Here are the responses about suspension sleeves. Thanks for all the =
suggestions. Matt
Yep, I feel your pain. I have been through just about every sleeve =
myself. I have even gone so far as to have them custom made for me by an =
independant manufacturer. I try to use the most cost effective version =
but that usually results in tears and punctures. I tried the neoprene =
from Cascade but the NKS sleeve ripp if you have unsightly finger nails. =
I use the DURA sleeves now and have had mixed results. I prefer to use a =
silicone or gel for my active patients and geriatric for ease of donning =
and durability. I normally use the OWW sleeve or an ALPS if the user is =
up to the added weight. I try to use the sleeve as an secondary =
suspension so that a simple neoprene can be used without fear of loosing =
the leg as they round third base. I figure that sleeves will always be a =
problem and if anyone out there has a better (cheaper) sleeve please =
send them my way. Hope you have better luck than I have had lately. Have =
a good one.
I have started to use the Euro silicone sleeve over the past 6 months. =
It
works great for suspension. It is fairly easy to apply if taught =
correctly,
is much more durable than the Silipos models, and suspends pretty well =
with
and without a “valve” system. Only drawback if the cost is fairly high.
However, I feel it is worth the cost if it provides a good solution to =
my
patient’s needs.
The suction sleeve I have found to hold up for active individuals is the =
SLR
(easy sleeve) by Alps
There are variety of materials being used in manufacturing of suspension =
sleeves. unfortunately most of them start to degrade due to contact =
with sweat. When these materials degrade they produce undesirable =
chemicals as a results many patients have allergic reactions. If Ossur =
was producing suspension sleeves with aloe and vitamin e or platinum =
cured silicone it would be very patient care oriented product. What I =
know about the materials I avoid using any suspension sleeves if I can.=20
ALPS SFR sleeves
I like you have tried a number of suspension sleeves and have found one =
that=20
has been appropriate for most of my patients. I use the Dura Sleeve =
brand. I=20
have found it to be relatively durable for most patients, provides good=20
suspension without being so restrictive that knee flexion is hindered, =
and=20
the cost is not prohibitive. It is available in five sizes from 10 -21 =
inch=20
knee circumference
My favorite is the 6 mm. Alps EZ sleeve. It is very durable. Problem is =
getting reasonable reimbursement on it.
I agree, I have mixed results. The suspension sleeve does its job but=20
I have unhappy pts because of increase perspiration, odor, and then=20
break down on stumps. I wish someone made a breathable suspension=20
sleeve. If you find on answer please let me know.=20
Good topic. I have tried most, and am still searching. So far, the
most durable I have found (at a reasonable cost), are Durasleeves. I am
very interested to hear all replies. Please post them.
Have you seen our new Contex Gel one? Here is some info
> I have used just about every suspension sleeve known to man with
mixed results.=20
I use a J. Smith suspension on my R-BK. Rig is PTB hard socket, 1x=20
stump sock. The Smith has worked fine for years. When you say you=20
use, do you mean patients of yours use them, or you use them?
> I would be interested to know what the consensus is
among other practitioners preferences?
=20
It might be of some interest to know what the amputees or end-users=20
think as well.=20
we have great response from patients with the Daw, G-Sleeve
It is very compliant, comfortable, durable.
We all seem to be in the same boat! The lessor of evils for me is the =
Otto Bock silicone sleeve (or knee protector from the catalog). This =
seems to hold up better than most and is flexible enough for easy =
donning.=20
I have been told that Ossur has a superior sleeve but our cost is more =
than the reimbursement.
