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The fabric fastener on my brace doesn't stick together very well anymore. What can I do?
It could be that it just needs a good cleaning. String, lint and other materials get trapped on the hook and loop surfaces, clogging them up so they don’t mesh together. Start by picking out any pieces you see stuck to the material. Then you can gently clean the loop side with something soft but firm, like a toothbrush. This will help make the loops stand up more if they have become flattened. You could add warm water and a mild detergent to the toothbrush head and scrub the hook side as well. These steps should help with better adhesion. If not, the hook and loop material may be old or damaged, and may need to be replaced. If it is still not sticking after trying all of these steps, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-537-2191 for additional assistance.
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Do FUTURO™ Braces have metal in them?
Yes, the following FUTURO™ Braces contain metal:
FUTURO™ Active Knit Knee Stabilizer (stay)
FUTURO™ Custom Fit Ankle Stabilizer (cables and dial component)
FUTURO™ Energizing Wrist Support (stay)
FUTURO™ Sport Hinged Knee Brace (hinge)
FUTURO™ Night Wrist Sleep Support (stay)
FUTURO™ Adjustable Back Brace (lace crimps, grommet)
FUTURO™ Reversible Splint Wrist Brace (stay)
FUTURO™ Sport Adjustable Knee Stabilizer (stay)
FUTURO™ Stabilizing Knee Support (stay)
FUTURO™ For Her Slim Silhouette Knee Support (stay)
FUTURO™ Custom Fit Wrist Stabilizer (cables and dial component)
FUTURO™ Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer (stay)
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Can I wear my support when I am sleeping?
Our braces and supports are designed to be worn during the day only. They should not be worn overnight, therefore you should remove it prior to going to bed. The exceptions to this are the FUTURO™ Night Wrist Sleep Support and the FUTURO™ Night Plantar Fasciitis Sleep support. Both are designed specifically for night use, to help provide a restful night's sleep for people experiencing wrist or foot pain.
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Can I wear my brace while swimming?
We do not recommend that you wear a brace or support while swimming, because wearing one in the water can shorten the life of the product’s materials. Also, the materials can become water logged and the support may not then fit the joint properly.
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I am severely allergic to lates, but need a simple brace to wear (as recommended by my doctor). Can you tell me if your products contain latex?
If a FUTURO™ Product contains latex, it will say so on the product page of our website and also on the front of the product package. We have many products that are NOT made with natural rubber latex, so there are many choices available if you are allergic to latex.
For wrist and hand products specifically, here are some you could consider:
FUTURO™ Sport Adjustable Wrist Support
FUTURO™ Precision Fit Wrist Support
FUTURO™ Reversible Splint Wrist Brace
FUTURO™ Night Wrist Sleep Support
FUTURO™ Energizing Wrist Support
FUTURO™ Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer
FUTURO™ Custom Dial Wrist Stabilizer
FUTURO™ Energizing Support Glove
FUTURO™ Deluxe Thumb StabilizerFor more information on all of these products, visit our product directory page.
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If my support gets dirty, will I be able to clean it?
Yes, you can clean FUTURO™ Braces and Supports. First, if your support has hinges, remove them. Then close all straps and fasteners and hand wash with mild soap in warm (not hot) water. Rinse well and air dry. DO NOT machine wash, tumble dry, dry clean or use fabric softener or bleach on the brace.
For general cleaning instruction, please go to our Caring for FUTURO™ Products page. You can also refer to the product package and/or the individual product pages on the FUTURO™ Products website for care instructions specific to each FUTURO product.
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How long at a time should I wear my support?
The length of time is really personal preference. A general recommendation would be that you wear a brace or support during activity and for an hour or two afterwards. If you feel better wearing it longer, that is fine as well. However, we would not recommend wearing any brace or support while you sleep.
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I can't find some of your products in stores. Where can I buy them?
Each of the product pages on our website has a Where to Buy button that can help you find both retail store locations and online merchants. You can also visit our general Where to Buy page for more retailers. Amazon.com also carries all of our products, so you can find them there. If you are still not able to locate your product, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-537-2191 and you can purchase the product through them.
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Do you offer a warranty on your supports?
3M warrants that our products will be free from defects in material and workmanship, when used in accordance with package directions. 3M makes no other warranties express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
If this product fails to conform to this warranty, your exclusive remedy and 3M's sole obligation shall be, at 3M's option to replace the 3M product or refund the purchase price of the 3M product upon receipt of returned bulb and sales receipt and proof of purchase. Please call our toll-free number, write to 3M, or send an email at the website listed below to find out how to return the product. This limited warranty does not cover products subject to accident, neglect, abuse, misuse, or acts of God. 3M WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THIS 3M PRODUCT, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ASSERTED, INCLUDING WARRANTY, CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
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Do you have a brace specifically for plantar fascilitis?
Yes, we have a product that is specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. It’s called the FUTURO™ Night Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Support, and it can help relieve the morning foot and heel pain associated with this condition. It comfortably holds your foot at the recommended therapeutic angle throughout the night for maximum comfort.
We also have a product for daytime wear, the FUTURO™ Therapeutic Arch Support, a unique solution for relieving foot, arch and heel pain, including symptoms from plantar fasciitis. It offers compression, support and cushioning all in one product and features removable inserts that allow you to customize the level of arch support you need.
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Where do you place the pressure pad on your elbow?
Once you slide the FUTURO™ Elbow Support with Pressure Pads over your elbow, position the pressure pads so that they rest on the top and the underside (radial and ulnar sides) of your forearm, just below the elbow.
If you need more information, you can find wearing instructions on all FUTURO™ product packaging, as well as on individual product pages on the website.
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How do I change the splint in my reversible splint brace so it fits my other hand?
Slide the splint out of the pocket of the FUTURO™ Adjustable Reversible Splint Wrist Brace. Hold the splint steady, rotate the brace and slide the splint into the opposite pocket opening. Tuck the end of the splint into the pocket. Follow the wear instructions provided in the package.
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Do you have a neoprene-free knee support?
We have several neoprene-free options. We can't recommend a specific support without knowing the injury or condition. A couple of options, however, are the FUTURO™ Comfort Lift Knee Support and the FUTURO™ Stabilizing Knee Support.
You can also use the product finder on our website to help find an option for your specific injury or condition.
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My knee support fits but is very tight. I know the brace should be tight to provide compression but how tight is too tight? Please advise.
You are correct, the knee support is supposed to provide compression and therefore should be a snug fit. However, if it is cutting into the skin around the edge of the brace, you should go one size larger. The optimal fit should be snug but comfortable.
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Do you make a compression stocking with no latex? I have a latex sensitivity--I cannot use latex gloves or bandages.
Good news! Almost all of FUTURO™ Graduated Compression Stockings are latex free, so you have a lot of options—from trouser socks to pantyhose to therapeutic stockings. The only FUTURO hosiery product that contains latex is the FUTURO™ Therapeutic Open Toe/Heel Knee Length Stocking. The rest are made from nylon and spandex. Click here to browse the entire line.
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What colors of compression socks for men are available other than black and tan/brown?
FUTURO™ Restoring Dress Socks for Men (firm compression) come in black, brown and navy.
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Is there a limit to how long you can wear compression stockings?
Compression stockings can be worn every day and they can be worn all day. For best results, you should put them on first thing in the morning and take them off right before you go to bed. They should NOT be worn overnight while sleeping.
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Can I wear my compression hosiery when I travel?
Yes. In fact, FUTURO™ Energizing Trouser Socks for Women, FUTURO™ Revitalizing Trouser Socks for Women and FUTURO™ Restoring Dress Socks for Men are great for travel! The graduated compression improves circulation to help prevent blood from pooling in the lower legs and ankles.
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How do I put my FUTURO™ Compression Hosiery on?
“How to Wear” instructions can be found on each individual product page at future-usa.com, as well as on the package.
Here are general guidelines:
How to Wear
1. Place thumbs inside hosiery and gather material.
2. Slip each foot inside hosiery and gradually pull up and over heel.
3. Adjust heel for comfortable fit.
4. Gently slide hosiery up each leg and smooth out wrinkles.For FUTURO™ Anti-Embolism stockings specifically, follow these instructions:
How to Wear
1. Insert hand into heel pocket of stocking. Turn stocking inside out by grasping center of heel pocket.
2. Position stocking over foot and heel, carefully centering heel in heel pocket.
3. Gently pull stocking up and over ankle and calf, working up to the final location. Note that the top of the stocking should be about 1 to 2 inches below bottom of knee cap.
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How do I launder my compression hosiery on?
Care instructions are available on each product package as well as on the individual product page at futuro-usa.com and on our Care Guide page. But in general, you should hand wash with mild soap in lukewarm water. Do NOT wring out. Blot with towel to remove excess water and air dry.
For FUTURO™ Anti-Embolism stockings specifically, launder after every three days of use to ensure stockings last as long as possible. Keep the stockings free from substances like ointments, oils and lanolin which could deteriorate elastic. Hand wash with mild soap in warm not hot) water. Rinse well until water is clear (do not wring or twist out) and air dry. Do not bleach, tumble dry, dry clean, or iron.
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How do I know which compression level to choose?
Here are general guidelines to the compression levels of FUTURO™
Hosiery:
Mild = (8-15 mm/Hg) Helps relieve mild symptoms of varicose veins, swelling, tired or aching legs.Moderate = (15-20 mm/Hg) Helps relieve mild-moderate symptoms of varicose veins, swelling, tired or aching legs.
Firm = (20-30 mm/Hg) Helps relieve moderate-severe symptoms of chronic tired, aching legs, mild leg pain, varicosities, post-vein surgery, post-sclerotherapy, edema and superficial thrombophlebitis. Also used to help prevent the reoccurrence of ulcerations.
In all cases, you should consult your doctor for the appropriate product for your condition.
Your doctor can also provide guidance on when and how often to wear your compression hosiery product.
Our FUTURO™ Anti-Embolism Stockings are 18mm/Hg of compression. They should only be worn on the advice of your doctor and for the time period recommended. If discomfort or pain results, persists or increases, discontinue use and consult your physician.
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How does FUTURO™ Compression Hosiery work?
FUTURO™ Hosiery applies controlled, graduated pressure, which is strongest at the ankles and decreases as it moves up to help maintain blood flow up the legs. The benefits to this include improving circulation, providing relief from the symptoms of tired, achy legs and varicose veins, and offering help for chronic symptoms, ankle swelling, chronic fatigue and leg heaviness. For more information, please visit our Compression Legwear page.
