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- What is an infusion set?
- How big is the needle?
- What’s the difference between a cannula and a needle?
- Where do I insert an infusion set?
- What is the best way to insert an infusion set?
- How long can I wear an infusion set?
- How do I remove the site to change infusion sets?
- How do I dispose of an infusion set?
- Is Cleo® the only infusion set available?
- Are all infusion sets compatible with all insulin pumps?
- How can I move around if I have a tube connecting me to the insulin pump?
- Can you see the infusion set when I’m wearing it?
What is an infusion set?
An infusion set is a constant connection between your body and an insulin pump. Infusion sets have several components, including a cannula or needle, a site or hub, adhesive dressing, tubing, and a connector to the pump cartridge. The cannula or needle is inserted under the skin using an introducer needle. The site anchors the cannula or needle with an adhesive dressing or tape. Flexible tubing connects the site with the pump, which delivers insulin continually. The Cleo® infusion set has an all-in-one design that includes a housing that acts as the inserter and contains an introducer needle and cannula.
How big is the needle?
Needles in infusion sets are typically 26- or 27-gauge. (Gauge measures the diameter of a needle. Gauge increases with decreasing needle size.) To accommodate lifestyles and preferences, there are a variety of needle or cannula lengths, ranging from 6 mm to 17 mm; and needle or cannula types: angled, 90°, and bent. You can also choose between a plastic cannula and a metal needle. The Cleo® infusion set uses a 28-gauge introducer needle (thinner than most infusion sets) that inserts at 90° and is available in 6 mm and 9 mm cannula lengths.
What’s the difference between a cannula and a needle?
A flexible, plastic cannula (sometimes made of Teflon®) can be inserted using an introducer needle, as in the Cleo® infusion set. A plastic cannula is very comfortable to wear and can remain inserted for up to 72 hours. However, the cannula can become kinked; restricting the flow of insulin, and it cannot be re-inserted if it becomes dislodged.
A thin metal needle is inserted directly into the skin. Metal needle sets will not kink. If you have a plastic allergy, a metal needle is your best option. Metal needles may pinch or cause discomfort during movement or physical activity, and should be changed every 48 hours.
Where do I insert an infusion set?
The best place to insert an infusion set is in the abdomen. Insulin is absorbed faster and more predictably in the abdomen than anywhere else in the body. However, other possibilities for insertion include the thigh, back of the arms, or the upper buttocks. It is best to avoid areas that might be constricted or bumped (like the belt line), or that may contain scar tissue, or the area around the navel.
What is the best way to insert an infusion set?
When inserting the needle, stand or sit up straight to prevent your skin from “bunching up” or wrinkling as you apply the tape or dressing. For children, parents may find it easier to insert the set in a child who is lying down.
If you are concerned about inserting the needle, you can numb your skin with a cold can of soda, a cold spoon, a small bag of ice, or a small ice pack prior to insertion. You may want to try a nonprescription topical numbing cream (such as lidocaine), or check with your physician/healthcare provider to obtain a prescription topical numbing cream, if necessary. Remember to numb the skin before you clean and prepare the site for your set insertion.
How long can I wear an infusion set?
An infusion set is typically worn for two to three days, then is removed and discarded.
How do I remove the site to change infusion sets?
You peel off the adhesive disc to remove the site. This removes the cannula and the site. The Cleo® infusion set has a white dot on the edge of the adhesive disc that is not adhered to the skin, to help ease the site off.
How do I dispose of an infusion set?
Infusion sets should be disposed of using a secure sharps container. The Cleo® infusion set encloses the needle inside the canister; its own mini-sharps container.
Is Cleo® the only infusion set available?
No, there are several other infusion sets on the market:
| Infusion Set |
Connection |
Needle Length |
Gauge |
Tubing Length |
Inserter |
| Cleo® |
Standard Luer |
6, 9 mm |
28g intro needle, 25g cannula |
24 in., 31 in., 43 in. |
All in one |
| Orbit 90™ |
Standard Luer |
6, 9 mm |
26g
cannula |
24, 30, 42 in. |
Compatible with standard syringes |
| SimpleChoice® Quick |
Standard Luer |
6, 9, 12 mm |
26g cannula |
23, 43 in. |
Compatible with standard syringes |
| Ultra Flex™ |
Standard Luer |
8, 10 mm |
27g intro needle, 25g cannula |
23, 31, 43 in. |
Manual |
| Quick-Set® |
Standard Luer or Proprietary Paradigm |
6, 9 mm |
27g intro needle, 25g cannula |
23, 43 in. |
Optional Quick Serter |
| Sof-set Micro QR® and Sof-Set Ultimate QR® |
Standard Luer or Proprietary Paradigm |
6(micro), 9(QR) mm |
27g intro needle, 25g cannula |
24 in. |
Optional Sof-Serter |
| Soft Release |
Proprietary Dana |
9 mm |
27g intro needle, 25g cannula |
27, 43 in. |
Manual |
| Inset® |
Standard Luer |
6, 9 mm |
26g intro needle, 25g cannula |
23, 43 in. |
All in one |
| THINset® |
Standard Luer |
6, 9 mm |
--- |
23, 43 in. |
Manual |
This chart compares only straight insertion, cannula sets. There are also straight insertion metal infusion sets and metal sets with slanted insertion.
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Are all infusion sets compatible with all insulin pumps?
No. Some infusion sets have proprietary connection systems that can only be used with select pumps. For example, the Soft Release, by Dana, and the Medtronic MiniMed Paradigm® Quick-Set®, Sof-set Micro QR®, and Sof-set Ultimate QR® have proprietary connections that can only be used with their own brand of pumps. Most other infusion sets—including the Cleo® infusion set—use a standard Luer lock, which can be used with any Open System insulin pump.
How can I move around if I have a tube connecting me to the insulin pump?
Tubing can come in a variety of lengths to allow you ample mobility. The Cleo® infusion set offers 24- and 31- inch tubing lengths. In addition, the tubing is attached using a Luer lock with a 360° site connection so you can attach the tubing to the site from any direction.
Can you see the infusion set when I’m wearing it?
The site lies flat against your skin, with transparent, skin-friendly adhesive that breathes yet keeps water out. The tubing is clear, making the Cleo® infusion set comfortable and discreet to wear under your clothing.
Order your Cleo® 90 infusion sets today!
Call 1-800-826-9703
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