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30 of 31 found the following review helpful:
 Highly adjustable truss; all velcro; no metal. Jun 18, 2010
By Harris Gottfried
For comparison's sake, I have tried the following 4 trusses:
1. Soft Form Hernia Support Belt, size small
2. Soft Form Hernia Support Belt, size medium
3. Lumiscope Golden Crown Truss Double, size small
4. Lumiscope Golden Crown Truss Double, size medium
I have a single (on the right side), reducible, direct inguinal hernia (relatively small by my estimation, but I've only seen pictures of others' hernias on the internet). First of all, I always remove the pads that come with these trusses. The Soft Form pads just slip out of a little enclosure (requires no extra work). The Lumiscope pads are sewn-in and require a seam-ripper (or very small pair of scissors) to remove (each one took me about 15 minutes to remove--be careful not to rip the truss). If you leave the pads in place (with either brand), the pads will push into the weakened area of the inguinal hernia causing much discomfort. It also seems to me that if one were to push something into the weakened area of the abdomen, the abdomen cannot even attempt to heal as the muscle will continue to be pushed apart. For the record, I am attempting to heal WITHOUT surgery (I know this is uncommon, but it has been done), so I want my abdomen to have every available opportunity to heal and/or not get worse.
My waist (measured around where my pelvic bone protrudes the most (top of the pelvic bowl)--I don't know if this should be called "hip" or "waist", but it's where these trusses sit on my body when worn properly) measures 32"; size is of utmost importance when ordering a truss, so I will try and be as specific as possible.
The Soft Form Hernia Belts (all velcro; no metal) are more forgiving when it comes to ordering the right size as they are so very adjustable. I can comfortably use both the small and medium sizes with the Soft Form (I prefer the medium, however). The straps are rather elastic, so once you get them adjusted how you like, there will be some nice flex for different positions. The velcro spots on the back for the under-leg straps are a little close together for my liking, however (the under-leg straps are sewn-in on the front). The straps have a tendency to come together and may require that you reach back and reposition them often (they slip off the cheek and into the crack). You can, however, bring the strap all the way around the outside of your leg/hip and connect the strap to the front (using the velcro from the front strap-connection, you can sandwich the back strap with the front one--it's not designed to do this, but it's a very easy thing to do). When sitting down, the under-leg strap really needs to be tightened on-the-fly, which is not something that is easily done with this Soft Form belt because the velcro is very strong and difficult to adjust when out and about running errands, for instance.
The Lumiscope Golden Crown Truss Double, size medium, is my preferred belt. Size small is too small for my waist (32" around my waist; measured at the top of my pelvic bowl where the two bone-protrusions are most prominent). I first tried this belt with the pads intact, and if it were tight enough to sit on my body properly, I would be uncomfortable with the pressure of the pads into my herniated area. I was hesitant to remove the pads because I didn't want to ruin the truss. I ordered a second truss so that I would have a backup (great to have a second one so that you can shower with one on and then let it drip dry while you wear your second one). I am so glad that I removed the pads; the truss is infinitely more comfortable (and I suppose you could always reattatch the pads if necessary). The beauty of the Lumiscope is the adjustable nature of the leg straps. If I'm out running errands, having to sit in my car with a hernia is not very comfortable. The pressure that is normally provided by the truss fades when sitting due to the ergonomics of how a leg straps fits on the body. With this truss, I can loosen my pants, reach back and tighten the leg strap, and then sit down and feel comfortable knowing that the truss is putting pressure where pressure needs to be applied (and then when I stand back up, I can reach back and loosen the strap, as well). The leg straps connect in a good postion on the back (wide enough so that the straps stay positioned on the cheeks). The Lumiscope Golden Crown Truss Double is not as adjustable as the Soft Form Hernia Belt, and therefore I cannot use the size small that I ordered because I cannot get the snaps to meet in the center. It has been stated in other reviews that this belt will set off a metal detector in an airport; I have not had a chance to test this for myself.
At first I was very discouraged upon discovering that I had a hernia. These trusses help manage it very well. Stay positive and good luck with whatever you decide to do for yourself.
Edit 12/09/2010
After much experimentation, I have settled on what I feel to be the best solution: an athletic supporter (jock strap) for proper support of the scrotum, and layers of terry cloth fabric cut to size to provide padded pressure to the site of the bulge. An inguinal hernia is damage to the inguinal area where the spermatic cord comes through the lower abdominal wall (or at least close to this area); relieve the weight of the testicles on the spermatic cord by supporting the scrotum and I believe you will experience relief as I do. Between the base of your penis and the elastic belt of the jock strap, place layers of terry cloth wide enough to stick out either side of the elastic cup but not too wide as to be too bulky under your clothes. When I am active during the day, I usually have 6 layers of padding; at night I use only 3. If you use too many at night and you inadvertantly roll over on to your stomach, the bulk may be very uncomfortable. This method targets my bulge perfectly; your results may vary depending on the location of your injury. Some jock straps have much wider elastic bands than others. I prefer the wide elastic band. This method also allows for wonderful freedom of movement during the day. My entire abdominal region no longer feels restricted by tight corsets around my entire midsection. Don't take my word for it; experiment for yourself. If you feel my method does not provide adequate support for your injury, please discontinue and go with something different. I do not wish to inadvertantly harm anyone with what I have found works for me.
As for the how the healing-without-surgery goes, I still have the bulge, but I'm not looking for a quick fix. I am addressing the weakened nature of my body in general with a diet that I believe will heal me in the long run. It took some getting used to, but I've never been happier in my life. This hernia has prompted me to reevaluate my life and what I feel led me to this place of temporary injury; a neglect of my personal well-being. I'm getting off-topic, but the only real way to solve one's woes is really to try and get to the heart of the matter. I would really enjoy talking more with anyone who is experiencing a similar situation as mine. Find me on Facebook [...]
Edit 2/27/2011
In addition to the athletic-supporter solution that I mentioned earlier, I now also use an ace bandage that I wrap around my midsection (in conjunction with the athletic supporter and terry cloth pads). It provides the extra support that the elastic from the jock strap was quickly losing. If you're creative with how you wrap the ace bandage, you can come up with some very good support. I don't use the metal clasps that come with the bandage (they're dangerously spikey); I just tie mine into a small knot.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
The best hernia belt Apr 07, 2010
By James E. Shotts MD
I tried 5 different hernia belts before wearing this belt.
It is by far the best in terms of comfort and effectiveness. Bought 2 more to in order to always have one clean. Rather than hand wash, I have washed by machine on gentle cycle and dried on low heat without a problem (remove the pad before washing).
Also, can wear over underwear if boxer type with 6" inseam (once the belt is on, it takes a little adjusting get the underwear "pocket" loose enough to prevent compressing the 'jewels').
JES
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Pleasantly surprised May 23, 2011
By S. Cunningham
I've never needed a hernia belt until recently and I was skeptical that it would do what it's supposed to. Well, it works pretty well actually. It has relieved the discomfort I was feeling. What a relief! I wear it all the time now (about two weeks) except when sleeping. It's reasonably comfortable, adjusts fairly easily, and doesn't show under my clothes that I can tell. Maybe a little chafing in warm weather when working outside, but I can accept that.
I recommend this belt for small reducible hernias and will order another.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 ergonomics Jan 10, 2010
By Daniel M. Kane
"dnk"
the construction of the belt is fine,the fault lies in the urethane pressure,my research has been that a flat pressure point is paramount,go to [...],wierd as it seems i put a silicone kidney shaped mouse pad wrist rest in place of the cheap polyurethane and it works.also without the belt three fingers will keep the hernia at bay!!!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
effective and comfortable Jun 05, 2011
By nada gonteja
overall a nice hernia belt once you get it adjusted. i wouldn't call it invisible, cause the whole front panel is padded, so it's a little noticeable under some clothes if you've got a flat belly. the leg bands are a touch more luggage strap size than i'd prefer, but they're pliable and *sorta* comfortable. the velcro holds for the leg bands are weird and difficult to open and in the back where you can't see them well. you have to pull a plastic strip of velcro stuff off a sewn on patch of the soft velcro, but the patch isn't sewn right on the edge, so it's hard to get the plastic strip to pull off. then you have to align the edge of the leg band with the edge of the velcro pad and fold the plastic strip (which wants to fold itself the whole time) back over them both, still in the back where you can't see it (increasing annoyance at this as the process went on). maybe there's a 'french maid helping adjust the hernia belt' fantasy that helps with the process, but i thought it sucked as a solo project. however, once you get it adjusted, the belt itself velcros on both sides, so you don't have to undo the leg straps to get in & out of it without taking off your pants. stripper wear is like that, too, so maybe there's a hernia belt strip tease that could go with the french maid fantasy... anyway, this belt gives nice support and i'm going to use this one for lifting and grunt work and such. i'll stick to a smaller, lighter one for more regular use, but you can't beat this one for support and ease of use (once you've done the pain in the arse process of getting it adjusted). french maid sold separately ;-)
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