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. Whether you need to fix a torn silicone prosthetic or just maintain your daily routine, these are the essentials:
How to Fix a Torn Silicone Packer
Knowing how to fix a silicone prosthetic at home can save you hundreds of euros and weeks of waiting. If you discover a tear, act fast. Small tears can grow larger with daily wear if left unattended — what starts as a tiny nick can become a major split within days.
The only adhesive we recommend is Sil-Poxy — a silicone-based adhesive that creates a strong, flexible bond specifically designed for medical-grade silicone. It cures to match the flexibility of the surrounding material, so the repair moves naturally with the prosthetic instead of creating a stiff, brittle spot.
Example of a tear in a silicone prosthetic that can be repaired with Sil-Poxy
Step-by-Step Repair Process
This packer repair guide walks you through fixing a torn silicone prosthetic at home. The process is straightforward — the key is patience, especially during drying and curing.
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. Remove any dust, powder, oils, or adhesive residue from the area.
Let It Dry Completely
Do not rush this step. Wait until the cleaned area is completely dry. Any moisture — even a thin invisible film — will prevent the Sil-Poxy from adhering to the silicone properly and the repair will fail.
Apply Sil-Poxy
Apply a small amount of adhesive inside the tear — not on the surface. Gently open the tear, apply Sil-Poxy to both inner edges, then press them together firmly and hold for 30 seconds. Wipe any excess immediately. 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 that can withstand daily wear, stretching, and washing.
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. Available in our prosthetic care collection along with other maintenance essentials.
Common Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Many people attempting a torn silicone prosthetic fix for the first time make these mistakes:
- Applying too much Sil-Poxy — excess adhesive creates visible bumps on the surface. Less is more.
- Not cleaning the area first — oils and powder prevent bonding. The repair will peel off within days.
- Wearing it too soon — if the adhesive hasn't fully cured (12–24 hours), movement will break the bond.
- Using the wrong adhesive — only Sil-Poxy or equivalent silicone adhesive works. Everything else (superglue, epoxy, craft glue) will damage the silicone.
When Professional Repair is Needed
Some damage is beyond home repair. Contact Emisil support for professional repair services or replacement options if you see:
- Large tears (longer than 1 inch / 2.5 cm)
- Tears near the urethra (for STP models — these affect function)
- Multiple tears or structural damage in the same area
- Paint/color damage that affects appearance significantly
- Internal rod damage — if a support rod has punctured through the silicone
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. For a complete deep-dive on cleaning — including soft packer care, hair maintenance, and sanitization schedules — see our full prosthetic cleaning guide.
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 mold and mildew.
3. Powder
Dust with cornstarch to remove tackiness and restore a smooth, silky texture. Avoid talcum powder — use cornstarch only.
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
- If you use prosthetic adhesive, remove all residue from the tab area
- Apply a thin layer of cornstarch after drying
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, hydrogen peroxide
- Antibacterial soaps — often too harsh for daily use
- Scented products — can cause skin irritation
- Talcum powder — may contain asbestos traces; use cornstarch instead
✅ Safe to Use
- Water-based lubricants — safe for silicone
- Mild, unscented soap — gentle dish soap works well
- Cornstarch — for removing tackiness (available at any grocery store)
- Rubbing alcohol — for cleaning before repair only, not daily use
- Sil-Poxy — the only adhesive safe for silicone repairs
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 (and cheaper) than repair. This section of our packer repair guide focuses on keeping your prosthetic in perfect condition so you never need to fix it in the first place.
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 cornstarch 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. Explore our full range of care and maintenance products to keep your prosthetic in top shape.
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 instead
- 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 cornstarch to restore silky texture
How Long Should My Prosthetic Last?
With proper care, a high-quality silicone prosthetic can last for several years. The biggest factors are daily cleaning habits, careful handling, and having a repair kit ready for quick fixes when accidents happen.
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 and sanitization
- Structural damage — affects function (especially for STP models)
When it's time for a new prosthetic, browse our packer collection or STP collection. Use our Skin Tone Matcher to find the perfect shade.
🎯 Key Takeaways
Clean Daily
Warm water, mild soap, dry completely, then powder with cornstarch.
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
How do I fix a silicone prosthetic at home?
Clean the torn area with rubbing alcohol, let it dry completely, apply Sil-Poxy silicone adhesive inside the tear, press the edges together, and let it cure for 12–24 hours. Use a toothpick for precision. Our Emisil Repair Kit includes everything you need for the job.
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 and cures to remain flexible.
How often should I wash my FTM prosthetic?
Wash your prosthetic daily with warm water and mild soap to remove sweat, oils, and bacteria. Weekly, do a more thorough inspection and deep clean. For a detailed cleaning routine, see our complete cleaning guide.
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 to restore the smooth, silky feel. Do this after every wash. Avoid talcum powder — cornstarch is safer and works just as well.
Can I use silicone lubricant with my prosthetic?
No. Silicone-based lubricants can degrade silicone prosthetics over time, causing the surface to become gummy or deteriorate. 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 react and degrade over time.
Will swimming damage my packer?
No. Normal pool chlorine levels and salt water are safe for medical-grade silicone. Just rinse with fresh water after swimming, wash with mild soap, dry completely, and apply cornstarch. The main concern is securing it properly so it doesn't shift.
What type of tears can I repair myself?
Small tears (under 1 inch / 2.5 cm) in non-critical areas can be repaired at home with Sil-Poxy. For large tears, tears near the STP urethra, multiple tears in the same area, or significant color damage, contact Emisil support for professional repair or replacement options.
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, care supplies, or a brand new prosthetic — we have you covered.
