If you use an insulin pump, you know that the small choices can make a big difference in your daily life. One of the most personal decisions is selecting your infusion set. It’s the vital link between your pump and your body, and finding the right one is key to comfort, confidence, and successful diabetes management. For those using a Tandem insulin pump, there are several excellent options, but navigating them can feel a bit overwhelming.

This guide is here to simplify the process. We’ll walk you through the different types of Tandem infusion sets—AutoSoft, VariSoft, and TruSteel—and explore their features. By combining official information with real-world user feedback, we’ll help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about finding the best infusion set for tslim pumps.

What is an Infusion Set, Anyway?

Before diving into the specific types, let’s quickly cover the basics. An infusion set is a disposable tubing system that you change every two to three days. It has three main parts:

1. The Cannula: A very small, soft tube or steel needle that is inserted into the fatty tissue under your skin. This is where the insulin is delivered.
   
2. The Tubing: A thin, flexible tube that carries insulin from the pump cartridge to the cannula.
   
3. The Connector: The piece that locks the tubing to your pump’s insulin cartridge.
   

Choosing the right set often comes down to personal preference based on a few key factors: your activity level, body type, and ease of use. What works perfectly for one person might not be the right fit for another, so it’s all about finding what makes you feel most secure.

The Tandem Infusion Set Family: A Closer Look

Tandem offers a variety of high-quality tslim pump infusion sets designed to meet diverse needs. Let’s break down the main options so you can see how they compare.

The AutoSoft Line: Simplicity and Automatic Insertion

The AutoSoft family of infusion sets is often recommended for new pump users because of its all-in-one design. These sets come with a spring-loaded insertion device that makes application quick, consistent, and mostly hands-free, which can be a big confidence booster.

AutoSoft 90

This is one of the most popular infusion sets on the market. It features a soft, flexible cannula that inserts straight into the skin at a 90-degree angle.

• Key Features: Automatic, one-handed insertion; 6 mm or 9 mm soft cannula options; available in gray, pink, or blue.
• Who It’s For: The AutoSoft 90 is a versatile choice that works well for many different body types, from kids to adults. Its simplicity makes it a fantastic starting point.
• Real-World Feedback: While it’s a go-to for many, some users find the disconnection process a bit tricky. The small tabs on the connector need to be pinched just right to release the tubing. As one user noted after switching from a different set, it takes practice to get the hang of disconnecting without wiggling the whole site.

AutoSoft 30

For very lean, active, or muscular individuals, a straight-in 90-degree set might not be the most comfortable option. The AutoSoft 30 offers a solution by inserting its soft cannula at a shallower 30-degree angle.

• Key Features: Automatic insertion at a 30-degree angle; 13 mm soft cannula; a transparent window at the insertion point to monitor the site.
• Who It’s For: This set is often a great fit for active users, children, and adults with less body fat. The angled insertion can feel more secure and comfortable for these individuals.

AutoSoft XC

The AutoSoft XC is very similar to the AutoSoft 90 but comes with a significant design improvement that many users love: an easier-to-use connector.

• Key Features: 90-degree soft cannula with automatic insertion; a large grip area on the connector that makes disconnecting much easier.
• Who It’s For: This set is a favorite among those who have tried both the 90 and the XC. If you have limited hand strength, arthritis, or simply find the standard AutoSoft 90 connector frustrating, the XC is a fantastic alternative. As one forum user emphatically stated, the preference is “nearly unanimous in favor of the AutoSoft XC. It is most definitely the better design.”

VariSoft Infusion Set: For Customized Control

If you want more control over your site placement, the VariSoft infusion set offers the ultimate flexibility. It allows for manual insertion, giving you the power to choose the perfect angle for your body.

• Key Features: Variable insertion angle (you can choose from 20 to 45 degrees); manual insertion for complete control; 13 mm or 17 mm soft cannula options; a large adhesive pad for extra security.
• Who It’s For: The VariSoft is an excellent choice for slender individuals, people with significant scar tissue, or anyone who wants to tailor the insertion angle to different sites on their body. As one experienced pumper shared, manual insertion allows you to feel if you’re about to hit a nerve or vein. Another user noted that because it doesn’t have a bulky inserter, it packs lighter for travel.

TruSteel Infusion Set: The Benchmark for Reliability

Have you ever experienced unexplained high blood sugar levels, only to find out your soft cannula was bent or kinked? It’s a common and frustrating problem. The TruSteel infusion set was designed to eliminate that worry completely.

• Key Features: Uses a very fine, 29-gauge stainless steel needle instead of a plastic cannula; manual 90-degree insertion; a second adhesive pad for extra security against the needle dislodging.
• Who It’s For: This set is a game-changer for anyone with a history of bent cannulas. It’s also a great option for those who have allergies to the plastic used in soft cannulas.
• Real-World Feedback: While the idea of a steel needle can be intimidating, many users report that it’s surprisingly comfortable. One person commented that “the needle feels like an old pen needle,” and most don’t feel any pain when sitting or lying on the site. The trade-off for its reliability is that some users find they need to change the set every two days instead of three.

Making Your Choice: What to Consider

The “best” infusion set is the one that fits seamlessly into your life. When discussing options with your doctor or pump trainer, consider these questions:

• What is my activity level? Highly active people may prefer the durability of TruSteel or the angled comfort of the AutoSoft 30.
• What is my body type? Leaner individuals often benefit from the angled insertion of the AutoSoft 30 or the customizable depth of the VariSoft.
• What have been my past challenges? If you’ve struggled with kinked cannulas, TruSteel is a clear winner. If you’ve found disconnection difficult, the AutoSoft XC is worth a try.
• How do I feel about manual insertion? If you prefer a quick, push-button process, the AutoSoft line is for you. If you value precise control over placement, look to VariSoft or TruSteel.

Your Next Steps

Choosing an infusion set is a journey, and it’s okay to experiment. What you start with may not be what you stick with long-term. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for samples of different sets so you can try them out. Pay attention to comfort, how well the adhesive holds, and your blood sugar control.

At Medically Modern, we understand that managing diabetes supplies can be complex. Our team is here to help you navigate your choices, answer questions about insurance coverage, and ensure you get the supplies you need, when you need them. You’re not in this alone.