How to measure for a sensor cover?

MIOLKA EDU • Practical guide

To make sure your sensor sleeve fits your arm properly, we only need three measurements: the upper arm circumference, the lower arm circumference and the desired sleeve length.

How to measure your arm for a sensor sleeve – upper arm circumference, lower arm circumference and sleeve length

The most important rule:
Measure directly on your arm and without the sensor in place. Enter the actual measurements in centimetres when ordering. Do not add or subtract anything.

We need three measurements

A Upper arm circumference

Measure around your arm exactly where you would like the upper edge of the sleeve to sit.

B Lower arm circumference

Measure around your arm exactly where you would like the lower edge of the sleeve to sit.

C Desired sleeve length

Measure the distance along your arm between the point where the upper edge of the sleeve will sit and the point where the lower edge will sit.

Miolka EDU advice

Miolka tip:
If possible, ask another person to measure your arm. When measuring yourself, the tape can easily move or sit at an angle.

How should you hold your arm while measuring?

Keep your arm relaxed and hanging naturally by your side. Do not tense your muscles or hold your arm in an unnatural position.

For adults, especially men and people with larger upper arms, we recommend placing the measuring tape snugly around the arm. It should not dig into the skin or squeeze the arm excessively.

Miolka EDU warning

Do not measure over the sensor

Measure both the upper and lower circumference directly on the arm without the sensor in place. Measuring over the sensor would make the circumference larger than it really is.

What does sleeve length mean?

Sleeve length does not determine the size of your arm. It simply tells us how long you would like the sleeve to be.

First decide where you want the upper edge of the sleeve to sit and where you want the sleeve to end. Then measure the distance between these two points.

For example, if you want your sleeve to be 18 cm long, choose a length of 18 cm.

Sleeve lengths are available in 1 cm increments. If you need a different exact measurement, you can write it in the order note.

Should I add anything to the circumference?

No.

Enter the actual upper and lower arm circumference you measured. We take the cut and the stretch of the material into account when making the sleeve.

If you measure 31 cm → enter 31 cm.

Why do we need both the upper and lower circumference?

Your arm is not the same width along its entire length. For some people, the difference between the upper and lower circumference can be quite noticeable.

That is why we need both measurements. They help us adapt the sleeve more closely to the shape of your arm and reduce the risk of the sleeve being too loose or sliding down during wear.

What if the sleeve slides down?

For some adults, particularly those with a larger upper arm circumference or a greater difference between the upper and lower measurement, the sleeve may be more likely to slide down.

For selected larger sizes, we therefore offer an optional anti-slip silicone strip. This option is not available for the smallest children's sizes, because very narrow sleeves do not allow the strip to be sewn in properly.

A new sleeve may feel snug at first

The sleeve material is stretchy and gradually adapts slightly with wear. This means a new sleeve may initially feel a little snugger.

Need to loosen the sleeve slightly?
You can carefully stretch it for a few hours over the neck of a suitably sized bottle or another smooth object. Do not stretch it forcefully, as this could damage the seams.

Quick check before ordering

Check that:

✓ you measured your arm without the sensor

✓ your arm was relaxed and hanging naturally by your side

✓ you know your upper arm circumference

✓ you know your lower arm circumference

✓ you know how long you want the sleeve to be

✓ all measurements are entered in centimetres

✓ you have not added or subtracted anything from the measurements

Choose your made-to-measure sensor sleeve

Choose your pattern and desired length, then enter the actual upper and lower arm measurements. We will make the sleeve using the measurements you provide.

View sensor sleeves →

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure my arm with the sensor in place?

No. Measure both the upper and lower circumference directly on your arm without the sensor in place.

What exactly does sleeve length mean?

It is the distance between the point where you want the upper edge of the sleeve and the point where you want the lower edge to sit.

Should I add anything to my measurements?

No. Enter the actual measurements. Do not add or subtract anything.

Is it better to measure my arm myself or ask someone to help?

If possible, we recommend asking another person to help. It is easier to keep the measuring tape in the correct position.

What if my new sleeve feels a little tight?

The material will adapt slightly with wear. If you need to loosen it a little, you can carefully place it over a suitably sized smooth object for a few hours. Never stretch the sleeve forcefully.

Miolka EDU says thank you

That's it.
Three accurate measurements help us make your sleeve as closely as possible to the shape of your arm.

The Miolka sleeve is a textile accessory for sensors worn on the upper arm. The placement and use of your specific sensor should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the recommendations of your diabetes care team.