The Basics
3 Things to Know About Prosthetic Liners
1. What is a prosthetic liner?
First things first! A prosthetic liner is the protective interface that sits between the skin of your residual limb and the inner socket wall of your prosthetic leg.
The liner is a crucial element of any prosthesis, designed to improve both fit and comfort. It allows the prosthesis to function smoothly, becoming a natural extension of your body.
With the right liner, you can enjoy the activities that are most meaningful to you — from everyday tasks to the passions that make life fulfilling. When your prosthesis fits well, it can open new possibilities and allow you to embrace life to the fullest!
2. Why is it important to wear a prosthetic liner?
Even though there are many different types of liners, they all share the same goal – to support you to live your life by providing protection, suspension, and pressure distribution, for your skin to stay healthy.
A good liner should support you as you walk so that the pressure on your residual limb is evenly distributed to leave you comfortable and free to go about your day.
As such, a well-chosen liner is essential for making your prosthesis feel seamlessly integrated with your body.
3. How did we start using prosthetic liners?
In 1971, Icelandic prosthetist Össur Kristinsson decided to design and manufacture a revolutionary amputee attachment system. Being an amputee himself, he felt there was a gap in the market for an effective border between the socket and the skin of the residual limb.
Kristinsson called it the Icelandic Roll-On Silicone Socket – Iceross. He was a pioneer in the manufacturing of silicone liners for prosthetics, and much of his original design is still used today.
Today, more than 50 years later, Össur remains an undisputed expert in the use and innovative application of silicone technology for prosthetic products.
Watch here the journey of our liners: Past, Present, Future!
Choosing Your Liner
Which Liner is Best for Me?
What are the different types of liners?
There are many different liner types! So, which one is best for you, your needs, and your lifestyle?
Know that a well-chosen prosthetic liner is key to ensuring the prosthesis functions as a natural extension of your body. Selecting the right liner depends on a range of factors, including your activity level, comfort needs, and skin sensitivity.
This section will guide you through the different liner materials and their benefits, so you can select the one that best fits your needs.
Remember! Always talk to a clinician or a certified prosthetist, they can help decide which liner is best for your needs and lifestyle.
Let's check out the suspension options for prosthetic liners
How your prosthetic liner fits to your body depends on how it is suspended. To get more information on the different suspension options, just select any of the images below.
Distal connection (Pin liners)
For better control & safety
Cushion
Increased support & comfort
Seal-In
Great for active users
Hybrid suspension
Control, comfort & security in one
Note: Some of the features shown are optional and not included with every liner.
Wear & Care
Making The Most of Your Prosthetic Liner
Why proper liner wear & care is essential
Wearing a prosthesis can affect your skin in high-stress areas:
- Your skin is exposed to pressure and friction within any prosthetic socket.
- This can also impact your skin’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Increased perspiration and stress on your skin may lead to irritation and bacterial growth.
To prevent further stress on your skin, it’s essential to clean and care for your skin and residual limb thoroughly. Properly cleaning and wearing your liner is also a key part of this routine.
To fully realize the potential of your prosthesis, the wearing and caring of a liner and caring of your skin is essential!
Donning and doffing: What's the right way to wear a prosthetic liner?
Properly donning and doffing a prosthetic liner ensures a secure fit, preventing skin irritation and pressure sores. It also maintains hygiene, reducing infection risks. Correct procedures enhance comfort and prolong the lifespan. Just follow the steps below, watch the attached videos for donning and doffing for a step-by-step guidance, or download a helpful handout from the download section at the bottom of the page to ensure you're putting on and taking off your prosthetic liner correctly, every time.
Step 1
Prepare the Liner
Step 2
Position the Liner Cup
Step 3
Unroll and Don the Liner
Doffing the Liner
Steps for doffing
Caring and cleaning: How should you look after your liner?
After removing your prosthetic liner, it’s important to care for and clean it properly to ensure its longevity and hygiene. Just as donning and doffing are essential for comfort, maintaining your liner is essential. However, even with the best care, prosthetic liners should be renewed regularly to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.
Let's explore best practices for caring for your liner in the following section, watch the video, or download the handout from the download section at the bottom of the page.
Step 1
Remove and Wash the Liner
Step 2
Rinse Thoroughly
Step 3
Dry and Inspect the Liner
Step 4
Prepare for Next Use
Caring and cleaning: How should you take care of your residual limb?
Taking care of your residual limb is essential for maintaining skin health and comfort. Proper care helps prevent skin issues. Here are some key steps to ensure your stump remains healthy and well-cared for.
For more guidance, also check out the video or download the handout available at the bottom of this webpage.
Familiarization
Daily Cleaning
Hydration and Skin Care
User Stories
A Perfect Part of Me: Perspectives from Össur Users
A liner that fits well isn’t just about comfort; it’s about empowering you to live life on your terms.
In this section, you'll hear from individuals who have found the right liner for their needs and how it has become a key part of their daily lives.
From pursuing passions to enjoying everyday moments, they’ll share their personal stories about how the right liner has helped them live fully and embrace what matters most to them.
Resources
Find here useful downloads and videos
Downloads (PDFs)
A Perfect Part Of Me - Best practises of liners