How to Clean Your Breast Form

This week our guest blog is written by Sarah, one half of the amazing Bra Sisters’, two breast cancer thrivers on a mission to transform post-mastectomy bra fitting. The Bra Sisters provide a specialist lingerie and post mastectomy fitting service for breast cancer thrivers, with qualified and knowledgeable fitters, and offer fashionable and contemporary lingerie and swimwear. They are also very knowledgeable about breast forms and prostheses, so Sarah was the perfect choice to help us explain how to clean your breast form!

https://brasisters.co.uk/

 

Sarah Says:

 

Caring for your breast form (or ‘Foob’, as I like to call it!)

Whatever type breast form you opt for, whether it’s the traditional silicone style or a colourful Boost version, there is an element of maintenance required to keep it in tip top condition. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to prolong the life of your prothesis. 

 

Cleaning your prothesis

For the traditional silicone style prothesis, most manufacturers recommend a daily wash, after use, using warm soapy water, and drying with a soft towel. Don’t use any harsh cleaning products, as this may degrade the materials. There are some specialist prothesis cleaning products on the market, but these aren’t necessarily required so it’s fine to stick to warm soapy water.

 Your Boost breast form can also be cleaned in the same way – simple! You can even stick it in the dishwasher (yes, really!), as Boost breast forms can withstand higher water temperatures.

If you can’t manage a daily wash, once a week will be fine. 

 

Swimming with your prothesis

If you use your Boost to swim regularly, then it is best to give it a quick wash with warm soapy water afterwards, each time. You don’t want the chlorine or saltwater to fade the colour! The traditional style prothesis can be worn occasionally for swimming but remember to rinse off afterwards. They’re not designed to withstand regular use in chlorine or saltwater so best to get yourself a Boost if you’re a regular swimmer. 

 

Body moisturisers and your prothesis

If you use body moisturiser, it’s advisable to stick to a non-perfumed kind, as perfumed versions can contain chemicals that can damage the silicone in a traditional prothesis. 

 

Avoid sharp objects!

Steer clear of sharp objects near your traditional style prothesis – if the surface is punctured, the silicone will leak and it will be unusable. Beware of broaches and thorns (if you’re green fingered!). And sharp pet claws! While a Boost won’t leak and is robust, it still needs some care – if it gets mistaken for a dog chew toy then there would be trouble!

 

When not in use

Keep your traditional style prothesis in the box it came in, to help retain the shape and protect it from heat and sunlight. You can keep your Boost in its bag, to protect it from sunlight and fading the colour.

 

Life span

A traditional style prothesis usually lasts for a between 2-5 years, and often a lot longer, if you follow the care guide described above. A Boost can last at least 5 years usually, and can be recycled when it reaches the end of it’s useful life (which is great to know!).