Silique forms question

mthomp2020

This is a question that Barbara could probably answer.

I'm interested in possibly getting a Silique form.  I'm not due for a new form for another year, plus my insurance covers a very limited number of brands, of which I'm sure Silique are not included.  Same thing with bras. 

When I got my form, I had lost about 15 lbs. at that time.  Since then, I've managed to gain back what I lost, plus 10 more, and my current form is a bit smaller then my remaining brest, so I'd like to buy a new one.

My current form is an Airway Softlite.  I was wondering how the Airways and Silique forms compare size-wise.  I know that Barbara has both brands, so she might be able to tell me if the sizing seems to be comparable or not.  My airway is a size 4, and it was a good match until my weight gain.  I don't think anyone in the greater Cincinnati area carries Silique, plus the shops charge considerably more for the forms then you can get them on-line, so I'm considering going the on-line route.

My insurance only covers 2 providers that are in my area, and one of them only carries one line of forms/bras, Classique, so not a lot to chose from.  The other shop doesn't seem inclined to go out of their way to work with you.  The only covered bras through my insurance are Classique.  Anything else I'd have to pay full price for and try to get reimbursement from the insurance company myself, so something of a hastle. 

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Erica3681

mthomp,

I hope my answer doesn't just add to your confusion. I have the Airway Tritex form, not the Softlite, but I'll assume the sizing is similar. I started with the Airway in a size 2 (which, for what it's worth, is about equal to a size 3 in an Amoena breast form). I've also tried an Airway size 3 and found that the size (and weight) really increased a lot between the 2 and the 3. I had wanted something a little bigger than the size 2, but the size 3 was a little too large and heavy for me. I don't know how much bigger the Airway size 4 is than the 3, as I never tried that size.

I've tried two Silique forms--the Comfort-Tex and the Comfort-Lite. The Comfort-Tex, like the Airway Tritex, is a silicon form with a microfiber backing. When choosing a size in the Comfort-Tex, I wanted something a little bigger than my size 2 Airway Tritex. I wound up with a size 4. The size 4 in the Silique Comfort-Tex is still a bit smaller than the Airway Tritex in a size 3. 

When it came to the other Silique form, the Comfort-Lite (which is the ultra-light form with silicone, beads, and microfiber backing), the sizing seemed a little different. The beads seemed to make the form fuller. I found with that form that the size 3 works best for me. When I wear my size 3 Comfort-Lites, my "breasts" look larger, with more projection, than when I use my size 2 Airways.

So, if you're thinking of getting the Silique Comfort-Lite, maybe a size 5 in that form would work for you. It might give you a little extra fullness to adjust for your weight gain. If you're interested in the Silique Comfort-Tex, though, you might need as much as a size 6 to get something a little larger than your current size 4 Airway form. If you order either form online, make sure to confirm that if the size is wrong, you will be able to exchange for another size or return the form altogether if you don't like it. I've dealt with TrueKare before (you can email them with questions) and they have been great about returns. I think Women's Personal Health Resource would be okay, too. Both currently market Silique forms.

Hope this helps and doesn't utterly confuse you!

Barbara

mthomp2020

Thanks for the feedback!  As usual, you are the go-to woman when it comes to mastectomy products!

I was most interested in the Comfort-Lite, so size 5 would be about right from the sound of it.  I really want to get as light as I can, as it seems my form pulls the bra down lower on that side.  I adjust the straps as far up as I can, but if you shorten it too much, the bra pulls up.  So I do end up with the remaining breast higher then the form side - not a very attractive look! 

As my post said, my insurance has very limited coverage as to the bra brands, so I would like to upgrade.  Unofortunately, the shop that's covered by my insurance wants you to pay the full price outright, and then I'd have to place a claim with the insurance company myself, which with an HMO can be a real PITA.  It doesn't seem worth the hassel to get the $22 back that they would cover.  The shop doesn't seem to want to be very helpful if you want anything besides the covered forms and bras.  When I was fitted for my first form, I asked about climate control forms, and they didn't seem too eager to look into it for me.  They pretty much wanted me to just take what they had in stock.  You're so lucky to have a shop and fitter that will work with you to try different products.  Good customer service is everything, isn't it?