Solaris Tribute - replacement options

Sher

Solaris Tribute - replacement options

Sher

I will need to replace my fingertip to axilla Solaris Tribute soon (it's been 2 years) and am considering either pull up loops or a zipper this time around.  I'd really appreciate your experience and advice on this.  The channels on the top half of my Tribute have considerably less foam fill now than when it was new and I'm wondering if I may be doing something to it that makes the foam disintegrate.  I don't think this could be caused by the way I put the Tribute on, but what seems more probable to me is what I'm doing to it during the night.  If I move around and bend my arm too much, the top half of the sleeve slides down a bit and I'll pulling and tugging to get it back in place.  Is it normal for the sleeve to slide down like this?  Maybe it's too loose at the top?  Would a pull up loop on the top half work better for repositioning?  What are pros and cons of a zipper?

Thank you!

Binney4

Sher, hello! Long time no "see"!

I have zippers in my sleeves. Solaris will put a full-length zipper in, wrist to near the top (Jovi will not--only a zipper on the top or the wrist). For some reason I don't understand a lot of therapists think zippers are a no-no. My guess is they consider it might irritate your skin or provide less compression along that seam-line. Or maybe they're afraid we might catch our skin in it when pulling it up. I have no clue. I love my zippers (well, as much as I "love" anything to do with LE in general or night garments in particular). They make it so much easier to get on and off for bathroom trips and other, uh, night-time activities. And of course they spare my jaw, where I'm inclined to bash myself when pulling up the zipperless variety. They also are much easier after a shower or on a warm summer evening, when being damp can make getting into the stupid thing a real challenge.

My sleeves don't slip down. I suspect yours might be either too loose at the top or just getting saggy with age--two years is about it for night gear, though they're really comfy when they're old and worn-in.

Ask about a pull loop when you order. Might not need one at all if the new sleeve fits better at the top. If you're paying for it out of pocket check out what they'd charge for a pull loop, because these "extras" can get ridiculous.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes! What color are you getting?

Be well!
Binney

Sher

Hi Binney!  Yes, it's been a long time away for me.  Guess since my LE is behaving so well, I've been concentrating on other more pressing issues instead.  Always seem to have those!

I've decided to go with pull up loops although both my therapist who does the measurements and Solaris think my problem is that the sleeve is too loose.  From my forearm up, measurements are now 2 to 3 cm smaller and that plus the worn out condition would make it slip down.

Last time I ordered the sleeve in black and found the material rather stiff and scratchy, so when they needed to remake it with  a sewn in thumb like the Caresia and Tribute gloves, I asked them to make it in teal and it was great......nice and soft.  Maybe it was just that particular dye lot for the black, but this order will be for royal blue. 

I had to pay out of pocket for my last Tribute, but did get the insurance company to reimburse the full cost minus shipping.  Now there is a supplier in my area that deals directly with my insurance company, so I'm to fax the order forms to them and they'll handle it from there.  Makes me a tad nervous doing it that way, but the supplier seem to understand all my concerns and I can still contact Solaris if I have a question or problem.

Blessings!

Sher

Sher

I received my new Tribute and once again the hand doesn't fit correctly.  It's a lot different, even though I requested it be made the same as my previous Tribute and it has some definite problems.   I'm confused as to whether this design is the way all fingertip to axilla Tributes are currently being made or if this is the way it was made per my request?  I did opt for the pull up loops and don't like them.......my mistake. 

So, now I'm considering requesting the Tribute be remade wrist to axilla chevron channels with a separate glove vertical channels.  According to Solaris catalog, this combo has a "huge following" because of the special attention to the fingers and of course, being able to remove the hand portion when needed.  The ability to remove the hand portion is not my concern, I just want the hand portion to fit like the glove does.  My only concern is with separation or gapping of the two pieces, even with an overlap.  Does anyone have this Solaris combo and/or know if this is a potential problem area?

kira66715

Sher, I got the combo several years ago, but there wasn't a fitter involved--I bought it directly from them, and the glove, although beautifully made, so much better than the finger spacers, didn't seem to work on my hand.

Also, they'll put chevron channels in a glove if you ask.

I learned my lesson. Never order without a fitter.

They did me a special favor, and I was brand new to LE, so it's got to be almost 5 years ago, and let me open a professional account for just the one order. I didn't go through insurance.

The next Tribute I got was with a fitter, through insurance, and it was the one piece, and never did do a great job on my hand/fingers.

I do know I've heard from them that they're trying to address the hand issues. Please let them know, the new approach isn't working.

I wish I could tell you I used the two piece, but I didn't. Another item in my closet of unused garments, but I never toss them out. Too expensive, yet I never wear them either....

Sher

Thanks Kira!  You didn't mention if you thought gaping between the glove and sleeve would be an issue.  I'm so undecided about this......one time I'm convinced to go with 2 pieces and the next time think why rock the boat with what works and what I've used for the past 2 years?  The Tribute has definitely worked for me as after wearing it nightly for several months, have been able to go without any daytime garments.  I was extremely pro-active with wrapping and LE management for a long time, but still had some swelling at the time I got my first Tribute.  Currently, I haven't noticed any swelling at all for a long time.  I might be tempted to go without a nightsleeve, but my therapist has noted a slight difference in the tissue above my elbow, so I don't want to give up on the Tribute.  Plus I'm so used to wearing it, I have a real problem sleeping without it!

I spoke with a Solaris representative yesterday and she said that when the Tribute is returned, to request a Design Consult and they could maybe help me with certain issues or problem areas as well as discuss a possible remake in separate pieces. 

My therapist does measuring for all garments and I have full confidence in her....she did seem to think 2 pieces might work well for me.  It's one of those "looks good on paper" things as neither of us has ever seen a 2 piece Tribute.  A lot of her patients have LE much different than mine, so she generally works with other products.  I have a Caresia glove and she has a Tribute glove, both from several years back and of course, neither shows the overlap when making a Tribute in 2 pieces. 

Too bad I couldn't try both and then decide! 

One thing I forgot to mention is that the newest Tribute is not as bulky as the previous one from 2 years ago.

Binney4

Sher, your fitter can ask them to send her pictures of a Tribute separate glove on somebody, so she can get an idea of the overlap/fit. I've had a few issues with Solaris over the years, but I have to say they're good about trying to get it right, and on my latest order from them they called my fitter repeatedly to make sure they were getting it right--and even to suggest ideas that would make it easier and more comfortable for me. I ended up very happy with the fit and the feel. But I do think the key is for you and your fitter to be involved in the design process as much as possible.

Just a thought. Hope this time makes it perfect!Binney

KittyDog

Seems it is time for a new Tribute for me too.  My fitter said it was too loose...grrr insurance doesn't cover it.  I will ask about it when I pick up my new sleeve in two weeks.

My question is..I was told my tribute was too loose...It has always been that loose.  She said it should be tight and I should wake up with channels in my arm..well I never have on the top of the arm and only sometimes on the bottom.  Is that correct information?  I have had this thing almost three years.  They approved it being a good fit three years ago.  Basicly told me I waisting my time and it wasn't doing me anygood.  So maybe that is why I started swelling in my shoulder?  Not happy.

Jennifer1295

I am considering going to something different next time for a night sleeve as well. My insurance company will pay for one night sleeve each year, well after deductible and co pays.. I just had my tribute altered. I never took advantage of the free alteration in the past and my sleeve was loose and was not working as well as it should have. It feels odd since just getting it back. Feels snugger, they also altered my outer sleeve as well. The first night I had to take it off half way through the night. The next night I was fine. I don't know what happened last night but I woke up with sausage fingers, my arm ached and I had a pocket of fluid around my elbow. My sleeve goes from hand to axilla (no fingers - just thumb) and until last night it has never been a problem. I am hoping it was just to over exertion and the heat and humidity yesterday.

Sher

Thanks Binney for a great suggestion!  Every time I call Solaris I complain that their catalogs should have better and more varied pictures of their garments.  I never thought they might have pictures of the garments on somebody.  My Tribute was just sent back Friday and I did request a Design Consult, so will ask about the pictures then. 

Kitty, I was previously told by 2 or 3 suppliers that my insurance company wouldn't pay for any compression or night garments, none of them would even try it.  So I purchased the Tribute myself online and later spoke with an insurance representative going over all the codes (found link on this site) one by one until we found codes that were covered.  I submitted the receipt to my insurance company and they reimbursed me in full.  Maybe it's the codes that are being used?  This time I found a supplier that works with my insurance company and they ordered the Tribute for me and sent to insurance company using the same codes.

Didn't you have your Tribute cut into 2 pieces?  Is this the same one?  When I take off my Tribute in the morning, I have the channel marks up to my elbow.  The top half of my sleeve is pretty loose and worn out now and I don't remember if it ever made marks all the way up even when new.  I never would have described my Tribute as being "tight", more just poofy and slightly snug. 

Jennifer, you have the gauntlet type hand piece and you've worn the altered Tribute for just 3 nights?  I'd be suspicious that it is too tight and trapping fluid somehow.  Can you have your measurements rechecked and send the Tribute back to Solaris?  

carol57

I find that my Tribute is 'just right' when I use it without the outer, stretchy cover. If I wear the cover, by thumb turns blue and gets the tingly, falling-asleep feeling. But the Tribute without the cover seems to work quite well for me. I wake up with zero aches so I think it's doing its job.  I'm hanging onto that cover for when my Tribute is old and stretched out a bit, hoping that at that time, the cover will help restore the needed compression.

KittyDog

Sorry I went to my mom's and had no internet..lighting got it before I came and they didn't realize it.  

Yes my tribute had been altered and cut to remove the hand part.

No my insurance want cover it because we have a special DMV deductible which is $2500.  I am frustrated and bummed about this crappy insurance we have.  I hope they will let us make payments when I go to order it.  I know three years ago I was charged $800.