Home    Clients    Staff    Contact    Locations    FAQs    Technology    Devices    In the News    Links    Payment    Warranty Suction Sockets: Suction sockets have been around for a number of years now and are an alternative to belts and/or straps to hold the prosthesis to the limb during swing phase in the gait cycle. Suction sockets can fit right against the skin or use some type of gel liner that is put on the limb first before entering the socket. The concept of suction suspension is to not let any air into the socket once the limb is in place inside the socket. By either fitting the socket snug against the skin or by the use of a suspension sleeve to seal off the top of the socket, the socket uses atmospheric pressure to suspend the socket to the limb much like lifting fluid out of a glass in a straw by holding your finger over the top of the straw. By not letting any air in the top of the straw the fluid is held inside with suction. This is a very common way to suspend the prosthesis to a residual limb and with the advances made in the types of sleeves used, a logical approach for many amputees today. Vacuum Sockets: Suction sockets have long been used to increase the suspension of the prosthetic socket to the limb during swing phase of the gait cycle. Vacuum sockets go one step further by not just sealing the socket so there is no exchange of air, there is an added component that actively evacuates the air from the socket system. This creates negative atmospheric pressure within the socket which increases the “holding power” of the socket to the limb. Not only does this suspend better with virtually no pistoning within the socket, but there are more advantages as well. One of these advantages is the control of volume fluctuation of the limb. No more adding socks to tighten the fit throughout the day! Another advantage is the reports of less perspiration in the socket. This helps keep the skin of the limb dry and comfortable during the day. With virtually no pistoning, no adding of socks during the day, and healthier, dryer skin, you can see why it is a popular choice for amputees of all levels.