If you have unused Dexcom CGM sensors, you might be wondering whether the older G6 or newer G7 pays more on the secondhand market. The answer is more nuanced than you'd think.
Here's what determines value for each, and which one typically pays more in real-world scenarios.
Quick Answer: Dexcom G7 Pays More Per Unit
On a per-sensor basis, Dexcom G7 sensors pay more than G6 sensors at the highest expiration tier. But there's a catch: G6 sensors come in 3-packs, while G7 sensors are sold individually. So a 3-pack of G6 sensors can actually pay more in total than a single G7 sensor.
๐ Real numbers at 11+ months expiration
Dexcom G6 3-Pack Retail: Up to $225 per pack
Dexcom G7 Single Sensor Retail: Up to $92 per sensor
Why G7 Pays More Per Sensor
G7 is Dexcom's newest CGM platform, and it's currently in high demand. Several factors drive its higher per-unit value:
- Smaller, more comfortable design โ many users prefer it
- 30-minute warmup (vs G6's 2 hours)
- Better integration with Apple Watch and modern pumps
- Longer 15-day wear for the 15-day version
- Less inventory available on the secondhand market
Why G6 Can Still Be Lucrative
Despite being the older model, G6 has strong demand for several reasons:
- It's still widely supported by insurance plans
- Many users haven't switched to G7 yet
- It pairs with older insulin pumps that don't support G7
- 3-pack pricing means larger total payouts per package
- Some users prefer the longer 10-day wear time over G7's 10-day standard
Retail vs DME โ Does the Distinction Matter?
Yes, significantly. Dexcom sensors come in two main packaging types:
Retail packaging
Bought at pharmacies. These pay more because they're easier to resell.
DME (Durable Medical Equipment) packaging
Supplied through insurance via specialty pharmacies. These pay less because of insurance restrictions on resale.
The Expiration Date Factor
Regardless of generation, expiration date is the biggest factor in your payout. Here's how it breaks down:
- 11+ months out: Maximum payout (top tier)
- 7โ10 months out: ~70โ80% of max
- 4โ6 months out: ~40โ50% of max
- 1โ3 months out: ~10โ20% of max
- Less than 1 month: Not accepted
The takeaway
Don't wait. A Dexcom G7 sensor expiring in 12 months might pay $92. The same sensor 6 months later (now 6 months from expiration) might pay just $40. Selling sooner = more money.
What Should You Do With Yours?
If you've upgraded from G6 to G7 (or vice versa), here's what we recommend:
- Check the expiration dates on every box
- Separate retail from DME packaging (retail pays more)
- Get a quote on our Sell Supplies page โ it takes 2 minutes
- Ship sooner rather than later to lock in top tier pricing
Final Verdict
Both G6 and G7 sensors have strong resale value. G7 wins per-unit, but G6 3-packs can pay more in total. The most important factors aren't the generation โ they're expiration date and retail vs DME packaging.
Get Your Dexcom Quote
See exactly what your sensors are worth โ G6, G7, retail, or DME.
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