What a waterproof cast changes
- Shower and bathe normally. Wash the limb with water and soap — no plastic bags, no cling film.
- Swim. Pools, bathtubs and warm water are all fine. Avoid strenuous activity in the water while the fracture heals.
- Breathable. About 45% of the shell is open to air, so the skin dries after washing — no trapped sweat, itch or smell.
- Light. A fraction of the weight of a plaster cast.
- No cast saw. Your doctor removes it with orthopaedic pliers.
How FlexiOH is different from plaster and fiberglass
| FlexiOH | Plaster of Paris | Fiberglass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can it get wet? | Yes — washable from day one | No | No |
| Air to the skin | About 45% open | Closed | Closed |
| Weight | Very light | Very heavy | Light |
| Setting time | 3–5 minutes under light | 10–12 hours | 15–20 minutes |
| Removal | Pliers | Cast saw | Cast saw |
Full comparison, including thermoplastic and 3D-printed casts: FlexiOH vs other casts.
Is a waterproof cast right for my fracture?
FlexiOH is used for the same fractures a conventional cast treats — wrist and forearm (including distal radius), hand, thumb and scaphoid, ankle and foot — and it holds a closed reduction because it is moulded to the limb before it is hardened. It is applied by a doctor or cast technician; your treating surgeon decides whether it suits your injury.
Where to get one
FlexiOH is supplied to hospitals and clinics, not sold directly to patients. It is used in more than 50 countries. Use the provider locator, or message us on WhatsApp and we will point you to a clinic near you.
Questions
Can I shower with FlexiOH?
Yes. Wash the limb with water while you shower — soap is fine. Let it dry in the air afterwards.
Can I swim with FlexiOH?
Yes. Pools, bathtubs and warm water are all fine. Avoid strenuous activity in the water while the fracture heals.
Does the fracture heal faster?
No. Bone heals in its own time. FlexiOH makes those weeks cleaner and more comfortable, not shorter.
How is it removed?
Your doctor cuts it away with ordinary orthopaedic pliers. There is no cast saw.
Can I ask for FlexiOH instead of plaster?
Yes — ask your orthopaedic surgeon whether it suits your fracture, or contact us to find a clinic that uses it.
General information, not medical advice. FlexiOH is applied by, or under the direction of, a qualified orthopaedic practitioner; your treating clinician decides which immobilisation is right for your fracture. Availability and regulatory status vary by country.
Find a FlexiOH doctor
FlexiOH is supplied through hospitals and clinics. We will point you to one near you.