Lower Limb Prosthetic Liners: Pros/Cons & Key Differences

[@monoped_adventures]

I use an Alps pinlock liner. Great product. Comfortable and durable.

[@TheLegLady]

Awesome! Glad to hear it has been working well for you!

[@ARoss83]

Can you do a video on sleeves and ways to repair them?

[@TheLegLady]

Yes, great suggestion for a video! I will add that to the list.

[@gaypreator8547]

I have one Alps liner that I really like, has a lower matrix that has a higher compression structure. (Do not know all the descriptive terms) however the umbrella diameter is small and protrudes out. Is very stressful to distal end of my stump. Can not wear causes blisters.

[@TheLegLady]

Appreciate the feedback and you sharing you experience! I have run into that a few times as well with others I have worked with.

[@courtneyjohnson3957]

What do you think about wool liners

[@TheLegLady]

Gel liners have done much to advance the field of prosthetics and improve the fit and comfort of a prosthesis, but they can be very hot and do degrade over time especially in very humid or harsher environments. There have been situations where I have just done a sock fit without a gel liner, in El Salvador being one example. And the wool does do a better job at absorbing and wicking away moisture compared to cotton, which is great for hot, humid climates. Oftentimes you will also see wool blended with other materials as well.

[@charmoniquewillis8922]

Am looking at an alps liner on the amputee store its the black one does it have high stretch?

[@TheLegLady]

I put their black liner in the middle as far as stretch. Their general purpose and easy liners (lighter colors) are going to have the most stretch, and the extreme HD liner (darker brown color) is going to have the least amount of stretch. The black liner is also the HD (high density) gel but a little more giving. When I am ordering the black liner, I typically go with the tapered version which is 6 mm thickness in the front and 3 mm in the back, especially for below knee amputees. I have used the black liner with several clients that have used other liners previously and have received good feedback with the Alps liner. Many have preferred the Alps black tapered liner.

[@charmoniquewillis8922]

@TheLegLady what do you think about the Alps eco? The reason is my legs below the knee is small compared to my thighs. My circumference 6cm up is 28cm on the right and 60cm above my knee.

[@TheLegLady]

@@charmoniquewillis8922 I have not used the Eco Liner as much as some of the others, but it does seem to have slightly more vertical stretch than the black or the dark brown extreme HD liner. It will give you more stretch at the top as well though while giving you better containment and control of your limb tissue compared to the general purpose and easy liner. A new liner will stretch out over time, but you can use your hands to stretch out the top before putting it on to speed up that process. If it's tight and uncomfortable around the top a little A&D ointment can help prevent irritation from friction and pulling at the skin. There's not really any company making decent conical shaped liners anymore, they have gotten more generic in shape. You could also see if your prosthetist would be willing to order one for you to try before you purchase one.

[@thomsunjewellers2056]

Can you please send me cost of this one