|
MATERIALS |
COLOUR |
PROS |
CONS |
FIT & FINISH |
|
Polyethylene |
Opaque | -
Durable
-
Can be used in any temperature of water
-
Easy to clean
-
Pliable, so easy to spread apart and slide arm in
| -
Skin underneath tends to sweat
-
Some people allergic to plastic
-
Patients may feel the plastic is hard
-
Will melt with prolonged exposure to dry heat
| -
Trim with scissors or
exacto knife
-
Sand edges
-
Spot heat with
heat gun for minor adjustments
-
Finish the inside of rivets with nail polish to prevent rusting
|
|
Thermovac |
Clear | -
Durable
-
Stiff, gives slightly more support than polyethylene
-
Can be used in any temperature of water
-
Easy to clean
| -
As above
-
Stiff, therefore requires more strength & dexterity on patients part to apply
| -
As above, however heats easier and is less susceptible to over heating than polyethylene
|
|
Leather |
Natural Will darken with age & exposure to oils. | -
Durable
-
Can be used for people who are allergic to plastics
-
Pliable, so easy to apply
-
Patients report it feels nice against their skin
| -
Can not be used in water
-
Will darken with use
-
Difficult to clean
-
Skin underneath tends to sweat
-
Will soften with use (particularly those without reinforcement)
| -
Trim with scissors or
exacto knife
-
Sand edges
-
Minor adjustments possible if dampened with water or shoe stretch
|
