philidelphia collars vs Philadelphia Patriot One-Piece Cervical collar for summer?

[mommabutler]

I have to switch from a soft collar, because I am not continuing to get the kind of support I did in the begining with it. I have grown used to it and now find myself sqishing it down when I sleep. I would like to try the “philidelphia collar” but with summer coming it looks so hot and I want the support but dont want a rash and stickiness the regular one looks like it might give. Before I purchase I was wondering have any of you tried the “Philadelphia Patriot One-Piece Cervical Collar”?
Rebecca

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[Barbara]

Many people with our condition take to wearing a soft collar. I have to say that my experience of a soft collar was that, although it restricted me from easily going into flexion (with my head looking down), on the whole it made the symptoms worse because it didn’t stop my head from shifting.

With cranio-cervical instability and low-lying cerebellar tonsils, we have two main mechanical problems to avoid.

1. Flexion – as this further compresses delicate brain tissue and will aggravate symptoms.

2. Forward shifting of the head caused by bending forwards, which does the same as above.

So does the original philadelphia collar address these problems ? mainly yes. The problem with the original philadelphia collar though, is that it is rather overheating at times.
Also you need to keep it scrupulously clean and wear fresh linings with it daily, or it will make the skin sore. These linings are not that easy to get hold of these days.

So my comments on this new collar pictured above are, it will certainly restrict or stop flexion but will it stop the head from shifting when you bend forwards, as there is nothing cupping the chin. Somehow I don’t think it will but I’d like to hear from anyone who has found different. It certainly looks cooler than the original, with air more freer flowing.
Barbara
(UK)

[mommabutler]

Barbara, Thank you for your thoughts. I would rather not waste money on something that is not going to work or help. I may go to the local medical supply store and try a few before buying so I know which one I want. With the warm weather coming skin comfort is an issue.
Rebecca

[diamondcut]

Barbara has helped me too with buying my rigid collar, i would second that the soft collars in the days didnt help that much, especially when going for a walk or being in the car.

I spray mine with a mild anti back and wash it as often as i can, i doubt my collar will last long using harsh chemicals on it all the time but my collar smells otherwise lol!!

[mommabutler]

Hello Barbara,
I was not able to “try on” any collars before buying, but I did do some more research and did decide to just go with the original “Philadelphia Cervical Collar”. I found information about measuring and sizing to help find the best fit for me and called the company before ordering to verify I had my information right. I want to be able to clean it too, as you mentioned, that made sense. I was able to find it online for a very reasonable price at a medical supply, as well as the liners. I paid about $50 for both with shipping, so I was pretty happy. There is a wide variety of prices you will find online for the collar itself ($17.-$50)so shopping around is a must. I was stunned and shocked at what the mark up is in the medical orthotic dispensing clinics for the same thing! ($150 -$200). Best to get it online for sure. Thank you again for your help,
Rebecca

[Barbara]

Glad you were successful and I hope you find it reduces or alleviates some of your symptoms. Yes it is a bind but you do have to wash yourself, the collar and the collar linings thoroughly everyday (as it can easily smell) but that’s a small price to pay for the benefits.

You need to be careful what you wash it with though, as skin absorbs easily, never use anything harsh. I use Manuka Honey soap, as this is naturally anti-bacterial. Remember not to put your neck in flexion whilst you are washing it!
I wish you all the best.
Barbara
(UK)

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