A transcutaneous sensor device configured for continuously measuring analyte concentrations in a host is provided. In some embodiments, the transcutaneous sensor device 100 comprises an in vivo portion 160 configured for insertion under the skin 180 of the host and an ex vivo portion 170 configured to remain above the surface of the skin 180 of the host after sensor insertion of the in vivo portion. The in vivo portion may comprise a tissue piercing element 110 configured for piercing the skin 180 of the host and a sensor body 120 comprising a material or support member 130 that provides sufficient column strength to allow the sensor body to be pushable in a host tissue without substantial buckling. The ex vivo portion 170 may be configured to comprise (or operably connect to) a sensor electronics unit and may comprise a mounting unit 150. Also described here are various configurations of the sensor body and the tissue piercing element that may be used to protect the membrane of the sensor body.