Suspension Sleeve Response

Suspension Sleeve Response

Progressive Prosthetics

2/5/2005

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.

ALPS SFR sleeves



I like you have tried a number of suspension sleeves and have found one that
has been appropriate for most of my patients. I use the Dura Sleeve brand. I
have found it to be relatively durable for most patients, provides good
suspension without being so restrictive that knee flexion is hindered, and
the cost is not prohibitive. It is available in five sizes from 10 -21 inch
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
I have unhappy pts because of increase perspiration, odor, and then
break down on stumps. I wish someone made a breathable suspension
sleeve. If you find on answer please let me know.

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.

I use a J. Smith suspension on my R-BK. Rig is PTB hard socket, 1x
stump sock. The Smith has worked fine for years. When you say you
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?
 
It might be of some interest to know what the amputees or end-users
think as well.

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.

I have been told that Ossur has a superior sleeve but our cost is more than the reimbursement.