Signal blocking mobile phone pouches
If your child’s school, or a venue you are visiting is introducing a mobile phone free policy, here is what you need to know
What are mobile phone pouches? (such as Yondr, Hush Pouch, Locker Space, Lockabl , School Bears)
Mobile phone pouches are lockable pouches that can only be unlocked by placing them on the unlock point which is a very strong magnet. On entering the school or venue, the mobile phone must be placed inside the pouch and the lock button pressed. The mobile phone cannot be accessed until it is unlocked at an unlock point.
Do mobile phone pouches block Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Data or Phone Signal ?
Dependent on which company is being used depends on whether signal blocking material is used.
If the pouch has signal blocking technology, then the Dexcom sensor will not be able to communicate with the mobile phone whilst it is in the pouch. The Mobile phone will also not be able to transmit data to the cloud for the follower app. The sensor will hold up to 24 hours of data which will be transferred to the mobile app when it is out of the pouch.
If the pouch does not have signal blocking technology, then you are expected to put the mobile phone in to silenced mode. In this instance, please follow considerations below.
Many of the companies who make pouches with signal blocking technology also have a non-locking / non signal blocking version available for users who have a medical exemption.
Considerations for using a mobile phone pouch if you wear a Dexcom CGM or need to access the follow app
Schools or venues generally do not make any exceptions for use, apart from when there is a medical exemption. You will need to prove to the school or venue why a medical exemption is needed.
Check whether the type of pouch being used blocks signal.
Check with the school or venue whether, a medical exemption version exists that does not block signal and may be Velcro closing.
If you can use a pouch that does not block the signal, the Dexcom system will continue to function as normal.
If you can use a pouch that does not block the signal, the Dexcom system will continue to function as normal.
Audible or vibrating alerts will still occur, however if the pouch is locked you will not be able to access the phone, to see what the alert is, or what your glucose is. You would need to go to an unlock point to access the phone
For medical exemption, if available, a Velcro style pouch can be used instead of the lockable pouch. Alternatively, it might be agreed that the mobile phone goes in the lockable (non-signal blocking) pouch but that a compatible smart watch may be used.
If using a lockable or Velcro pouch that does not block signals, ensure the following
• If putting the mobile phone in Do not Disturb or Total silence, make sure that the always sound option has been enabled within the Dexcom App
• Also ensure that you have allowed critical alerts by adding Dexcom to the “Allowed apps” list within the mobile phone’s settings.
• If you are not the Dexcom wearer and are not considered exempt, but you need to be able to access the Follow app then you will need to put Vibrate only on and if the mobile phone vibrated you would need to go to an unlock point to access.
• If putting the mobile phone in Do not Disturb or Total silence, make sure that the always sound option has been enabled within the Dexcom App
• Also ensure that you have allowed critical alerts by adding Dexcom to the “Allowed apps” list within the mobile phone’s settings.
• If you are not the Dexcom wearer and are not considered exempt, but you need to be able to access the Follow app then you will need to put Vibrate only on and if the mobile phone vibrated you would need to go to an unlock point to access.
MAT-11935