:

Step 1: Assess the Situation (First 5 Minutes)

For Sensor Water Exposure:

Check if sensor is still adhered properly
Look for visible water under the sensor
Note the time and type of water exposure
Test with fingerstick to verify readings
Document for potential Medicare claim

For Receiver/Reader Water Exposure:

Turn off device immediately if possible
Remove from water source
Check all ports and openings
Note if device was on during exposure
Don’t shake device (spreads water internally)

Step 2: Emergency Drying Process (First Hour)

Gentle Drying Technique:

Remove the device carefully from your body (if sensor)
Gently pat (don’t rub) with soft, lint-free cloth
Use corner of towel to wick moisture from ports
Place in warm, dry area away from direct heat
Position vertically to let water drain out

Do NOT:

Use hair dryer (heat damage)
Use compressed air (pushes water deeper)
Microwave device (destroys electronics)
Place in direct sunlight (overheating)
Use paper towels (leaves residue)

Step 3: Advanced Drying Methods (Next 24-48 Hours)

Rice Method (Grandchild’s Favorite!):

Fill airtight container with uncooked rice
Bury device completely in rice
Seal container tightly
Leave undisturbed for 48 hours
Rice absorbs moisture naturally

Silica Gel Method (More Effective):

Use fresh silica gel packets
Place device and packets in sealed bag
Change packets every 12 hours
Continue for 48-72 hours
Available at craft stores

Professional Desiccant Method:

Purchase electronic device drying kit
Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Usually takes 24-48 hours
More effective than rice
Reusable for future incidents

💡 Senior Tip: Ask grandchildren to help – they often know these tricks from saving their phones!

Testing Your CGM After Water Exposure

Before trusting your CGM again, thorough testing is essential:

Day 1 After Drying:

Visual inspection for any moisture
Power on receiver/reader carefully
Check all functions systematically
Compare with fingerstick readings
Monitor for error messages

Day 2-3 Testing:

Track accuracy against multiple fingersticks
Note any delayed readings
Check connection stability
Monitor battery performance
Document all issues

When Testing Shows Problems:

Readings differ by >20% from fingerstick
Frequent connection losses
Error messages persist
Battery drains rapidly
Any unusual behavior

Important: If problems persist, stop using device and contact supplier immediately.

When to Replace Your CGM

Sometimes water damage requires device replacement. Knowing when to call it quits can save you from dangerous inaccurate readings:

Definite Replacement Needed:

Device doesn’t work after 48 hours of drying
Visible water inside display that won’t evaporate
Corrosion visible on any part
Consistent error messages
Readings consistently inaccurate (>20% variance)
Physical damage from water pressure

Medicare Replacement Coverage:

Medicare typically covers CGM replacement if damage occurs despite proper care. Here’s what you need to know:

Covered Situations:

Device failure within warranty period
Damage despite following manufacturer guidelines
Medically necessary replacement
Documented proper use and care

Documentation Needed:

Date and time of water exposure
Description of incident
Steps taken to dry device
Testing results showing failure
Photos of damage if visible

Contact your supplier at 727-831-3729 to discuss your coverage options and start the replacement process.

Preventing Future Water Damage

Prevention is always better than repair. Here are senior-tested strategies:

Daily Prevention Tips:

Shower Safety:

Keep showers under 10 minutes
Use lukewarm, not hot water
Face away from direct spray
Consider shower guard patches
Pat dry, don’t rub

Swimming Precautions:

Check manufacturer depth limits
Limit swim time to 30 minutes
Avoid hot tubs and jacuzzis
Rinse with fresh water after
Apply extra adhesive before swimming

Protective Accessories:

Waterproof Patches:

Over-patches for extra protection
Available for all CGM brands
Usually $10-20 for multi-pack
Medicare may cover with documentation
Change after each water exposure

Shower Guards:

Plastic covers for showering
Reusable options available
Good for sensitive skin
Allows normal shower length
About $15-30

Environmental Considerations:

Bathroom Safety:

Use exhaust fan during showers
Keep CGM away from sink
Store supplies in dry location
Wipe condensation immediately
Consider shower timer

Weather Protection:

Use umbrella in rain
Wear protective clothing
Avoid water park rides
Be cautious at beach
Check weather before outdoor activities

Emergency Backup Planning

Water damage can leave you without monitoring. Be prepared:

Immediate Backup Options:

Traditional Monitoring:

Keep glucose meter accessible
Stock extra test strips
Ensure lancets available
Know how to use properly
Document readings manually

Temporary Solutions:

Increase fingerstick frequency
Set medication alarms
Use phone reminders
Alert family members
Consider borrowed equipment

Medicare Coverage for Backup Supplies:

What’s Covered:

Emergency test strips
Replacement sensors
Backup glucose meters
Temporary supplies during replacement

How to Access:

Call DME supplier immediately
Explain emergency situation
Get expedited shipping if available
Document all conversations
Follow up with doctor

Dealing with Insurance and Suppliers

Water damage claims can be complex. Here’s how to navigate:

Immediate Steps:

Day 1:

Document everything with photos
Call manufacturer warranty line
Report to Medicare supplier
Start paper trail
Get claim numbers

Day 2-3:

Follow up on replacement
Submit required documentation
Confirm shipping timeline
Arrange temporary supplies
Update doctor

What to Tell Your Supplier:

Key Information:

Exact date and time of incident
Type of water exposure
Duration of exposure
Steps taken to dry device
Current device status

Magic Words: “Despite following manufacturer guidelines, my medically necessary CGM suffered water damage and requires replacement under warranty/Medicare coverage.”

Common Supplier Responses:

Best Case:

Immediate replacement shipped
No out-of-pocket cost
Expedited shipping available
Temporary supplies provided

Typical Case:

Replacement in 3-5 days
May require documentation
Standard shipping
Follow warranty process

Challenging Case:

Detailed investigation required
Multiple documentation requests
Possible partial payment
Appeals may be needed

Real-Life Success Stories

“The Pool Party Save” – Robert, 72

“Forgot I was wearing my Dexcom at my granddaughter’s pool party. After 45 minutes swimming, it started acting up. Used the rice trick and extra careful drying – saved it! Now I always set a 20-minute timer.”

“Quick Thinking” – Maria, 68

“Dropped my receiver in the sink while washing dishes. Immediately turned it off, used silica packets from my vitamin bottles. Worked perfectly after 36 hours. Always save those packets now!”

“Medicare to the Rescue” – James, 75

“Sensor failed after getting caught in unexpected downpour. Documented everything, called Senior CGM Support. New sensor arrived in 2 days, fully covered. Their team walked me through entire process.”

Technology Tips for Water Protection

Smartphone Apps:

Set water exposure timers
Track shower duration
Log water incidents
Photo documentation apps
Reminder notifications

Smart Home Integration:

Alexa shower timers
Bathroom humidity monitors
Weather alerts
Medication reminders during CGM downtime
Emergency contact features

Your Water Damage Action Plan

Print and keep this checklist handy:

Immediate Response (First 10 Minutes):

[ ] Remove from water source
[ ] Turn off if possible
[ ] Pat dry gently
[ ] Document incident
[ ] Check functionality

First Hour:

[ ] Complete gentle drying
[ ] Begin advanced drying method
[ ] Contact manufacturer if needed
[ ] Arrange backup monitoring
[ ] Notify family/caregiver

First 24 Hours:

[ ] Continue drying process
[ ] Test with fingersticks
[ ] Document any issues
[ ] Contact supplier if failing
[ ] Implement backup plan

48-72 Hours:

[ ] Complete functionality testing
[ ] Make replacement decision
[ ] File insurance claims
[ ] Arrange new device
[ ] Update prevention plan

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Challenges:

Pool and beach exposure
Increased sweating affecting adhesive
Higher shower frequency
Water park temptations
Vacation water activities

Winter Considerations:

Hot tub usage increases
Longer, hotter showers
Steam from heating systems
Snow and slush exposure
Indoor pool activities

Year-Round Vigilance:

Regular device inspection
Adhesive integrity checks
Backup supply maintenance
Insurance verification
Prevention routine updates

When to Seek Help

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance:

Call Manufacturer When:

Any water exposure concerns
Warranty questions
Technical guidance needed
Replacement process unclear

Call Healthcare Provider When:

Extended CGM downtime
Difficulty managing without CGM
Questions about backup methods
Health concerns during outage

Call Medicare/Insurance When:

Coverage questions
Claim assistance needed
Appeal necessary
Cost concerns

Final Thoughts

Water damage to your CGM doesn’t have to be a disaster. With quick action, proper drying techniques, and good documentation, many devices can be saved. When replacement is necessary, Medicare and manufacturer warranties often provide coverage.

Remember:

Prevention is your best defense
Quick action improves outcomes
Documentation helps with claims
Backup plans ensure safety
Help is always available

Your CGM is a vital tool for diabetes management. Protecting it from water damage ensures continuous monitoring and better health outcomes.

References

Need Help with Medicare CGM Coverage?

Whether you’re dealing with water damage or need reliable CGM supplies, our specialists at Senior CGM Support can help you navigate Medicare requirements and ensure continuous diabetes monitoring. We understand the urgency of CGM replacement and can expedite your order.

Call Now: 727-831-3729

Our experienced team can help with:

Emergency CGM replacement
Medicare coverage verification
Warranty claim assistance
Expedited shipping options
Backup supply arrangements

Don’t let water damage interrupt your diabetes management. We’re here to help you get back to reliable monitoring quickly!