One of the frequent questions we receive from amputees and Prosthetists about using the GlideWear® Prosthetic Liner Patch is, “how do I hold it in place while donning the prosthetic liner“.  This article will shed some light on a great skin-safe adhesive solution to ensure effective and frustration-free placement of the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch.

Although a little practice and the proper technique will help you work through the placement process, we’ve discovered a few skin-safe adhesive roll-on products that are commonly used for compression garments and other fabric-to-skin applications that have shown to be effective for placing the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch as well.

It’s important to note that you should never apply adhesives on open wounds or damaged skin.

Skin-safe adhesives are available online from at least three vendors in the U.S.A., including Jobst, Juzo, and CompressionStockings.com for under $10 per 2 ounce bottle.

Generally, when using a GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch for patella (knee cap) applications, the patch can be simply draped over the leg just before rolling the liner over the top.  No adhesive is necessary.

For other applications, such as the distal tibia or fibular head, we recommend draping the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch over the rolled-up liner before rolling the liner over the limb in that particular place.  If this process is challenging, skin-safe adhesive  is a great go-to solution to ensure accurate and frustration-free placement.

Skin-Safe Adhesive Instructions when used with the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch:

1. The most important thing to remember when using adhesive to temporarily “tack” the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch in place is to  make sure you’re using a skin-safe adhesive.  Use only adhesive products intended for use directly on the skin.  Three products we discovered include Juzo Adhesive-Lotion, Jobst “It Stays!” and “Stick It!” from CompressionStockings.com.
2. Secondly, all you need is a dab of skin-safe adhesive on your skin from the roll-on applicator.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised how well the adhesive holds the patch in place without drying or losing adhesion.  There’s no need to over-apply the adhesive, so use it sparingly.  Never apply adhesive over an open wound!
3. Finally, after placing the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch in the intended position, roll your prosthetic liner over the limb.  Because the liner creates an intimate fit against the limb, the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch will not migrate from it’s intended position.
4. At the end of the day when doffing your prosthetic limb and liner, remove the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch and place it in the laundry hamper.  Always use a clean, dry patch each day to ensure maximum effectiveness of the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch.  Sweat and adhesive build-up can prevent the product from sliding against itself as intended; reducing its shear-reducing capabilities.

Additional GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch application tips and photos can be found here.

Notice: GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches are not recommended for placement directly against open wounds.  Consult a healthcare professional about proper wound cleansing and treatment procedures to protect against further trauma and infection before using this product.

If you have any questions about using the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch, contact your Prosthetist or other healthcare provider to ensure that you’re using the product properly and in line with the healthcare protocol recommended by your provider.

GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches are distributed to Prosthetic service providers through O&P suppliers, worldwide.  For a list of Prosthetic service providers and other purchasing information, visit http://www.GlideWear.com/PLP