GlideWear™ is a patented silk-like two-layer knit material designed to protect skin and soft tissue from the effects of rubbing/friction. The very slippery, low-friction interface (CoF, 0.2) between the two fabric layers of GlideWear™ protects the wearer from the friction forces which are the major factor responsible for soft tissue damage such as foot blisters, ulcers and bed sores.
GlideWear™ is made from a very light-weight Lycra knit material that stretches to fit closely, conforming to body contours. It is not intended to function as a compression garment. GlideWear™ is typically utilized as a patch or a component of clothing, footwear and/or support surface covers coming in forceful contact with body surfaces. It is strategically included as a discreet panel sewn into or onto only those locations which are known or expected to experience damaging levels of friction/rubbing.
Friction is the aspect of rubbing which does damage by applying excessive traction-type forces to the skin surface. These cause damaging shear distortion of skin and soft tissue layers. GlideWear™ will typically reduce friction forces by 50% to 80%.
GlideWear™ is bi-elastic and gas-and-vapor-permeable.
For more material information, please contact info@tamarackhti.com
Current GlideWear™ status
In September 2019, Tamarack sold the intellectual property for GlideWear™ to the Swedish company MIPS. Tamarack continues to use GlideWear™ under license from MIPS for Orthotic & Prosthetic, wheelchair surfaces (sublicensed to PermobilUS), for the Tamarack FlexForm Custom Seating System, and for other specialty applications (EB and burn garments).
