Neoprene material is popular and has been widely used on braces and supports in this industry for many years. Neoprene material is a synthetic rubber designed for keeping warm, compression and water resist .

It is well- known for wet suits, bags, cushions and braces/supports. Because of the thermal purpose, it is a very popular material for using on cold weather sports/activities. The thermal purpose is proven to relieve/ease pain or strain of joints and muscles, but for some people, neoprene may cause the skin irritation or allergic reaction. Also, the neoprene is a close-cell foam, so it is completely not a breathable material and it will retain the heat and sweat inside the sleeve, this may be okay in the cold weather, but it’s probably that not easy to wear them over 30 mins outside in the summer time. On the contrary, the Dry-Max material is a breathable and can be an alternative material in the summer time or under the hot weather.

Dry-Max is how we called this kind of material in order to make people understand its purpose in the simply way. The full name of Dry-Max material is 3D spacer fabric, which is also called sandwich (because its special 3-layer knitting). The 3D spacer fabric is produced by double needle bar warp-knitting machines or weft-knitting machines, the thicknesses can be varied from 2mm to 20mm. The machines cross- knit the yarn between two layers. There are stretched and unstretched spacer fabrics and we use the stretched 3D spacer fabric as a compression and a breathable alternative instead of neoprene in the braces/supports industry. As for the unstretched space fabric, it needs to work with stretched fabric or some purposes for its air flow function.

The principal advantages of spacer fabric:

Compression and stretch

Durability

Breathable

Lightweight

Anti-bacterial

100% Recyclable

Washable

Key Application:

Neoprene replacement

Shoes/insole material

Medical products

Cycle helmets

Seating

Bag material

Dry-Max is made of Nylon core (mono filament), Polyester and Spandex Fabric. Due to its knitting fabric, so it is much softer, comfortable and better fitting compares with neoprene. But I think the most advantage is still on its quality of breathable and non-allergenic. It’s a great choice for people who require breathable and long lasting wearing sleeves, especially in a warm climate.

We are using several different kinds of Dry-Max material for different purposes and appearances.

The example below is our 4mm Dry-Max which we used for our knee collection, we think the compression and cushion is excellent for this quality.

There are also other companies are providing spacer fabric sleeves currently, such as DJO(Dry Tex) and Breg(Air Mesh). Our Dry-Max content with more elastic fiber and Nylon core(mono filament) compare to Dry Tex and Air mesh, so obviously, the compression level and cushion are better and the fabric is softer and comfortable. Our Dry-Max is a improved version based on those companies and has been developed for a long time. We widely use Dry-Max material for different combination and also use it as a replacement of neoprene because our clients are always looking for new substitutes for neoprene support.

The pictures above are from DJO and Breg.

Customized design braces are our high level  knitted braces. We have been testing for different elastic yarn combinations (which contain 2-3 different elastic yarn) for a long time and finally we’ve created different compression levels for different requirements. A good compression can provide the better stretch and also the better return/rebound, especially on return/rebound which is the most important part to be considered. The knitted sleeves could increase the proprioception by its compression function, so that’s why they are different from the neoprene supports or the sewn fabrics. Besides , we are able to knit special zone for the bending area or specific lower/higher compression area and of course, with a good looking / design. The quality sleeves with different compression areas are knitted one by one , so you don’t have to cut and sew from different fabrics or neoprene.

Here are some FAQ to help you understand more.

●What is the customized design knitted brace?

A buyer customizes a brace with their own design, color and logo on it.

●Why choose customized design knitted brace?

To make your company or brand different from others in the market.

The design and color of brace can represent your company and make people keep the company in mind whenever they see the products. An outstanding design of the braces could capture the consumers’ eyes and let them easily to choose from many of braces.

●What is the successful key of the customized knitted braces?

The successful key of the customized knitted braces is definitely from the beginning of development process. A good manufacturer must combine design and function into a brace. We have seen plenty of braces that only have design/pattern but do not consider about the wearing or fitting comfort of braces. A well experienced manufacturer could help a lot for a new development because the quality of the finished products will directly affect the sales volume in the future. Design and look are important, but we would say the priority of a brace should be focused more on the functional purpose in wearing comfort and the compression.

●    What strength does Refirmance have on the customized knit braces?

Experience - We are the first manufacturer who has produced the customized knitted braces in Taiwan since 2003 and we have lots of experience on the knitting technology and design. Also, we have produced for many major brands worldwide.

Knitting Technology - We provide many options for the weaving and knitting construction. Normally, we work on the weaving/knitting part for better fitting and function and the design/pattern is from customers’ ideas. Please see below pictures for your reference:

Features:

●Customized design pattern – Your own style.

●Logo knitted – The best way to identify your brand and the knitted logo won’t be damaged when washing.

●Latex Free – Non-allergic reaction.

●Deluxe Compression- Using the deluxe elastic yarn material (Spandex) which is come from Japan. Its compression lasts longer and much more durable than the compression in nature rubber (Latex). Besides, the Spandex has been wildly applied on the supports in the medical field.

●Mesh knitting - New design knitting tech will increase the air flow compare to the traditional knitting tech.

●Pressure free zone- Reducing the contact pressure on the patella and make finished upper and lower edges in low compression for making the patella non-pressure when moving.

●Multi-compression zones- Designed for supporting the joint and muscle with different compression zones.

●Ergonomics shape-For better fitting with body shape.

●Comfort zone – The special knitting construction designed for the bending area such as knee/elbow/ankle which becomes more comfortable to wear and without constricting feeling.

●High stretchable knitting – The new combination of elastic yarn and Nylon makes the sleeves more stretchable than the traditional knitting sleeves. 

●Soft & comfortable Nylon Fabric- Nylon has good texture compares to polyester (traditional knitting sleeves).

●Gel incorporated for pain relief- All kinds of gels are incorporated with the sleeves to classify as a higher value/level of elastic supports.

A picture is more than a thousand words.

Please review the knitted sleeve from our collection.

We found this is much easy for the brace buyer when they decide which kind of knitted products is suitable for their country/product line. The higher level means the material (better material) and design (performance) are nicer.

The pictures below are examples from other companies.

We do not own the right of those pictures.

Basic level – Two ways elastic support :

Economic knitting supports, as the basic knitting products for brand customers.

In short, it’s cheap support for retailer or chain store. This line always have large requirement because of the cost is lower and consumer buy this without thinking.

The basic level support are mostly made by polyester and rubber(latex).

Medium level -  Four ways elastic support :

Advanced knitting supports: produced with mixed yarn which brings better elasticity and feeling. It’s also the common health care products in the market. This medium level elastic is popular in the market for healthcare and provide a reasonable pricing and quality for consumer. It is easy to distinguish this type of knitted support because there are a rhombus in the middle of knee support. The medium level of elastic are mostly made by nylon, nylon/cotton and rubber(latex). Also, those could be made into functional support such as bamboo, moisture-wicking, far-infrared and thermal fiber.

High level- customized design :

The special customized pattern design with the latex-free elastic yarn. No matter on the comfort, durability and compression elasticity, it will be the high-end products in the market. The most advantage of high level elastic is customized pattern design, weaving and compression. We think more and more brands are working for this kind of products because it show up the sport design and brand identification. It’s obviously the best choice for customers if they want to be different. The high level elastic are mostly made by nylon and spandex and we could incorporate with gel and stay for a higher level of support.

Premier level- 3D flat knitting :

By using the special 3D knitting to approach the most comfortable ergonomics, flat knitting is mainly applied to the medical orthopedic products which can be matched with different kinds of yarns to achieve the various compression sections on the same support. The medical effect of flat knitting products are already proven by German orthopedic market. The flat knitting provide many possibility for the brace design, not only for the pattern design but also for the function. We believe the flat knitting products have the best fitting shape compare to other knit brace and cut&sew brace in the world.

We are expecting the customers could easily find what they need in our elastic range.

Also we provide wide range of material selection and design for our customers.

You could find the introduction of our knitting technology in our website.  http://www.refirmance.com.tw/why.php?id=13

Refirmance is the solution for the elastic.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Moisture-Wicking Sleeve incorporated with Power X-Band.

Lower compression knit support attached high tension stretch band, so the support have different compression in certain area. The high stretch fabric(without X-Band) is easy to pull and wear when fitting, the lower stretch fabric is in high tension and stabilize the muscle, reduce vibration of muscle when doing sport. The tubular brace in one section both contain higher and lower stretch area.

X-Band Feature:

*Moisture wicking fabric, soft and skin friendly knitted

*Latex-Free.

*High quality stretch film attached

*Flexible, the film can be redesign for function and pattern.

*Great Look.

*NEW -the first one to use this concept for sport med.

The overnight treatment of plantar fasciitis based on Strassburg Sock.

The Strassburg Sock is well-know for its treatment of plantar fasciitis, due to the patent of Strassburg Sock will expire this year, so we have studied and improved it, try to make a better quality version.

Indication:

plantar fasciitis/achilles tendonitis/calf tightness

How it work?

The Strassburg Sock is the soft splint that sets the plantar fascia to its optimum length. The device consists of a tubular knit material and adjustable strap system. It is easy to use and is designed to keep tension on the tissue, so it heals in a stretched position at night. Most other night splints only set the ankle at 90 degrees and provide no toe dorsiflexion. Then at the patients first step in the morning the plantar fascia is stretched and the pain returns. The device takes full effect of the windlass mechanism of the plantar fascia to position it at its maximum anatomical length therefore it could relieve pain in the stretched position. In this way, many patients find a reduction of their morning pain.

Night Splints only set the ankle at 90 degrees

A improved product of Strassburg Sock

1) Higher quality knitted sock/sleeve

The sock/sleeve we make could be customers’ design and logo, besides the fabric is softer,comfortable and has a special weave.

        Strassburg Sock                      Improved sock/sleeve

2)improve the stretch pull system

The complains of Strassburg sock is sometimes it only pull the fabric around the toe, not the toe directly. In order to improve this, we added a less stretch film in the bottom of foot, this will make the pull system extend to the back side of foot. After testing, the toe dorsiflexion is better than the original style and thus improve the patient treatment.

3)damage of Velcro 

Considering the hook may damage the fabric, we simply change the position of hook and loop.

4)Latex-free

Reduce the chance of allergy.

Compared Chart:

        Front side                       Back side

The product we made is a simple and slightly improved version. We widely accept customers’ design and there are few possibility we could change.Please contact us if you have an ideal in mind.

Other possible change: 

*Functional fabric:anti-mircobial, etc…

*Nicer upper elastic band and material

*Better fit for the sock shape

*Other style of pull system