ALPS Silicone Liners: Hypoallergenic, Cooling, and Friction-Reducing

Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Summary:

• ALPS silicone liners reduce skin friction by 80%

• Hypoallergenic design suits sensitive skin types

• Cooling silicone helps regulate residual limb temperature

• Easy to clean, odor-resistant, and low maintenance

• SoftSil and Silicone Pro variants are available on Amputee Store

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Since the 1980s, silicone prosthetic liners have become vital for many prosthetic leg users. However, these liners often caused skin issues, such as irritation and blisters, due to the material’s high static friction. ALPS, a producer of prosthetic and orthotic medical devices, tackled these problems by developing silicone liners that prioritize cooling comfort, hypoallergenic properties, and significantly reduced friction.

A Brief History of Silicone Prosthetic Liners  

The 1980s saw the introduction of silicone liners, thanks to two-component RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicones, which were widely used in prosthetic facilities for various purposes. The initial triple S sockets (silicone suction sockets) were created simply by applying these readily available silicones.

Afterwards, the first non-custom silicone liner with a matrix reinforcement at the distal end was developed, offering a more convenient, off-the-shelf version of the 3S liner.

During that period, silicone became the preferred material for prosthetic liners due to features like ease of cleaning, resistance to dirt and odors, and excellent molding capabilities. Its high heat transfer coefficient provides a cooling effect, and its thin moldings result in lightweight liners.  

However, traditional silicone’s high static friction often led to skin blistering, especially in users with sensitive skin. About 25% of users experienced issues with long-term use because of this problem.

How ALPS Improved Silicone Liners  

Other prosthetic liner manufacturers attempted to reduce static friction by adding more substances to the silicone, but this caused dirt buildup and increased the risk of skin irritation.

In contrast, ALPS engineers adopted a different strategy. They created a unique manufacturing process that alters the silicone surface to form micro-craters, dramatically decreasing static friction by about 80% without modifying the silicone’s formula.

This innovation produced silicone that is much gentler on the skin, providing smooth contact and making it suitable for all-day use without causing irritation.

Advantages of ALPS Silicone Liners  

ALPS silicone liners provide numerous benefits:

• Hypoallergenic, additive-free silicone: Perfect for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.

• Significantly reduced friction: The micro-crater texture decreases static friction to one-fifth of that of standard silicone.

• Cooling and lightweight: Silicone’s natural thermal conductivity helps keep the residual limb cooler, while the liners are carefully shaped for lightness.

• Easy to clean and odor-resistant: Retains the desirable features that have made silicone popular.

Together, these features promote comfortable movement, gentle contact with the skin, cooling comfort, and simple maintenance—an attractive combination for lower-limb prosthesis users.

ALPS Liner Variants  

Here at Amputee Store, we offer two types of ALPS silicone liners that meet different user needs:

ALPS Silicone Pro Liner

Key Features:

• Made from medical-grade silicone with a smooth, non-restrictive 3 mm profile, it promotes natural temperature regulation and minimizes sweating.

• The surface has 80% less tackiness, reducing friction and ensuring gentle yet effective adhesion between skin and socket.

• Suitable for all activity levels, available in both below-knee and above-knee sizes, with cushion and locking options.

• The locking variant incorporates a U-matrix that restricts vertical stretch, preventing tightness near the bottom of the residual limb during movement.

• Hypoallergenic and latex-free, suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.

• The outer layer features a high-quality, seamless knit cover, enhancing both durability and appearance.

Who is the ideal user?

- Those seeking reliable adhesion with less friction without relying on sticky coatings.

- Those who sweat easily and/or live in hot climates.

- Individuals who need a durable, low-profile liner for daily use across various mobility levels.

ALPS SoftSil Liner (OptiSil Soft Silicone technology)

Key Features: 

• Crafted from pure, hypoallergenic OptiSil silicone, suitable for users with sensitive or delicate skin.

• Provides excellent heat dissipation to help keep residual limbs cooler during use.

• Made from odor-resistant material that wards off dirt and stains, making it easier to maintain.

• Available in both cushion and locking variants, with options for below-knee and above-knee sizes.

• The locking variant features a U-shaped matrix to further reduce stretch while ensuring comfort.

• Maintains a uniform 3 mm thickness for a lightweight, low-profile fit.

• Features a high-quality gray seamless knit fabric on the exterior, which limits vertical stretch and reduces pistoning, thereby improving socket control.

Who is the ideal user?

- Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, such as older adults or those with vascular conditions.

- Those who prioritize cooling comfort and easy hygiene maintenance.

- Active users, especially athletes, who require a liner that permits firm pivoting, quick transitions, and comfort.

Compare ALPS Silicone Liners

The bottom line  

Whether you opt for the ALPS Silicone Pro Liner or the ALPS SoftSil Liner, both are designed to address common problems with traditional silicone liners. With hypoallergenic qualities, significantly lower friction, and cooling comfort, these liners improve user experience, support healthier skin, offer stability, and are easy to maintain.

Related Reading:

What Are Prosthetic Liners Used For and How Do They Work?

All About Prosthetic Liners: Part 1

All About Prosthetic Liners: Part 2 — Choosing the Best Material

All About Prosthetic Liners: Part 3 — Using and Caring for Your Liners