Bauerfeind Brace FAQs

Bracing may be included in a nonsurgical treatment program to benefit patients with facet syndrome, low back pain, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and other spinal problems. Postoperatively, bracing is prescribed to stabilize the spine and facilitate healing. A good outcome may depend on more than brace type and fabrication. Rather, the science behind a Bauerfeind product addresses more -- overall fit and comfort -- important to patient compliance.

What’s involved in customized patient fit and brace comfort?

Bauerfeind understands if a brace does not fit well, or is uncomfortable the patient is less likely to wear it as prescribed. The design and fabrication of a Bauerfeind brace specifically addresses issues of patient compliance. Their braces are made from knitted products that provide 360-degrees of consistent compression with formable carbon fiber inserts and metal stays that yield a near custom fit.

Further, the use of formable thermoplastic shells with Bauerfeind’s patented SofTec^® knit in their SofTec^® Lumbo permits easy adjustment to comfortably fit the patient’s unique anatomy.

How are Bauerfeind’s braces fabricated?

The company has developed its own process of interweaving a core of Lycra® thread with special nylon microfibers at 3,000 revolutions per minute. This process produces their patented hypoallergenic elastic thread that improves wearable comfort while providing consistent and controlled compression.

Bauerfeind’s braces are manufactured using a versatile flat-knitting technology. Benefits include:

• A brace that is physiologically-superior
• Three-dimensional anatomical shape
• Equal tension for consistent and controlled compression

What are the benefits of SoftTec^® technology?

Comfort: SofTec^® knitting is a vector-oriented knit. It is functional and provides stabilization similar to a rigid shell – but is comfortable to wear and delivers consistent compression in a fabric brace. Patients favor these braces for comfort, which equates to improved wearing compliance.

Secure Fit: The SofTec^® interface enables Bauerfeind to design and fabricate modular braces that are easy to customize and adaptable to rehabilitation.

A secure fit increases the contact surface area and reduces brace movement or migration. Yet, the brace allows muscle activity and decreases the incidence for muscle atrophy, which can mean better patient outcomes.

What sets a Bauerfeind brace apart from its competition?

• Advanced manufacturing technology
• Three-dimensional anatomical knit
• Physiologically functional viscoelastic inserts
• 360-degress of consistent and controlled compression
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure
• Increased neuromuscular output
• Increased muscle activation
• Decreased muscle atrophy
• High adaptability to patient rehabilitation
• Custom-fit in an off-the-shelf brace
• Better patient outcomes