Soft form hernia brief
The soft form hernia brief combines a traditional brief shape with the support of a hernia belt (eliminating the need to wear your regular undergarments).
The hernia brief provides support for hernia's on both the right and left-hand side with two soft flexible foam pads. Both pads are removable so the unnecessary pad can be removed if treating a single hernia.
When inserted correctly the flat side of the pad faces outwards, and the rounded side faces the body.
The soft form hernia belt is also available from the Bupa Shop
Sizing:
For correct sizing, measure around the waist.
| 28 - 30" | |||
| 32 - 34" | |||
| 36 - 38" | |||
| 40 - 42" |
Health benefits
A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an opening in the body. Most hernias are the result of a part of the intestine slipping thorough a weakness in the abdominal wall, and hence often form around the weak areas of the navel and groin (inguinal hernias - most common in men) or around previous incisions.
Discomfort can be experienced, especially when coughing, lifting heavy objects, or standing for a long time. However a large increase in pain may be a sign the hernia is worsening, and a physician should be consulted immediately.
Limiting activity, and wearing a hernia belt or brief may provide temporary relief, but the only cure for a hernia is surgery. Please consult your physician first for more information on surgery to cure a hernia.
Health information
For more information about different types of hernia, see the Bupa factsheets:
Bupa factsheet - femoral hernia
Bupa factsheet - hiatus hernia
Bupa factsheet - inguinal hernia repair
Bupa factsheet - umbilical hernia repair in adults
Bupa factsheet - umbilical hernia repair in children
Advice
Use this product only under the supervision of your physician, and only to provide temporary relief from reducible (can be pushed back) inguinal hernias. Please read the product packaging before use, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
The hernia brief should be removed and the hernia inspected daily to ensure it is not becoming infected, or developing into the more serious non-reducible hernia.
A non-reducible hernia can become life threatening if part of the intestine gets trapped or becomes strangulated in the opening. This can lead to dangerous complications as the blood or intestinal flow can be stopped, leading to possible tissue death and gangrene. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased pain are symptoms of a trapped/strangulated hernia. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation that usually requires immediate surgery.
