A system for preserving functionality of a skin-engageable element for attachment to a skin portion of a user during storage including a skin-engageable element including one or more electrodes and a protective element having discrete portions projecting therefrom. The discrete portions are adapted to engage with through-going passages in an adhesive layer of the skin-engageable element, and ensure that the passages are open and passable when the protective element is removed before use of the skin-engageable element.