A side view of a woman turned to face the camera with a Bubble and Freestyle Libre

Bubble Review | Converting The Freestyle Libre To A CGM

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I have been using the Freestyle Libre for over 5 years now. At first I thought it was amazing, but over time it’s inaccuracies mixed with my busier life as a parent and I began to wonder if it was really benefitting me anymore.

For the last 10 days I have been using a Bubble from Bubble Sweden to convert my Freestyle Libre from a simple flash glucose monitor to a CGM (continuous glucose monitor), with alarms and warnings that can make a huge impact on the life of someone with type 1. So what did I think?

What Is The Bubble CGM?

The Freestyle Libre is a flash glucose monitor. That means that it is constantly recording your interstitial fluid and using an algorithm to calculate an estimate for blood glucose. You use a reader (or in some cases your mobile phone) to scan the monitor and receive a reading plus directional arrows for your blood glucose over the last 8 hours.

The Bubble Libre CGM attaches to your Freestyle Libre and converts it to a continuous glucose monitor. By that, I mean that it provides up to date data straight t your phone without having to physically scan the sensor. Using one of the compatible apps you can set up alarms for high and low readings, set targets and reminders.

A close up of a round Freestyle Libre and Bubble CGM on a woman's arm
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Which Libre Is Bubble Compatible With?

The Bubble is currently compatible with Libre we get on the NHS here in the UK, as well as:

  • Freestyle Libre 1
  • Freestyle Libre 2
  • US 10 Day Libre
  • US 14 Day Libre
  • Freestyle Libre Pro/H

What Is In The Box?

The Bubble comes in a small box – conveniently in a colour that matches my branding 😉 Inside the box there are just a few items, with everything you need for your bubble. There are:

  • Bubble CGM
  • Charging Cable
  • 4 Sheets Adhesive Stickers
  • Information sheet
A Bubble CGM box, information booklet, adhesive stickers, drop shaped CGM and charging cable
Related Post: Connecting The Libre 2 To A Smart Watch

Setting It Up

Set up is really simple. The Bubble comes fully charged so you simply need to apply the adhesive and place it on to your Libre. I have used similar devices before so I was fairly confident in what I was doing, but I do think for a new user a little more guidance may have been helpful.

With the Bubble safely on your arm you can move on to using one of the apps and linking your Bubble to it.

Switching Bubble On And Off

Bubble arrives in unique packaging, and when it is removed it turns itself on. When you place it back in to the groove in the packaging it will turn itself off again.

A rectangular piece of packaging with a drop shaped groove in it for a Bubble CGM. The bubble is sitting next to it.
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There is a small LED light on the Bubble which will alert you to it’s current state:

  • LED light does not blink or light up when Bubble is turned on.
  • Red LED blinks 1 time when Bubble is switched on or restarted.
  • Red LED flashes when Bubble is charging
  • Blue LED remains on when Bubble is fully charged and ready for use.

Bubble CGM App Compatibility

There are a couple of choices when it comes to linking your Bubble to your phone. For android users there is DiaBox and XDrip+ readily available, and for iOS you can access DiaBox and XDrip+ via Testflight. As an Apple user I can only pass judgement on those apps, but I welcome your comments below on how you found it with Android.

It is worth nothing that, regardless of which app you use, having you phone working as a CGM reader does drain your battery. I am usually at home for large parts of the day so it isn’t really an issue for me, but when we go out for the day I find it useful to take a portable charger with me to keep my phone going.

DiaBox

DiaBox was the first app that I used and initially I really liked it. Visually it is very clear to use, and it appears to be very user friendly. You can easily customise your alarms based on your individual needs and – most crucially for me – it didn’t lose connection every 5 minutes and require a restart.

DiaBox reads directly from the Libre and so the readings you see are exactly what the Libre has calculated. While this may be beneficial to some, I find the Libre really quite inaccurate and so the ability to calibrate the Bubble with a finger prick is vital. I have been informed that the calibration feature will be available soon, so I’m looking forward to that!

I also like to have my readings show on my Apple Watch – might as well make the use of the technology I have! The DiaBox app does send notifications to your watch, alerts for highs and lows etc, but it doesn’t have the compatibility to show your readings on the watch yet. I believe this is also in the works, but it is a “nice to have” rather than a complete deal breaker.

Once a calibration option has been added DiaBox would hands down be my app of choice.

Xdrip+

After expressing my concerns with calibration to the team at Bubble I was guided towards Xdrip+ for iOS. It is not as graceful as DiaBox, nor is it as reliable – but it does work.

Aesthetically Xdrip+ for iOS is very basic. The graph goes up and down but there is no colour coding or “in target” areas. However it is simple to personalise the alarms and settings, and there is even the option to add a reminder to calibrate it.

I calibrate to Xdrip+ twice a day, first thing in the morning and again in the evening before my dinner, as this is when my blood sugars are most stable. By doing this I find the accuracy of Bubble to be great and I am comfortable using it to bolus and make corrections throughout the day.

With Xdrip+ there is also the option to link to your smart watch so your readings can be seen at a glance. You can choose to include the change since previous reading (so you can gauge if it’s going up or down) or just have a standalone number and arrow. I prefer the second option as it is clearer when you are just having a quick look.

Using Bubble Day To Day

Water

Like most adults I shower every day, but I also take my kids to their swimming lessons. This leaves me submerged for around 30 minutes. The Bubble is designed with no holes in it to ensure its durability while in the water. It claims to be fine for up to 2m deep and 30 minutes submersion, the same as the Libre. I have used the Libre many times in the past for far longer than 30 minutes, and over time I will no doubt be exposing Bubble to similar conditions. I can only hope it can stand up to the job.

Adhesive

Does the Bubble stay stuck? This is one of the questions I have been asked most often, second only to queries about reliability of the apps. In my honest opinion, the adhesive is one area that is really letting the Bubble down. Personally, I have found that the stickers are only lasting around 24-36 hours, whereas with alternative brands I can get a full 14 days.

This may be due to the fact the adhesive sticks ONLY to your arm, with no actual attachment to the Freestyle Libre. While Abbott probably prefer that, I think it is letting down the Bubble and is an area that could do with significant improvement. I would not feel comfortable entering a pool while wearing the Bubble with only it’s original adhesive to secure it in place.

I have gotten around this by using the adhesive stickers from the MiaoMiao Libre CGM to secure the Bubble from when I had one previously. Since making the switch it has held in place with no concerns.

You can purchase a holder direct from Bubble for €9.99. I prefer not to have additional strapping on my arm but it could be something to consider.

A woman smiting at the camera and showing her arm where she has a Freestyle Libre and Bubble CGM
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Battery Life

The Bubble boasts a battery length of 10 days, however I am getting a full 14 days out of the sensor. I am sure that, like all electrical items, over time this may decrease slightly, but for now I am happy to report no charging is required over the course of a single Libre sensor.

*Update* – I have now been using the Bubble for over 3 months and have never had the battery need required during the life of a Libre sensor. It has lasted a full 14 days each time.

How Do The Children React?

In my house I have 2 little ones, currently 4 years old and nearly 2. The 4 year old is not really an issue, but a handsy 2 year old who is often up in my arms can get a bit precarious at times.

I have worn similar devices (most recently the MiaoMiao) for quite some time now and so JJ wasn’t particularly phased by the change to Bubble. He is discouraged from touching – but the temptation to tug is often right there in front of him. With the original adhesive it would soon become detached unfortunately, but overall it’s not a huge problem.

A woman facing away from the camera with her arm resting on her knee, showing her Freestyle Libre and Bubble CGM
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Comfort

If you are considering a Bubble you are probably already accustomed to wearing a Libre, so having things attached to you won’t be that alien. When I first looked at additions to it I had some concerns about the comfort of adding extra bulk to my arm.

I don’t notice the Bubble on my arm. It is no bigger imposition than the Libre alone is. It doesn’t tug or pull at my skin, I lie on it when I sleep and the kids climb all over me with it. Discomfort doesn’t even cross my mind.

Is The Bubble CGM Worth The Price?

Currently, you can buy a Bubble for €129.99. While I don’t want to downplay the cost – I full appreciate that it is a lot of money – in the long run I do believe the cost is worth it.

I spent years self funding the Libre, on it’s own without any additional CGM functionality. This was £100 a month, and so a one off payment of just slightly more than that doesn’t seem so bad. The alerts for highs and lows are invaluable to me these days and I do honestly think the price is worth it. Because can you really put a price on your health?

I was sent a Bubble CGM in order to carry out this review. All words and opinions are my own.

What Next?

Why not join our Facebook Group which is hub for women with all different types of diabetes. It is a safe place to ask questions, share knowledge and be open about how you are coping.

40 thoughts on “Bubble Review | Converting The Freestyle Libre To A CGM”

  1. This seems like a great addition and if you don’t really notice it when it’s attached that must be a big bonus too. Amazing how far technology has come and very reassuring! The price actually does sound very reasonable.

  2. What an interesting insight into life with diabetes. I had no idea such things as this existed! It’s great that its comfortable and doesn’t tug.

  3. Thanks for this! I am trying to decide between the Bubble and the Miaomiao at the moment… Many thanks for an honest review xxx

  4. I have no experience of diabetes, so this is a really interesting insight. Sounds really useful to someone who needs it.

  5. Melanie williams

    This is such a fab idea. Anyone who requires this for medical diabetes it must be a god send

  6. excellent review, however your description of xdrip+ is a bit out of date and the app now has multi colour graph and multiple alarms.

    1. I believe that may be the case for the android version – but I am using iOS and it definitely just has the one colour in my graph. I hope to see updates for it soon 🙂

  7. brilliant review, I have just bought the miao miao 2 to work with my libre & iPhone 7 and it seems as if the battery is dead as no lights come on after reset, charge etc, I am distraught as I paid $184 for it and after 3 emails to supplier I have never got a reply, if only I had known about this before I bought the other one I would have bought it

  8. I am so sorry I didn’t see this item sooner as I have just received a miao miao 2 to work with my iPhone 7 14 day sensor & it wont turn on or charge, I have contacted the seller 4 times and they have never responded and I am distraught, can you please tell me where can I purchase this item, I can afford another $184 (miao Miao 2 price) but when I save maybe I could consider this
    Thanks for any help

    Best regards

    Jayne

      1. hi
        Thanks for your reply, do you know if the bubble one will work with iPhone 7 & as I live in the UK and have 14 day libre sensor will it work with it – sorry for being a nuisance but I really don’t want to waste more money
        Thanks

  9. I’ve just purchased the bubble today, what are you using to secure it to your arm? On the odd occasion I need to secure the libre I use KT tape, is this suitable to cover the bubble or should I use an alternative?
    Thanks

    1. most of the time I don’t need anything extra – but when I do I tend to use KT tape. Never had a problem with it yet 🙂

  10. Really good review and had heard of MiaoMiao before but never got to trying it and never knew others existed. It really helpful to get hands on experience with decisions as they are not cheap but hugely valuable when they work.

    I have been on Libre for @3 years now more recently funded and always have been waiting on push notification as that makes the Dexcom far better when have tried that. Time to reset my tech choices I think

    Thanks so much

  11. Thank you so much for your honest and detailed review. I am currently trying to decide between the bubble and the MiaoMiao 2. Can I just ask, you said you could charge the bubble while attached but I was under the impression the charging connector was at the back of the bubble, has this changed? Thank you on advance for your help.

    1. You know what – you are totally right! It can’t be charged while in use. I was confusing it with the Miao Miao 2 when I wrote this, and I’m going to go and change it now. If it helps, I have only had to charge it every 2 weeks anyway. It has never run out of battery during the life of a Libre sensor

  12. Is it possible for me to also see the readings and follow my daughter. She has apple phone, however I am andriod. She will probably use the xdrip+ app.

  13. Hello, Good review!! I was wondering if as of Aug 8th, 2020 how is the Bubble holding up! Have they implemented the ability to calibrate with a finger stick on DiaBox yet? If so how has it been working? Do you find that Xdrip+ is more accurate than Diabox with the calibrations? it seems as though you might be in the EU, are you still using the Libre 14day? isn’t the Libre 2 available in your location. I am in the US and it just became available here about 10days ago, and it is much more accurate. Do you still recommend the Bubble over the MM? would this be the 1st MiaoMiao that you eluded too in your review? and not the MM2 correct?

    1. No we don’t have the Libre 2 here in the UK yet as far as I’m aware. Certainly not available on the NHS. I do prefer the Bubble over the MM1, but I would choose the MM2 over the Bubble. Pros and cons to both of them, and the Bubble customer service is way better. But I have been using MM2 for the last few months without it losing connection once which was my main issue with MM1

  14. I really appreciate your review, trying to decide between the bubble and Miaomiao for my 10yr old son is actually really hard, so I really appreciate your honesty.

  15. I use the Bubble with android and it works great. Some things that you didn’t mention …
    There are a dozen or more Alarm sounds so you can set it up so you know which Alarm is sounding, Low, Extreme Low, High, or Extreme High. Some of the sound go up and some go down which makes it nice.
    You can get more than 14 days using the Bubble software. The Libre sensor does NOT shut down after 14 days, the Libre Reader or LibreLink software shuts it off. If you don’t scan with the Reader of LibreLink, the Libre just keeps on going. Some people are using Diabox for 20 days and some are going for 30. Unknown as of yet how long is safe to keep that nylon brisstle inserted in your are and how long it is accurate.
    No calibration as of yet. But the quality control on the Libre has slipped so much that the error of the Libre reading is to erratic for calibration. But the Libre is still extremely useful. I do calibrations by changing the Alarm limits. And, the Bubble get me up in the night a couple of times a week.

    We need to let people know that we are not putting the Libre down but Lifting it up. The Libre is NOT a true CGM. The Bubble makes it more so. The Libre is a fantastic invention. But, it is not the “Be all, End all”, just the next step. And, the Bubble is the next step beyond that.

    The Libre 2 has Alarms, but just one sound. And, the Alarms work only with the Reader. No software for phones yet. And, if you leave the Reader in a room and leave the room, the Alarm goes off.

    Thanks for the review.

    1. Hi Wes. Thanks for your insight. Can you explain a little more how to activate the Libre without the Libre reader? I thought it was the only way to have it started. You mean that it is possible to start it with the software that comes with the Bubble (Diabox)?
      Many thanks in advance,
      Gabriel

  16. 5 stars
    Can anyone please confirm if Bubble (and/or MiaoMiao2) work OK with the US version of Freestyle Libre 2?
    The website just states at the bottom “note that LIBRE 2 USA is not currently available on AppStore and not in Diabox app yet.”, which I am not sure how to interpret. I do know the Android Store “FreeStyle LibreLink – US” application currently does not read the Libre 2 sensors.

    Thank you in advance.

  17. Hi has anyone managed to double the life of the freestyle libre using bubble as per some online videos ? Thanks

  18. Hello
    Is this available for Canada and is it compatible for libre 1 and 2?
    Do you also have a discount ?

  19. Just in case nobody has pointed this out . . . there is no xdrip+ app for apple/ios. What you have is xdrip4ios which is a completely different app to xdrip+, which is only available for android devices.
    The two different xdrips have absolutely nothing to do with each other and have completely different features. it is a little disingenuous of xdrip4ios to use xdrip in their name as it is clearly confusing for users.

  20. Roland Crosskey

    Thank you oddhog, fascinating.
    I was prescribed Libre2 in Feb ’21 and purchased the mini-bubble in May. Libre was a huge improvement on finger pricking and the mini-bubble a further huge improvement. Now I no longer need the mini-bubble since Diabox, a free app, connects directly to Libre2.
    I recently had a weekend break from Libre, due to a sensor failure and I was away from home without a spare (my fault) and that was 2 days too long! I’m glad I’d previously had 12 months of finger pricking and felt under control – just. But highly relieved to restore the CGM that comes with Libre2 and Diabox.

  21. I recently got the mini bubble device along with the watlaa watch. I successfully connected the mini bubble with diabox app on iPhone, however, I can’t seem to connect the watlaa watch with the bubble device nor with the diabox app and i need my child to get readings on her watch at school as phones are forbidden, I tried everything none work and i was wondering if you can help me.

    1. Hello,

      I don’t have a Watlaa watch so I’m afraid I can’t help with that. However in most cases a phone is needed as a receiver which then sends the data to the watch.

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