Frequently Asked Questions

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Anatex Anaprene

Anaprene is a closed-cell, perforated neoprene (Neoprene: is a synthetic rubber that is produced by polymerization of chloroprene) with either a plush-lined or nylon covered interior. Our branded Anaprene products are manufactured in 2mm, 3mm or 5mm thicknesses, please consult the features page on the product in question for more specific item details.

The Anaprene perforations support a two-way airflow helping make our neoprene braces cooler and more comfortable to wear.

Anatex is made of a urethane membrane bonded between layers of lycra and shiny terry.

More durable than other lamination processes, our braces have a longer life without lining separation. Less than 1mm thick, braces manufactured out of Anatex are extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. Taking advantage of the nap on the inner lining, our supports are cut in such a way as to help prevent the brace from sliding down. Two added benefits of the Anatech material is its ability to wick away perspiration and two-way airflow, making the brace cool and comfortable.

Foot Orthotics

Some people develop discomfort in the foot, leg, or lower back when they first start to wear orthotics. Don’t worry, this is normal and is due to a realignment of the whole lower extremities and pelvis.

Your muscles and ligaments have to readjust to this new corrected alignment and when they do the discomfort will disappear. Most patients won’t suffer from this type soreness, however if they do, generally disappears within two or three weeks. If this is a problem for you, it is advisable to gradually “break in” your new orthotics by wearing them for short periods at a time. Persistent discomfort may require adjustment to your orthotics or a visit to a medical professional.

The majority of our full length orthotics have guidelines for trimming, if required. Use your current shoe’s insole as a template for trimming. Please contact customer service with any questions.

Yes! High arched, supinated feet are generally tight and rigid. Orthotics help to redistribute the pressures from the ball of the foot and heel. An orthotic will also help to support and stabilize the heel.

General

Please contact customer service directly as soon as possible with any alterations or cancellations to your order.

Please note, certain exceptions apply:

  • If a custom or special order has been placed: If the product already processed or shipped, it can no longer be altered or cancelled.

Anatech is a Canadian distributor and manufacturer of various quality products. At this time we do not export outside of Canada.

Please contact customer service directly to place an order. We take orders via phone, fax and email.

*Please note: Custom orders are not accepted via phone as a hard copy of specifications and measurements must be provided.

Each product has specific sizing guidelines to help you choose an appropriate size.

If you do not fit into the specified product size range, please contact customer service for further assistance to see if we are able to custom manufacture the item for you.

We recommend hand washing all garments with a mild detergent (phosphorus free) and laying flat to dry. Do not use bleach. For washing instructions on a specific item, please view either the packaging or the label found on the product.

Anatech products are sold through medical facilities, pharmacies, orthopaedic or prosthetic outlets, home health care and sports stores. Depending on the outlet and your location the retail price will vary. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-667-3442 or 604-273-2836 to find an authorized dealer in your area.

If you are a dealer and have an account, please contact customer service at ,

1-800-667-3442 or visit the Dealer Section.

If you are a dealer of orthopaedics, home health care or sports medicine products and do not have an account, please fill out the dealer application form or contact customer service at or 1-800-667-3442.

If you believe that you have received the wrong product or there is a billing discrepancy, please contact customer service within 72 hours of receiving product or invoice.

Anatech does offer custom options for the majority of products we manufacture. Most commonly, we manufacture custom knee supports, which are made using measurements provided by our customers.

This is done by accurately taking a circumferential measurement of the thigh at 6″ above mid-patella, at the patella, and 6″ below mid-patella at the calf. More measurements may also be taken for a uniquely shaped leg or if a longer support is required.

Please keep in mind it is best for a certified fitter to measure the leg for custom sizing. With these measurements, we are able to generate a product that is truly specific to the patient’s size and needs. Custom measurements must be given in hard copy, so please fax or email the order on the custom order form provided in the Our Policies section

Latex Content

Some latex allergic individuals can suffer a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction when they come in contact with natural rubber latex.

This serious reaction is called anaphylactic shock. It occurs within minutes of exposure, and is characterized by generalized hives, breathing difficulties and low blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock may be fatal and must be promptly treated by adrenalin injection.

Anaphylactic shock is most likely to occur during direct tissue contact with natural rubber latex products. Direct contact occurs when the skin surface has been broken, or the contact is across a mucous membrane. Mucous membrane contact can occur in the mouth (e.g. blowing up a balloon, dental surgery, anesthetic administration), vagina (condom use, vaginal examination), rectum and colon (examination or enema administration), or urethra (catheterization). Direct tissue contact can occur during surgery when a surgeon wears natural rubber latex gloves when operating on a patient.

The majority of our products are latex-free, with the exception of some of the foot orthotics that are made out of natural rubber. For information please view the specific item features or contact customer service.

A “latex allergy” is an allergy to products made from natural rubber latex. It is an allergy to proteins originating from the rubber tree and still present in products made from natural rubber latex.

Products made from natural rubber latex usually contain a number of chemicals and some people are not allergic to natural rubber latex itself, but the chemicals found in the manufactured natural rubber latex products. Your allergist will identify which materials affect you. If you react to chemicals, you may have a “rubber allergy” and may be referred to a dermatologist for further tests.

Natural rubber latex is a particular kind of rubber that has been manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree. Rubber tree sap, or natural rubber latex, is a cloudy white liquid containing a large amount of natural rubber that can be used to manufacture various consumer products. Natural rubber latex products cannot be identified visually. Any rubber-like object could be made of natural rubber latex, or it could be made of synthetic material (including synthetic rubber). Items that are not are not stretchy may have natural rubber latex applied, similar to a paint-like coating.

Prosthetics

There are a few different ways of donning a prosthetic sleeve, however to encourage a long life of your Anatech sleeve, they should be rolled up before applying to prosthesis and then unrolled into place. As this product is meant to be snug and has a non-slip interior, this method of donning will help prevent ripping of the sleeve which is generally caused by the incorrect application of pulling on. The product is taken off in similar manner, simply by rolling off. Speak your prosthetist for specific tips on applying your prosthesis and sleeve.

This happens when the sleeve has been left in a rolled up position overnight or for an extended period of time. This will cause the neoprene to lose its memory and eventually it will lose its effectiveness. We highly recommend that all products should be unrolled when not in use.

Returns

For reasons other than warranty or error, all items are applicable to a 10% restocking fee. Items must be in a re-saleable condition and in original packaging.

Returns

Goods returned without prior authorization will not be accepted. Please have the following information ready from your records and your customer, in order to obtain your Return Authorization Number (RA #).

  • Item # and description.
  • Reason for return with your assessment of the product.
  • Proof of purchase from the customer.
  • picture along with copies of the above may be required for some items to avoid unnecessary shipment.
  • Certain items may have manufacture date or lot # which will be required at time of return request.

Goods returned for warranty must be in a clean and hygienic condition.

We will not accept back the following items under any circumstances, other than warranty or our error:

  • Items assessed to be used, worn or dirty.
  • Custom products.
  • Discontinued products.
  • Non-stocking styles, sizes or colours and any special order products.
  • Items purchased over 6 months prior.

All returns must be shipped prepaid to Anatech and must have RA # indicated on the outside of the package. Include all the above required documents/information with the return.

Upon examination of all returned goods, Anatech will repair, replace or credit any items that fall under our warranty policy at our discretion. Our return to you will be prepaid via our courier. If you should prefer another courier, the items will be shipped freight collect.

Warranty

Anatech Inc. warrants all goods to be free of defects in material and workmanship upon leaving the warehouse and agrees to, at Anatech’s discretion, replace or repair faulty products free of charge for three months from the date of purchase.

This warranty does not apply to goods misused or damaged due to accident or improper handling; to goods that have been altered; to goods that have been in contact with harmful substances (i.e. chemicals, oils, solvents, etc.) or to goods subjected to improper washing methods.

Anatech is not responsible for, nor does this warranty cover, any adverse reactions due to allergies from any material used in our products. If you have a particular concern, please call to request a sample piece of material to do patch testing on possible sensitive patients.