I find if I wear the 5X overnight to track sleep I get an itchy rash I think from the plastic sensor. Anyone else experience this and found a way (other than just not sleep tracking) to stop it? Thanks!
I don't think it is a reaction to the sensor itself, but a cozy little spot for bacteria on the skin to have a party. It is the beginnings of an infection. I get that under my silicon strap, so I switched to leather which eliminated it (Fenix 5), but did have a spot under the HR sensor starting up the other day, so I switched wrists.
Another option is to not only wash the device (you can wash it in the shower with you), but also use a cotton ball soaked in peroxide to wipe down your wrist and the watch to disinfect it. As others have mentioned, also switch wrists at night to let the area air out.
I used to get a terrible rash when I first got the band. Got into the routine of washing it daily with soap and water and it seemed to help. Though mine appeared on the sides of the wrist mainly with some under the watch back itself. After a while it seemed to just stop. Funny enough, though, the original band finally gave up the ghost (both the strap holders broke) and I swapped to a new one I had got with my replacement watch. For the first few days it came back. Almost like it has some sort of coating that caused the irritation.
LiquidSquid agreed I don't think its the sensor - its just that the sensor is designed to be tight up against the skin - and so will hold moisture dirt etc
With all my Garmins I have always showered in them (I only shower after swimming) - I then dry my wrist and watch and put it back on after blowing out the charging port to clear the water out.
If I run or cycle then I bath - both watch and HRM Tri go into the bath whilst I fill it - again I dry myself and watch as above (and air dry the HRM)
I currently wear the watch 24/7 with the fluorescent yellow silicon band - I am currently rash free with the above regime
I had to return my Apple Watch because of an allergic reaction and got the Fenix 5s and am allergic to the back of this one too. I have tried all the washing and drying and it makes no difference. Really disappointed. Had fitbits before this and never had a problem, fear I will have to go back to one.
I’m having the same trouble, have had my Garmin 935 for 3 yrs now and something has worn off on the sensor portion as I get an intense 3 point rash that matches the sensor piece in the center. The metal port also bothers me. I have a mild nickel allergy but after wearing this watch 24hrs per day for years I can barely tolerate it for the hour I exercise each day. Very frustrating for me.
