Neoprene vs Silcone Gel Liner and Heat Insulation

Neoprene vs Silcone Gel Liner and Heat Insulation

Dear O&P List Members:
 
I am inquiring to see if anyone has had any first hand experience using a
silicone gel liner for thermal protection of an individuals residual limb in
cold temperatures vs possibly a custom neoprene liner?
 
My question is relative to providing an individual with a transradial upper
limb amputation a means of achieving thermal protection when not wearing
their prosthesis outdoors in cold temperatures.
 
Neoprene obviously has been used in wet suits for thermal protection in cold
water diving and other water sports, such as surfing, for years.
 
Regardless, silicone gel liners are more readily available for use on a
transradial residual limb. Additionally, the thermal protection characteristics
of silicone have become more popular for thermal protection use, such as hot
pad or even a silicone glove for handling stove pans or baking utensils in
the kitchen and even as a baking pan.
 
I have Google Searched potential information regarding this and have not
found any documentation that might verify my opinion that silicone... or any
gel liner for that matter... might work just as well as the tried and true
neoprene wet suit garments.
 
I suspect our use in prosthetics is the only application where a silicone
garment (residual limb gel liner) is being used over the human body; however,
in our case it is primarily being used as an ideal material for tissue
trauma protection from pressure and shear forces, rather than for thermal
protection.
 
I have absolutely know experience with the use of a wet suit. I am hoping
someone out there in the world of prosthetics has had first hand experience
with the above described situation, either in their practice experience or
possibly as an amputee with cold water diving experience, who possibly has
possibly used a gel liner for this purpose.
 
Thank you in advance for any input!!
 
John N. Billock, CPO/L, FAAOP
Warren, Ohio USA
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