About X-Lite
Ventilated
& Lightweight Splinting & Casting Technology
Non-Toxic
The product
consists of a cotton mesh impregnated with a copolymer. The polymer
is fully reacted, which means that it does not contain any of
the residues in un-reacted form and therefore will not release
such residues when the bandages are applied or when wearing them.
Biodegradable
This
is an important feature for those of us who are concerned about
the future of our environment. The Microbial Ecology Laboratory,
University of Liege, Belgium studied X-Lite and stated:
“Consequently, we are pleased to conclude: Runlite X-Lite Thermoplastic Products are in full conformity with the French and U.S. standards for biodegradability.”
Uncomparable
Ventilation
X-lite’s
ventilation is achieved right from the beginning with its cotton
mesh base. The result being that a much higher percentage of
the finished splint is ventilated than can be achieved with perforations.
Lightweight
With
the copolymer added only to the cotton mesh itself, X-Lite is
the lightest weight casting and splinting material on the market
(to the best of our knowledge).
Totally Reversible
Many
low temperature thermoplastics can be “stretched”.
This can be an advantage for certain splinting needs as the material
can be stretched to fit the anatomy. But most of these same materials
also have memory. The disadvantage here is that when you re-apply
heat, the material will want to contract to original state –
if you’re re-applying heat to an already made splint, the
contraction could cause undesired compression.
X-Lite cannot be stretched and does not have memory. However, its exceptional molding characteristics more than compensate for no-stretch or memory. Plus, the advantage is there is no risk of contraction or undesired compression. Plus, in the case of X-Lite Splinting, if you start to fabricate a splint and it isn’t coming out quite like you planned – just drop it back in the water and the material will return to the original flat condition – it is totally reversible!
No Waste
For X-Lite
splinting material, you can re-use all cut-offs and for X-Lite
casting material, you can use any leftover portion of the roll
for another application. To the best of our knowledge, there
is no other casting material that you can activate and then be
able to use the leftover material for another application.
Unique and
Unsurpassed Bonding Properties
No solvents
required! The X-Lite resin formula is unique in that it allows
you to easily and aggressively seal the material to itself. In
the case of the splinting material, this formulation is such
that the adhesion can take place, yet the material is not sticky
on the skin. Plus, the complete integration of two pieces of
the material doesn’t take place until the material starts
to cool so you can separate and re-apply as needed.
Variable Rigidity
Each
X-Lite product is offered in just one thickness (less inventory!).
Due to the superb bonding characteristics, you vary the rigidity
by the number of layers you use. Small splints generally require
only one layer – for larger splints like a resting hand
splint, increase to two or three layers depending on the size
of the patient or amount of spasticity. Most casts will offer
sufficient rigidity with just two layers (by overlapping as required),
but more can be added as required. The other advantage the bonding
characteristics of X-Lite offers is that you can vary the rigidity
by adding only strips to any specific area – so you can
keep the splint flexible in one area and very rigid in another.
Low Cost
X-Lite
splinting materials are lower in cost per square inch than most
thermoplastic materials. X-Lite cast material is comparable or
lower in cost than most fiberglass casting materials. To the
best of our knowledge, there is no other low temperature thermoplastic
casting material.
Working/Setting
Time
| CLASSIC SPLINT | PREMIUM SPLINT | CLASSIC CAST | PREMIUM CAST | |
| Heating Time | 1 minute | 1 minute | 2 minutes | 2 minutes |
| Working Time | 45-60 seconds | 30-45 seconds | 2-3 minutes | 60-90 seconds |
| Cooling Time | 60-75 seconds | 45-60 seconds | 4-15 minutes | 3-5 minutes |
| Load Bearing Time | 15-20 minutes |
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X-Lite leaflet |
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Instructions + Splinting & Bracing examples |