If you've just been upgraded from a Dexcom G6 to a G7 — or you're weighing up the switch — there's one small practical question most guides skip: what happens to your patches?
The short answer: your old G6 patches won't fit a G7. The sensor is a different shape and size, and the overlay patch is cut to hug that shape exactly. This is a short honest guide to what changes at the patch level when you switch, so you can plan the transition without wasting the ones you have left.
The physical differences that matter for your patch
Ignoring the app changes, the transmitter differences and the algorithm updates — from a patch point of view, there are three things worth knowing about G7 vs G6:
Size
The G7 sensor is roughly 60% smaller than the G6 by volume. Flatter, lower profile, less bulge under a jumper. A patch cut for the G6 has a hole that's too big for a G7 sensor to sit inside snugly — it will lift the edges and defeat the whole point.
Shape
The G6 is oval-ish and taller. The G7 is a rounded disc, closer to a fat coin. Different silhouette, different cut-out needed on the patch.
Orientation
The G6 has a "horizontal" and "vertical" orientation depending on how the transmitter clips in. The G7 doesn't have that split — it's a single orientation. So you're picking one G7 patch design, not two variants.
Can I use my leftover G6 patches on a G7?
Honestly? No, not properly. You can technically stick a G6-cut patch around a G7, but the cut-out will be too large and the edges of the patch won't grip evenly. It ends up lifting within a day or two. You're better off saving the G6 patches for a friend who's still on G6, or setting them aside if you're keeping G6 as a backup.
The good news: all our designs come in both
When you switch, you don't have to switch designs. Every patch in our Dexcom Patches collection is cut for both G6 (horizontal and vertical) and G7. On each product page, the "Choose your device" option lets you pick the exact model you're now on, and we ship the patch cut to fit.
So if your child had a favourite Cookie Monster patch for their G6 and you don't want to break that ritual, you don't have to. Same design, sized for the G7 now.
By use case
For kids
The G7 being smaller is genuinely helpful for children — less bulk under school uniforms, less to catch on a school jumper. Overlay patches on G7 are typically lower profile too, so the whole setup feels more discreet if that's what your child prefers, or brighter and more visible if they'd rather show it off. Browse the Dexcom Patches for Kids collection for designs picked specifically for younger wearers.
For summer, swim and beach
The G7 has a slightly better water rating on paper (IP28) but in real-world use both G6 and G7 need help around the edges during a swimming holiday. The Waterproof Dexcom Patches collection covers both models with sea, beach and summer designs.
For everyday wear
If you're on the G7 and just want a solid design that stays on for the full 10 days without any thematic reason, our Best Selling CGM Patches collection shows what other Dexcom users order most, filtered by device on the product page.
How long does a G7 patch actually last?
Same as G6 in practical terms. A well-applied overlay patch on clean, dry skin should last the full 10-day Dexcom session. The variables are the same — sweat, water, sun cream, rough drying. We wrote a fuller answer to this in our guide How Long Do CGM Patches Last? if you want the details.
Application tips specific to the G7
Because the G7 sensor is smaller and flatter, application is slightly easier — there's less curvature to work around. Two things still matter:
- Apply the patch within a minute of the sensor going on. The G7 sensor's stock adhesive is fresh at that moment; adding the overlay early means both bond together at the same time.
- Press firmly for 30 seconds around all edges. Especially the top edge where a T-shirt sleeve will catch it during the day.
Full application guide on our Patch Care page.
Quick summary
- G7 patches are a different size and shape than G6 patches — not interchangeable.
- G7 has no horizontal/vertical split — simpler choice per design.
- All our designs come in both G6 (horizontal + vertical) and G7 — you don't lose your favourite when you switch.
- Patch behaviour (adhesion, wear time, water resistance) is practically the same across both models.
- Order via the Dexcom Patches collection and pick your model on the product page.
