Pil-O-SplintŪ Elbow Splint Pil-O-SplintŪ Elbow Splint Lightweight, adjustable splint gently immobilizes the elbow in a neutral position. Hook and loop straps secure the splint in place. Removable plastic stay provides additional support. Ideal for treating epicondylitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis and other conditions requiring immobilization of the elbow. Soft foam padding, lined with breathable cotton. Machine washable. Latex free. Due to hygiene purposes, this item is non-returnable. Related Searches: Pil-O-Splint, Pillow Splint, Pillo Splint, Imak -
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
Due to the fact the plastic insert is completely flat, there is no bend in the elbow. I had a very difficult time trying to sleep with my arms fully extended and completely straight. Also, the lack of a bend made it very easy for the splint to slide right down the arm. Most nights, if I wasn't removing the splint just so I could be comfortable enough to sleep, I'd wake up to find the splint was around my wrist instead of my elbow. Either way, I'd wake up with one elbow bent and numbness in my hand. If I made the splint any tighter, it would be too tight on the arm for circulation.
The cure that solved this problem for me: A heat gun. While holding the plastic insert with pliers, I heated the center of the insert just enough to allow it to bend at the center, and I carefully bend the insert about 20 degrees (if one half of the insert is flat on a table, the other half comes up from the table at a 20 degree angle). This shallow angle provides just enough elbow bend to prevent the splint from sliding down the arm while sleeping, and it also makes the splint much more comfortable to wear. The first night after doing this modification was the first time I woke up with both splints on my arms, and no numbness.
The other issue I have with the plastic insert is that it's too narrow, and it can cause discomfort at the two ends, where it can dig into the wrist and the bicep. This could be improved if they had a wider insert that was molded to fit the curve of the arm, instead of the "flat stick" that it is. Overall, it's a decent product, but I spent weeks trying to learn to wear it at night with no luck, so it was doing me no good until I altered the insert. Hope this review and modification idea is helpful to the other users who reported similar problems.
