Updated: May 2026 · by Sonja Spörlein
Zuckerschmuck sensor holders for the FreeStyle Libre sensor are available in two variations: as a single-band system or as an interchangeable-band system. What is the difference, and which option is the better fit for you personally?
🩹 At a glance: Sensor holders for FreeStyle Libre
A sensor holder (also called a sensor armband, sensor band or holder) is an elastic band with a holder that discreetly conceals your FreeStyle Libre sensor while sitting on your upper arm. Unlike tapes, it uses an elastic wearable band without additional adhesive on your skin.
- Compatibility: FreeStyle Libre 1, 2, 3 and 3 Plus (manufacturer: Abbott Diabetes Care)
- Sensor wear location and duration: Back of the upper arm; FreeStyle Libre 3 up to 14 days, FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus up to 15 days [3]
- Sensor dimensions for reference: Libre 1 + 2 approx. 35 mm diameter × 5 mm height; Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus approx. 21 mm diameter × 2.9 mm height [1]
- Wearable band: elastic, 40 cm long, for arm circumferences of up to 35 cm, can be shortened with scissors, without clips or seams; replacement bands are available individually
- Care: Gentle cycle at 30 °C, do not iron at high heat, do not tumble dry
❓ What is the difference between the single-band and interchangeable-band systems?
In short: With the single-band system, the holder and band are permanently connected: lower price, one design per holder. With the interchangeable-band system, you can combine the holder and band freely and switch them depending on your outfit.
❤️ Sensor holder in the single-band system
The single-band system is the more affordable option and is the right choice for you if you are completely happy with one specific holder color and a single band design. Changing bands is also possible here, but it involves a bit of fiddling. That’s why we only recommend changing the band with the single-band system if it is really necessary, for example if your band has been damaged or heavily soiled for some reason. You can wash the band on a gentle cycle at 30 °C, but do not tumble dry or iron at high heat!
💎 Sensor holder in the interchangeable-band system
Our interchangeable band system is unique and features an innovative, sophisticated plug-in system: the interchangeable band holder, which you can choose in classic or designer shapes, consists of the visible piece and an inner ring. The elastic band is clamped here and locks in place by itself. This means you can switch back and forth between different holder shapes and band designs and perfectly match the sensor holder to the rest of your outfit.
✅ Advantages of all Zuckerschmuck sensor holders
All sensor holders for FreeStyle Libre are a textile covering option with many advantages:
- Suitable for sensitive skin or adhesive sensitivity: apart from the sensor adhesive, your skin does not come into contact with any other adhesive. It has been described in specialist articles that adhesives from diabetes devices can cause skin reactions [2,4]. A sensor armband does not add any tape adhesive. Find out more in the article Help with skin irritation caused by sensors and insulin pump catheters.
- Perfect for temporary covering: you can use the sensor holder as additional covering, for example when exercising, swimming, bathing, or using the sauna (yes, the Zuckerschmuck sensor holder can withstand that too!), and then remove it again when you don't need additional covering in everyday life. Of course, the sensor holder is also suitable for round-the-clock covering.
- Slim design and comfortable to wear: our sensor holders are slim and don't add bulk. The elastic band can easily be adjusted to fit your arm circumference (up to 35 cm) and locks in place by itself, without annoying clips or seams. You can simply trim excess band length with scissors; sewing it is not necessary.
- Doesn't look like a medical device: with our colorful bands, the sensor holder looks more like a fitness band - Zuckerschmuck 🌈
- Can be combined with stickers: you can combine the sensor holder with our Zuckerschmuck stickers for FreeStyle Libre and decorate your sensor colorful, glittery, or concealing, according to your mood.
- Long-lasting and reusable: compared to disposable tapes, the sensor holder is a durable covering option that you can use again and again. Our elastic bands are washable in the machine on a gentle cycle at 30 °C. Do not iron at high heat or tumble dry.
❓ Frequently asked questions about the sensor holder
Is the sensor holder suitable if I react to tapes?
The sensor holder itself does not stick to the skin, so you avoid applying any additional adhesive. Adhesive reactions to CGM sensors have been described in the medical literature [2,4]. If you experience repeated skin reactions, speak with your diabetes team.
Does the sensor holder withstand swimming, bathing, or sauna use?
Yes. The elastic wearable band is waterproof and can even withstand the sauna. After swimming or using the sauna, we recommend briefly rinsing the band to remove chlorine or salt residue.
What size is a FreeStyle Libre sensor?
The FreeStyle Libre 1 + 2 has a diameter of approx. 35 mm and a height of 5 mm; the newer FreeStyle Libre 3 measures approx. 21 mm in diameter and 2.9 mm in height [1]. According to Abbott, the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus has the same dimensions as the Libre 3 [1]. Our sensor holders are made to fit each sensor generation. More about function and wear duration can be found in the article Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3.
Can I wear the sensor holder during sports?
Yes. The elastic band is narrow, fits snugly around the upper arm, and does not require clips or seams, so it does not get in the way during sports either. The sensor holder is a decorative and concealing accessory; it does not change anything about the sensor itself.
When do you use a wearable band for the FreeStyle Libre?
Whenever you want to conceal or decorate your sensor temporarily, for example in summer with a short-sleeved T-shirt, during sports, or while swimming. And if you do not tolerate tapes well, the band is an alternative because it does not stick. You can remove it and put it back on at any time.
Where is the FreeStyle Libre sensor applied?
According to Abbott, the sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm [3]. This is exactly where the sensor holder sits too: The band goes around the upper arm, with the holder over the sensor.
How do I wash the wearable band?
Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30 °C. Please do not iron hot or put it in the dryer, as this could affect the elasticity.
What is the difference between the sensor holder and an overpatch tape?
An overpatch tape is additionally stuck over the sensor, meaning adhesive on adhesive on skin. The sensor holder is a textile alternative without a second adhesive layer. Both solutions have their merits; which one you prefer is an individual choice.
📣 Conclusion
We hope you now know which option suits you best and can choose your Zuckerschmuck sensor holder. Do you still have questions? Write to us info@zuckerschmuck.com and we will reply as quickly as possible. We hope you enjoy our sensor holders and have fun scanning at all times 🌈
Best wishes,
your Zuckerschmuck team
Note: This item is product information about lifestyle accessories and does not replace medical or diabetes-care advice. If you experience recurring skin reactions, sensor detachments, or other unusual symptoms, please contact your diabetes clinic.
Related topics
- Sensor holders for Freestyle Libre and Dexcom G6: Holder options also for the Dexcom G6.
- Decorating your reader made easy: From standard device to favorite piece in just a few steps.
- Conceal and style your Dexcom G6: How a sensor becomes an accessory.
- Dextrose for hypoglycemia: How much, how quickly and which form works in an emergency.
Sources
- Abbott Diabetes Care. How large is the FreeStyle Libre or FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor? Available at: freestyle.abbott/at-de. How big are the FreeStyle Libre Sensors? Available at: freestyle.abbott/uk-en. What is the size of the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor? Available at: freestyle.abbott/en-qa [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Heinemann L, Kamann S. Adhesives Used for Diabetes Medical Devices: A Neglected Risk With Serious Consequences? J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016;10(6):1211–1215. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27566734 [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Abbott Diabetes Care. FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor, product information. Available at: freestylelibre.de (Libre 3) and freestylelibre.de (Libre 3 Plus) [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
- Kamann S, Aerts O, Heinemann L. Further Evidence of Severe Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Isobornyl Acrylate while Using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2018;12(3):630–633. Available at: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29542347 [Accessed: 14.09.2026].
