Flexitouch pump system. Any feedback?

[Annale]

Does anyone here use a pump? Specifically the Flexitouch? I’m curious because my sons lymphedema therapist had said that they can actually damage the lymphatic. I’d that true? How long do you have to wear them? My son has it in legs and feet. tactilemedical.com/products...

[CCT67]

Only if you use a pump incorrectly can you potentially harm your Lymphatics. It’s important to prepare for pumping by doing lymphatic breathing and opening up your drainage pathways the way a CLT does when starting MLD. If you do not always prepare for pumping then your lymphatics can run into trouble.

I’ve had the Flexitouch Plus system since early 2018 and before that the Flexitouch Classic. Tactile Medical first has their local rep measure you to determine which sizing you need and then sends one of their trainers to your home when you receive your new pump to set you up and ensure you learn how to use it properly. All leg pumps have a core/trunk piece ie they do not stop at the groin like some other pump systems. Tactile doesn’t use canvas or parachute material like other systems, the fabric is more malleable than canvas and hugs the limb very well. The Tactile trainer sets up the pump and fits the garments to custom fit your limbs/trunk - it’s important it’s not fitting too tight or damage could result.

Tactile requires a prescription from the patient’s LE treating doctor/vascular consultant, it’s not possible to buy one yourself/self-pay without prescription. Most large insurers cover Flexitouch. They have an excellent warranty and customer service.

I’m assuming you’re in the US. Tactile Medical only trades in the US (this is a UK site), in LE forums on your side of the pond loads of lymphies feedback about their Flexitouch pumps, generally very positive. As I used to spend a lot of time in the US I chose Flexitouch after thoroughly researching pumps in both countries, and as Flexitouch was the only system with a head/neck pump which I need as well as 4 limbs/trunk).

Another good option is LymphaPress. In the US it and Flexitouch are the market leaders in pumps for LE management. You could arrange to rent a Flexitouch system from Tactile if you wanted to trial it. I think it’s still possible to rent for 6 or 12 months. Call their customer care number on Tactile website to inquire. Not sure if your son is an adult - my comments are based on the assumption he’s not a child.

[AnnCarole in reply to CCT67]

I used Flexitouch for a few yrs and found it extremely cumbersome. Trying to velcro all those flaps & the ones near my feet kept opening during the treatment. I have lympedema in both legs and with this pump I was only able to do one leg at a time so it took up too much time. I finally discovered LympaPress which I like so much better. Much easier to get on, just zip it up & I can do both legs at the same time. Flexitounch was more difficult to keep clean than LympaPress. All and all, at least for my circumstances, I like the LympaPress so much better.

[CCT67 in reply to AnnCarole]

It sounds like you were unaware that Tactile Medical replaces the garments when they wear out. All you need to do is phone customer product support on their toll free number and they’ll send out replacements. They’ll do that repeatedly over the years.

LymphaPress is a good pump, it and Flexitouch are the US market leaders. I prefer having 32 chambers in the Flexitouch.

Please do be careful of pumping both of your legs bilaterally as this could potentially lead to trunkal lymph issues. Do ensure you clear your central drainage pathways every time before you start pumping. Without doing this you leave yourself wide open to developing drainage complications in your trunk which many lymphies who don’t do this report occurring of pump manufacturer. My Flexitouch Plus can pump legs bilaterally but I do them separately. Many CLTs advise to avoid simultaneous bilateral pumping to ensure the lymohatics in the lower trunk are not overwhelmed. .