How to protect and care for prosthetic suspension sleeves
Care tips
- Your prosthetic sleeve must be carefully rolled on to the residual limb. Pulling will stretch and possibly damage your prosthetic sleeve.
- Carefully inspect your prosthetic liner and sleeve for tears or abrasions that may cause a loss of vacuum or suction.
- Sleeves should be washed weekly by hand. Dry the liner with a towel, and hang the sleeve to dry. When your schedule is busy consider using a Prosthetic Wipe.
- Keep a supply of at least two good prosthetic sleeves, since BK sleeves need to be washed and dried weekly and replaced when damaged.
- Never store your sleeve folded in half, doing so will create a permanent crease
- Request that your prosthetist add a covering to the trimelines of your prosthetic socket and use a sleeve saver/gaitor to extend the life of your sleeves.
Related Prosthetic Sleeve Articles:
- The Complete Prosthetic Suspension Guide
- What is the difference between Vacuum and Suction suspension systems?
- Which prosthetic sleeve features are important to amputees.
- Prosthetic sleeves that offer the longest life.
- Helpful tips for your prosthetic sleeve
- How-to install a Below-Knee Sleeve onto my prosthesis?
- Prosthetic Sleeve Materials Primer
