How to Use and Maintain Your Prosthetic Liners

Here at Horton’s, we often run into questions about prosthetic liners. People want to know how to wear them, how to care for them, and especially when to replace them. So I’m here to answer a few of those common questions.
First off, if you wear a gel liner, it is very important that you follow the wearing schedule given to you. This is because initially, your residual limb will need to be conditioned to wearing a silicone liner.

Your residual limb may tend to perspire/sweat more with a gel liner. This is normal, and will probably lessen over time. Inspect the attachment points for signs of wear and tear, and contact your prosthetist if the attachment looks worn. While wearing a gel liner, wear it fully above the knee and make certain there is no gapping between the end of the liner and your residual limb.

How do you care for your liner?

The care of the liners varies depending on the manufacturer. But generally the silicone liner should be cleansed daily with a mild soap and water and rinsed completely (because soap residue can cause skin irritation). Don’t put it in the dishwasher or the washing machine, and make sure to avoid getting any lotion or oils on the liner. If a rash appears, you might not be washing or rinsing the liner thoroughly enough.

When do you need a new one?

Now, this is a very important point! You need to replace your liner at least every six months. Using an old, worn-out liner can give you skin problems and can become uncomfortable or ineffective. From a medical standpoint, you need your prosthesis and accessories to be performing as well as they can be. We compare this to rotating your tires or getting your oil changed—it’s just one of those things you need to do for the health of your residual limb!

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