Yes, Exos products can be fully immersed in water for prolonged periods of time without delaminating or softening. It can be worn in the shower. It is perfectly suited for those who participate in water sports and activities. If moist from perspiration, the cast or brace can be rinsed in water and will air dry in several minutes. Drying can be accelerated with a hair-dryer at low heat. Because the product can be washed with soap, buildup of bacteria and odor is greatly reduced.

With plaster or fiberglass the radiology reports often will indicate that the visualization of the fracture is “limited due to overlying cast material”. Exos is far more radiolucent than either plaster or polyurethane resin fiberglass, allowing for excellent visualization of new callus/bone formation or at the fracture site. Often plaster or fiberglass casts need to be removed in order to see the subtle signs of fracture healing. This of course necessitates placement of the cast and added cost. Removal and replacement is not necessary with Exos.

No. The foam inner layer effectively insulates the skin from the plastic middle layer of the laminate material. This foam serves two purposes: It insulates the skin from the warmer inner plastic layer and allows the plastic to retain heat longer so that it cools gradually and has the proper working time. In fact, patients find Exos splints, braces, and casts comfortably warm rather than hot. Exos cools gradually from the moment it is applied to the skin, whereas plaster and fiberglass materials typically heat up as the exothermic reaction catalyzes the transformation of the material. The water used in these systems conducts that heat to a degree that is sometimes uncomfortable. Then, for hours after, the patient must endure a wet and soggy feeling until the cast padding dries, in addition to the pain of their injury. Exos is dry and comfortable from the start.

No. The Exos material is inert and does not heat up to the extent that it emits dangerous fumes or particles. The ovens used to heat Exos are safety limited to 225 degrees Fahrenheit which is far below the temperature required to burn or off gas the materials.

Exos material is not designed to be heated in a microwave oven. Since it contains no moisture or other microwave sensitive materials, it will not get warm in a microwave. Special microwave heating pouches will be available in the future.

Exos will remain pliable for approximately 4-8 minutes depending on the product. The total time it takes to apply is greatly reduced compared to other products. In less than a minute the product can be in place and molded with minimal practitioner experience and training. This leaves time to make adjustments as it hardens. “Time is money” as they say and Exos saves time.

Yes. As noted above, Exos products can be applied quickly and allows several minutes to reduce a fracture. In addition, the material is thin and very soft so the body can be felt, massaged and manipulated through the Exos product. Stabilization of a fracture requires skill to achieve the desired result. We believe this art is enhanced by Exos, which allows the reduction to be accomplished relatively quickly with minimal painful manipulations and steps. Plaster and fiberglass both require an underlying layer of stockinet and multiple layers of padding. Because plaster dries slowly, caregivers are often required to hold the limb and fracture reduction for 10-20 minutes. Fiberglass hardens more quickly than plaster (in fact it sometimes sets too fast) but still has a period of enzymatic curing. Hardening of Exos materials is predictable, allows enough time to work and even x-ray, yet does not require extended attention by the practitioner. A disadvantage of existing systems is that if, on post-reduction x-rays, the fracture is mal aligned, the cast must be removed and a new one applied. Exos products are easily removed, reheated and reapplied.

Yes. Exos products can be reheated several times. This allows for simply remolded if the original application is not correct or if at a later date adjustments are required. Reheating and remolding Exos does not affect product durability and is safe and easy.

No. Latex is not used in Exos. It is comprised of hypo-allergic materials. Individuals with unusual allergies should inform the caregiver.