Which prosthetic sleeve features are important to you?

Written by Bryan Potok on October 15, 2022
Last updated on October 15, 2022

What Features are important

Suspension Options

Vacuum: Those BK sleeves intended for use with pumps and vacuum systems such as Ottobock and Ossur Vacuum Systems. These sleeves are made using Gel vs Silicone.

Suction: creates hyperbolic suction atmospheric suspension. Suction BK Sleeves are typical made with neoprene, gel and silicone

Durability features:

Inner lining: designed to reduce wear and tear from socket trimelines.

Thicker around knee for socket trimelines: manufacturers add extra thickness

Outer fabric lining: protects the knee and allows easy movement of clothing over the prosthetic sleeve. Protects sleeve from abrasion.

Sleeve Saver or Gaitor: Some manufactures include a gaitor or sleeve protector that prevents premature wear from socket trimelines.

Comfort features:

Contoured back of knee: prevents wrinkles and reduces stress on knee cap

Extra space for patella: reduces skin irritation along patella

Preflexed: 1°pre-flexion allows for easier bending of the knee and significantly reduced amount of wrinkles in the knee fold.

Anatomically shaped: Offers 1° pre-flexion allows for easier bending of the knee and significantly reduced amount of wrinkles in the knee fold. And anatomical shaped sleeves offer a patella area for reduced pressure along the patella during knee flexion and extension.

Conical Shaped: Slight conical shape offers increased comfort for the user as well as tighter seal along the socket . Great option for those with slightly large thigh circumference vs socket circumference.