Scott Specialties Hernia Belt, Medium, 0.45 Pound

Over 3 years ago I developed an inguinal hernia in my right groin. It was just a small lump back then. My doctor recommended getting it surgically repaired at the time but I foolishly waited until it got much larger and required surgery. Exercising regularly is a vital part of stress management in my life, so it was important for me to find a way to continue to exercise until I had surgery despite the hernia. Fortunately for me, the hernia was reducible---meaning it could be pushed back into the abdomen.I had never used a truss before so I thought I would try one. I first ordered another brand truss that looked more cushy and more comfortable, but it didn't hold the hernia in. I decided to try the Sport Aid belt because it looked more functional to me---just a guess on my part really. I was determined to try 4 or 5 different belts if that's what it took to get the right one. So I bought one of the Sport Aid double hernia belts, removed the pad from the left side, and placed it in the right side pad holder to produce more inward pressure. I bought a small size truss despite having a 36 inch waist line since I had read another reviewer say that the smaller size belt puts more pressure on the abdomen and holds the hernia in better. That made sense to me.In order to get the hernia to stay reduced when I put the truss on, I had to lay down on the bed and then push it in first. Then I would put the hernia belt on, arching my body upward, slipping the hernia belt under my waist, then securing it tightly. The first time I used the truss at the gym, I wore it directly over my skin which resulted in some minor skin abrasions. But I couldn't believe it! I was able to get a full workout in at the gym and the hernia remained in place! The second time I used it, I placed it over a pair of boxer shorts and that eliminated the abrasions---but it didn't hold as tightly. I read on a medical website that trusses hold best when they are against your skin.Although this truss has the potential to produce skin abrasions if worn directly over the skin, I believe its basic and functional design results in more inward abdominal pressure at the hernia site. I found out from experience that a cushy, well padded truss is not necessarily the best design to hold in an aggressive hernia. I think there can be a trade-off between comfort and firm support. I would highly recommend this belt to those individuals wanting firm and reliable support even if it means a little discomfort from the belt while being worn.

Does what it's supposed to do. Well-built and looks like it will last a while. Some of the reviews said it was scratchy and they couldn't wear it. I wonder if they are trying to wear it next to their skin instead of putting on underpants first?? I'm sure the velcro would be scratchy that way. I'm only giving it 4 stars because the rubber pads that come with it do not "breathe". I fixed that problem by placing a folded up handkerchief between me and the pad.I am 72 yrs old and never had any kind of a hernia problem until the last couple months. I think it was because of a hard bowel movement. Surgery is not in my future plans. I am about 30 pounds overweight which will be coming off now that the weather is nice outside here in this Northern climb and walking is pleasant again (I plan to walk about 3 mi. per day) also will do excersises to strenghten abdominal muscles. I have a disdain for doctors in general and surgeons in particular and would only go that route as a last resort.

I wear a 34 size in pants and th med was way to big. I had to cut it down and sew in my own velcro, that part sucked but worked. Almost lasted a year for $20.00 and avoiding surgery for now. Its not perfect but you have to cut it down in some cases. The whole idea is to avoid people knowing its there while holding the IH back from popping out. I only have a left side IH. So I cut off the right side straps and metal fasteners. I also cut the strap on the left side that goes under your leg. I cut it to short so the strap would come out of the fastener about once a day not a big deal. Most people wear a small for it to fit right unless you heavy in the pants. So I bodybuild, run, hike..... This has no problem holding everything back an allows me to live with pain until I get the surgery which I not looking forward to.....

Being a person that can't stay still, my hernia got to the point that it wouldn't stay in without be holding it. So I scheduled my surgery and bought this truss to get me to the surgery. Shipping did take 6 days, so don't wait until your in pain. The key to using it, is how you put it on. It has no directions, so what you do is put it on,put the belt on losely, adjust the straps that go between your legs for your height, then lay on your back so the hernia can go down. Check with your hand under the belt to make sure it is completely down and tighten the belt until the hernia is held in place, yet not to tight . You want it just tight enought to hold in the hernia. It takes some practice. Also during the day, from moving, it may loosen up, so you need to re-adjust as the day goes on. You can go to [...] and look up hernia truss for more information. But this pruduct alows me to be active enough to get things done, at a slower pace, don't want to over do it. I highly recommend this product as a short term fix to get you to surgery. Get it fixed as soon as possible, hernia's like tooth ache's only get worst until the pain is unbearable.

The sportaid, hernia truss double I found to be comfortable. It's easy to adjust since it has felcro to adjust around the waist. Make sure you order your waist size and not the hip size. One thing nice about the truss is that you can remove the padding. So whatever side you have the hernia on, you can remove the opposite padding. It's just a matter of getting use to the tightness around the waist area in order to adjust the padding and straps correctly on the hernia to get the proper support. I'd probably go ahead with the surgery to correct the problem than to rely on wearing the belt for the rest of my life.