Protect Your Investment: Prosthetic Care Essentials
Your FTM prosthetic is an investment in your comfort, confidence, and daily life. With proper care, a high-quality silicone packer can last for years. However, accidents happen—a sharp fingernail, a zipper snag, or accidental force can cause small tears.
Don't panic if you notice a tear. Small damage can be repaired at home with the right tools and technique. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Whether you've just received your first Emisil prosthetic or you're looking to extend the life of one you've had for years, this guide covers cleaning, maintenance, repair, and prevention.
- Tear repair — step-by-step Sil-Poxy repair process
- Daily cleaning — proper hygiene routine
- Prevention — how to avoid damage in the first place
- Swimming — is chlorine safe for silicone?
- Storage — proper storage to extend lifespan
Helpful Tools & Products
Having the right tools on hand makes prosthetic care simple and effective:
How to Fix a Torn Silicone Packer
If you discover a tear, act fast. Small tears can grow larger if left unattended. We recommend using Sil-Poxy silicone adhesive, which creates a strong, flexible bond specifically designed for medical-grade silicone.
Example of a tear in a silicone prosthetic that can be repaired with Sil-Poxy
Step-by-Step Repair Process
Clean the Area
Clean the tear and surrounding area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or another degreaser. A thoroughly clean and dry surface is essential for the adhesive to bond permanently.
Let It Dry Completely
Do not rush this step. Wait until the cleaned area is completely dry. Any moisture will prevent the Sil-Poxy from adhering to the silicone properly.
Apply Sil-Poxy
Apply a small amount of adhesive inside the tear and press the edges together firmly. Sil-Poxy creates a bond that is resistant to moisture, UV light, and heat.
Let It Cure
Allow the adhesive to fully cure according to package instructions before wearing your prosthetic again. Don't rush this—a proper cure ensures a lasting repair.
Our Repair Kit includes professional-grade Sil-Poxy and all necessary tools in a convenient case. Using the correct adhesive ensures you don't void your warranty or damage your prosthetic with incorrect products.
When Professional Repair is Needed
Some damage is beyond home repair:
- Large tears (longer than 1 inch)
- Tears near the urethra (for STP models)
- Multiple tears or structural damage
- Paint/color damage that affects appearance
Contact Emisil support for professional repair services or replacement options.
Daily Care & Cleaning Routine
Regular cleaning is mandatory for daily-wear prosthetics. Proper hygiene extends the life of the silicone, prevents skin irritation, and keeps your prosthetic looking and feeling its best.
Daily Cleaning Steps
1. Wash
Use warm water and mild, oil-free soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, antibacterial soaps, or anything with fragrances.
2. Dry
Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or let air dry completely. Never put away wet—moisture can cause issues.
3. Powder
Dust with cornstarch or renewal powder to remove tackiness and restore a smooth, silky texture.
Deep Cleaning (Weekly)
Once a week, give your prosthetic a more thorough clean:
- Wash with mild soap and warm water as usual
- Inspect for any small tears, discoloration, or damage
- Check any painted details for wear
- Apply a thin layer of renewal powder
What NOT to Use
❌ Avoid These Products
- Silicone-based lubricants — can degrade silicone over time
- Oil-based products — can stain and damage the material
- Harsh chemicals — bleach, alcohol wipes, hydrogen peroxide
- Antibacterial soaps — often too harsh
- Scented products — can cause skin irritation
✅ Safe to Use
- Water-based lubricants — safe for silicone
- Mild, unscented soap — dish soap works well
- Cornstarch — for removing tackiness
- Renewal powder — designed for prosthetics
- Rubbing alcohol — for cleaning before repair only
How to Avoid Damage & Tears
Your Emisil prosthetic is made of durable medical-grade silicone, but it's designed to mimic real skin—which means it can be delicate. Prevention is always better than repair.
The #1 Cause of Tears
Prevention Tips
✋ Handle with Care
- Keep fingernails trimmed and smooth
- Remove rings and jewelry when handling
- Don't pull or stretch excessively
- Be gentle during cleaning
👖 Clothing Awareness
- Watch out for zippers (the #1 culprit)
- Avoid rough fabrics that can snag
- Use quality packing underwear
- Check harness hardware for rough edges
🐾 Environmental Hazards
- Keep away from pets (claws can tear silicone)
- Store away from sharp objects
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Keep away from direct sunlight when storing
💼 Proper Storage
- Store in a breathable cloth bag
- Don't store touching other silicone items
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Apply powder before long-term storage
Emisil Quality Control
At Emisil, every prosthetic undergoes rigorous testing before shipping. We inspect texture, weight, and structural integrity to ensure it meets medical-grade standards. However, once it arrives, its longevity depends on how well you care for it.
Can I Swim with My Prosthetic?
Many of our clients wear their prosthetics 24/7 and naturally want to go swimming. A common question: does chlorine damage silicone?
While chlorine can degrade some materials, you would need extremely high concentrations for extended periods to damage medical-grade silicone. Normal pool swimming is completely safe for your prosthetic.
Swimming Tips
✅ DO
- Secure prosthetic in tight swim trunks or harness
- Rinse with fresh water after swimming
- Dry and powder after pool/beach visits
- Check for any loosening during swimming
⚠️ CONSIDER
- STP models may be harder to secure while swimming
- Adhesive may not hold in water—use a harness
- Salt water is also safe but rinse afterward
- Hot tubs are fine for short periods
After Swimming Care
- Rinse immediately with fresh, clean water
- Wash with mild soap to remove chlorine/salt residue
- Dry completely before storing or wearing again
- Apply powder to restore silky texture
How Long Should My Prosthetic Last?
With proper care, a high-quality silicone prosthetic can last for several years. Here's what affects lifespan:
Daily Wear
Worn daily with proper care: 2–5+ years
Occasional Use
Worn occasionally: 5–10+ years
Signs It's Time for a Replacement
- Multiple repairs — too many patches affect appearance and feel
- Discoloration — significant color changes that affect realism
- Loss of elasticity — silicone becomes stiff or brittle
- Persistent odor — even after thorough cleaning
- Structural damage — affects function (especially for STP models)
🎯 Key Takeaways
Clean Daily
Warm water, mild soap, dry completely, then powder.
Repair Properly
Use Sil-Poxy only. Never superglue. Cure 12–24 hours.
Watch for Zippers
The #1 cause of tears. Be careful every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use superglue to fix my silicone packer?
No, never. Cyanoacrylate (superglue) makes silicone hard, brittle, and can cause further tearing. It will permanently damage your prosthetic. Always use a silicone-based adhesive like Sil-Poxy, which is designed for medical-grade silicone.
How often should I wash my FTM prosthetic?
You should wash your prosthetic daily with warm water and mild soap to remove sweat, oils, and bacteria. This prevents odors, extends the life of the silicone, and prevents skin irritation. Weekly, do a more thorough inspection and cleaning.
Is it safe to boil my Emisil packer?
Yes, if it's made of 100% silicone. However, do not boil for more than 1 minute. Excessive heat can weaken the material over time. Let it cool completely before handling. This is for occasional sanitization—not daily cleaning.
Why does my packer feel sticky after washing?
Silicone can become tacky after washing because the natural oils are removed. This is normal! Simply dust it with cornstarch or renewal powder to restore the smooth, silky feel. Do this after every wash.
Can I use silicone lubricant with my prosthetic?
No. Silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone prosthetics over time. Always use water-based lubricants only. This applies to both pack-and-play use and any adhesive applications.
How do I store my prosthetic long-term?
Clean and dry your prosthetic completely, apply a light dusting of cornstarch, and store in a breathable cloth bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Don't store it touching other silicone items, as they can fuse together over time.
Will swimming damage my packer?
No. Normal pool chlorine levels and salt water are safe for medical-grade silicone. Just make sure to rinse with fresh water after swimming, wash with mild soap, dry completely, and apply powder. The main concern is securing it properly so it doesn't shift or fall out.
Your prosthetic is an investment in yourself. With proper care—daily cleaning, careful handling, and prompt repairs—it will serve you well for years. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. 💜
Need to Repair or Upgrade?
Whether you need a repair kit or a brand new prosthetic, we have you covered.
