Solaris Tribute in separate glove and arm

Sher, my first Solaris was a glove and sleeve, and it didn't really work for me--I actually had ordered it without the help of a fitter, and had them modify the glove, and it just didn't work, and the sleeve overlapped the glove, so my second one was ordered by a fitter and did need a re-do, but it's a one piece and works well for me.

Nordy had a two piece Jovipak that caused fibrosis in the area of the zipper.

Binney wears two piece Solaris or Jovi so she can take off the glove, and I'm not sure which one she prefers.

The jovi has a cuff that has no pressure to prevent overlap. Again, my Solaris two piece was based on my misguided impressions, so I wouldn't go by my experience.

Kira

I had mine altered.  My glove does come right up to the sleeve.  I just wish they would have altered my over sleeve because I rarely wear the glove thanks to the neuropathy.  I just need to move to the north pole so I can wear it.  lol  My LE is not bad at this time below the elbow.  I do have a place that will swell around my thumb but since I started back wearing a too big sleeve and my glove during the day, that has come back down.  I can't wait to get my custom sleeve.

Sher, we are similar in the pattern of our swelling--mine showed up, and stayed, in the top of my hand and has acted up in my forearm. Unfortunately, when I just bandaged to the elbow--I got a little pocket of fluid above the elbow.

Before the break, I was just getting to the point where I was backing off of day time compression, even for walks. Now, I need the gloves more often, but still don't wear them at work (hygiene issues). When I first went back to work, I wore gloves at all times if I wasn't involved in direct patient care. Now I can get away without them at work, most of the time. And at home, it varies.

Everyone is different. For me, the nighttime wrapping is essential--I think, because I've done it for almost 3 years now, and don't dare to stop, but my LE therapist says I'd know right away if I skipped it, how I'd react.

I tend not to wear my Solaris more than occasionally, as I find the wrapping is more specific for my hand. But it sure is convenient and comfortable.

Kira

Sher, I've had the one-piece without zippers (before I became bilateral) and never had any trouble getting them on. You fold the top down almost halfway and it's easy enough to tug on and then roll the top up. But I have to say that if my major problem area was my hand (which it's not), I'd wrap nightly like Kira instead of using either Solaris or Jovi, because I don't find either of them very specific for hands. Hands are hard to fit no matter what kind of compression garment, but if the fit isn't just right with a night garment you can get pockets of fluid here or there.

But maybe that's just me. I do have them build-in extra palm compression, at any rate, and that really helps.

Kitty, my night gear lasts about two years before it's too stretched out to recover even with a good wash-and-dry. But that too may be individual. At least, they last way longer than the day garments do (thank goodness!)

Be well!
Binney

Sher, you don't mention it in your post, but one of the problems with making these kinds of decisions is they're so pricey. If the Caresia glove is working for you it might be fairly easy to get Solaris to make your garment and have be effective.

There can be as much as 30% more fluid in your arm than is normal before any swelling is measurable, and a night garment would most likely help that a lot.

So my vote is: worth a try, even if it's a pricey "accessory". But maybe skip the zipper, because it's easy enough to get on and any additions like that add fitting complications.

Do let us know what you decide!
Binney