This article is intended to address the top three questions that healthcare providers and end-users have asked us regarding the GlideWear® Prosthetic Liner Patch by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.
The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is indicated for lower-limb amputees who experience discomfort and skin trauma in specific locations on the residual limb, providing immediate relief and lasting protection from shear-related skin breakdown.
How do GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches work?
The silk-like 2-layer stretch fabric used in the manufacturing of GlideWear slides against itself when friction forces are heightened during activity, protecting sensitive skin tissue from abrasion and repetitive rubbing that leads to skin breakdown.
Although a prosthesis may fit exceptionally well for the most part (and should!), increased physical activity, diet, and both socket and ambient temperature play a critical role in regulating limb volume in a prosthetic socket. Keeping a skin care kit on-hand to keep the limb as cool, dry, and protected from skin breakdown throughout the day is essential to ensuring uninterrupted use of the prosthesis without limiting function.
How long do GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches last?
The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch has been tested to 180,000 rub cycles (lab simulation of the rubbing forces between two opposing materials against the skin during walking) and 100 wash & dry cycles with no visible wear. After approx. 2 years of product evaluation and 14 months of sales, we are not aware of any instances of the fabric deteriorating or losing it’s low friction properties over time.
Most importantly, be sure to wash the patches regularly and dry thoroughly before each use. We recommend keeping a supply of 4 to 6 patches on-hand for daily use between washing cycles.
Which size patch should I use?
In choosing the correct GlideWear prosthetic Liner Patch size, consider starting with the small size, which is optimal for MOST applications. Whether you’re using the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch to relieve or prevent discomfort and skin breakdown on the patalla, popliteal, distal anterior tibia, or fibular head, we only recommend using a patch that’s slightly larger than the area of concern.
If the small patch provides insufficient coverage due to limb size/volume or wound size, only then do we recommend selecting the larger patch size. Wrinkling is also reduced or eliminated when patch size is optimized and not exceeding the size of the limb so, if wrinkling is a concern with the larger patch, consider using the small patches.
Where can I buy the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch?
For a comprehensive listing of healthcare industry and direct-to-consumer purchasing options, visit the GlideWear website.
We recommend talking to your Prosthetist or primary healthcare provider to discuss whether the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch will meet your needs and if socket or liner adjustments are required to ensure proper performance of your prosthesis.
Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions about the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch
For more information about the GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch, visit www.glidewear.com.
The GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patch is manufactured in Minnesota, USA by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Patented US864659 – GB2478206. Other Patents Pending. CE-Registered.
