FAQ

Can X-Lite be applied directly against the skin?
Yes. However, if area to be splinted has excessive hair, it is recommended to cover with stockinette. The X-Lite will adhere to the stockinette. After removing the splint from the patient, pull the stockinette to remove from the splint.

Will X-Lite Stick to the Skin?
For most applications, X-Lite will not adhere to the skin. However, if you are using a small heating pan and have made many X-Lite splints in the same water, excess resin in the water may adhere to the splint material and adhere to the skin. This usually can be prevented by coating the anatomy to be splint with lukewarm water prior to application of the splint material.

Is X-lite as easy to work with as the material I'm currently using?
We believe with just a little practice, you'll find it's even easier! X-lite offers superior contouring. It adheres to itself without messy solvents. It's easier to cut than competitive products. X-lite comes in convenient, easy to use and store, dispenser packages (but yes, we have sheets too). It's extremely "forgiving" (if you make a mistake, just put it back into the heated water and start over). You won't have fingerprints and fingernail marks like you do with some competitive products. You can control the degree of rigidity, by selecting where you want more or less. You can also re-use any trimmings or cut offs.

Can cast roll material be used to make splints?
Yes, but keep in mind that the cast roll material is stickier so it is highly recommended to use a stockinette and/or padding material as an interface between the skin and the X-Lite.

Does X-lite stretch?
X-lite is a cotton fabric weave, or mesh, which has been impregnated with low temperature thermoplastic. This cotton base allows it to "stretch" if you pull it diagonally while resisting stretch if you pull it vertically or horizontally. The benefit of this is that you simply align the material on the patient according to the degree of stretch you desire. Some Therapists desire maximum resistance to stretch while others want minimum resistance to stretch. Only X-lite offers both in one product! See page 4 for more details.

Does X-lite have "memory"?
X-Lite does not have memory but it is reversible. When the splinting material is returned to heated (160 degrees Fahrenheit) water, the material will return to its original flat state.

Will X-Lite shrink as it cools and hardens?
X-Lite does not have memory, it will not shrink as it cools.

Can components for dynamic splinting be attached?
Yes. X-lite offers the therapist several different methods for attaching components. Depending on the therapist's preference, components can be attached using X-lite itself, X-lite finishing tape or, most conventional "off the shelf" materials.

What is the difference between CLASSIC & PREMIUM?
Both CLASSIC and PREMIUM use 100% natural cotton mesh as a base. The mesh used for CLASSIC has larger holes than the mesh used for PREMIUM. The larger holes in the CLASSIC offers increased aeration - generally preferred for larger anatomy. PREMIUM is a little softer and contours more precisely to smaller anatomy - generally preferred for finger splints, splints for small hands, and for pediatrics.

Why X-lite? The material I'm using works just fine!
No doubt there are plenty of other products to choose from, and they're certainly fine products. However, competitive products are, for the most part, solid low temperature thermoplastic sheets. These are heavier and offer little to no ventilation. While these products may be as easy for the Therapist to work with as X-lite, the result is a splint that is heavy and "clumsy" while causing the patient to perspire. There is no where for perspiration to go, and very little air can get inside the splint to dry it. This discomfort causes reduced compliance. Further, where there are wounds, abrasions, and surgical incisions or fluids present, increased ventilation speeds healing.

I use a perforated material to achieve ventilation. How does X-Lite compare?
While perforated materials have holes to let air in and out, they are still "flat" in construction. When those holes contact the skin, the skin forms a near perfect "seal" over the holes, which really doesn't let much, if any, air in or out. X-lite is an over/under "weave" which is not "flat". Even when X-lite contacts the skin, there is no "seal" formed due to this "weave", thus still allowing air to circulate throughout, and allowing fluids to escape.

What about cost? Is X-lite competitively priced?
X-lite costs less per square inch of material than most competitive splinting materials. Rigidity is determined by the number layers used. This means you only need to stock one inventory item. Less inventory means less money sitting on the shelf in the supply room! Add the cost saving facts that (1) X-lite is completely reversible - if you make a mistake, just dip it back in the water and start over; (2) all trimmings and cut-offs may be re-used in another application, (3) X-Lite splints can be made very easily and quickly, significantly reducing fabrication time.