Frequently asked questions

…and their answers.

Can’t find an answer to your question? Please call us on 01380 722177 or email us at enquiries@oped.biz

You may also use the search box on top right of this page.

How to get an OPED product?

In the first instance your local NHS or Private hospital may already stock the OPED products you require. If we haven’t managed to speak with them yet our products are available for you to purchase yourself online through our shop. If you work within the NHS, a private hospital group or would be interested in B2B retailing of our goods, please contact your local Account Manager to discuss how we can support you through sourcing our products.

How do I get your products if I live in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland?

We are unable to supply goods into either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, however there is a distributor for OPED products who are able to support you. If you would like to purchase an OPED Product in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland or have any queries please see the contact details below

http://www.electramed.ie/

ELECTRAMED LIMITED
Unit A2, Airside Enterprise Centre
Airside Business Park, Swords
Co. Dublin K67 EC56, Ireland

Tel +353 (0)1 8970030
Fax +353 (0)1 8900895
Email: info@electramed.ie

Returns Policy:

You have 14 days from date of delivery to return an item for a refund if it is in an unused and resaleable condition. The buyer takes on the cost of postage when returning an item for a refund. Please notify OPED UK Ltd of your intention to return an item.

Faulty goods must be reported to OPED UK Ltd immediately upon discovery. Faulty goods can be refunded within 30 days of receipt, after which the opportunity to replace the goods will be granted depending on time passed and nature of issue.

Recycling/Disposal:

Although our Sister company in Europe has the facilities for recycling and repurposing used VACOpeds, VACOcasts and other items, sadly we are not yet able to offer such a wonderful opportunity here at OPED UK… Yet!

Our advice in the UK is to dispose of the contaminated components such as the liners and soles, and take the shell components to your local recycling facility and put in the hard plastics container. This will ensure that the materials will find their way to being recycled properly and not sent to landfill.

How do I use my product?

Most of the products we supply have an instructional video or document on their individual product page here on the website. If you get stuck and you aren’t sure please don’t hesitate to contact us. All of our staff are trained across the whole portfolio so give us a call on 01380 722177 as we are always happy to help! In addition we have fitting videos available via our YouTube channel

Care instructions are included in the instruction manuals which come with our products.

Are there Studies & clinical data available?

OPED are proud to have our products supported by clinical papers conducted professionals and experts. Click here to see all available documents: Studies and clinical data.

How long will the sole last before I need to replace it?

As a guideline we say 12 weeks, however, it has been known for patients with a more ‘outdoor’ career/hobby to need to replace the sole more often. If the sole is evidently damaged, or worn through to functionality or safety is compromised, it is important to replace the sole immediately.

Web Shop customers: Some of our range come with a spare sole or a different sole is included for a different stage in your treatment. Check the item package contents on the item page, or contact us to check if the item has additional soles before ordering an extra sole along with your boot.

Can I buy replacements/spares for my VACOped or other boot?

Our VACOped, VACOcast and VACOpedes (trauma and diabetic versions) all have accessories and spare parts available to buy from our online shop .We cannot take orders over the phone but give us a call on 01380 722177 should you need any advice or assistance. Please take notice that we only sell to customers in the UK (Excluding NI)

Will XELGO liners fit in my vacuum VACOped?

Yes absolutely. The shell and other parts are identical in both the traditional vacuum VACOped and the new XELGO VACOped. So, each liner system will be compatible.

Please note however, if buying the XELGO liner to fit into a VACOped which did not come with an XELGO liner originally we recommend purchasing the additional hygiene socks (also available on our shop). Should you wish to buy the traditional vacuum liner system for a VACOped which came with the XELGO liner, please note that you will need both the vacuum cushion as well as the cloth liner (each sold separately)

Can I wash my VACOped, if so what with?

Washing your VACOped is no problem, simply wipe plastic parts clean with warm soapy water and then dry off with a towel. XELGO liners can be washed in the washing machine at 40° and air dried. While cloth liners from the vacuum system can be washed in the washing machine at 40° also, it is important to first remove the vacuum cushion.

I feel some discomfort, is this normal?

No! Although there will be some contact with parts of your limb you would not usually feel which can give some unusual sensation, you should not feel pain or discomfort.

  • If pain is felt across the top of the foot, ensure straps are not over tightened and try loosening them slightly to see if this brings relief.
  • If discomfort is felt in the sole/heel of the foot, ensure that the correct fitting procedure has been followed and refit if necessary (ensure even and smooth bead distribution in foot region, put weight through the boot as tolerable before vacuuming air from the liner, always vacuum air from liner.)
  • If pain persists after completing the above checks, and if you notice any skin complications beginning (redness, bruising, breakdown of skin surface) please contact or visit your healthcare professional immediately for advice and further care instruction.

Do they come in left and rights?

Most of our boots and other items are universal which means that they can be worn on either foot and for any gender. With the exception of some items, but they will be clearly marked with options to choose left or right along with the size.

I am left handed can I change sides of the straps?

Yes – on our core range of boots as well as the VACOpaso, the straps and loop attachment can be removed with a 90° twist and pull then attached back on the opposite side, thus reversing the direction the strap is fastened. For further guidance, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01380 722177 we are always happy to help!

Can I walk without the sole on?

You should NEVER weight bear without one of the soles attached. The sole is removable, so should you have to wear the boot permanently for a short period it can be removed for cleanliness when wearing the boot in bed. Additionally it allows for replacements and alternative sole types to be used on the boot without requiring multiple types of device during your treatment.

Even a quick trip to the fridge or toilet without a sole attached could result in a slip and fall, so please always ensure the sole is attached whenever you need to walk in the boot.

Can I travel on an aeroplane with my boot on?

We hope you will never experience an injury before travelling abroad for your holidays but if you do, don’t worry as all of our boots can be worn to travel by road, rail or plane! Please always consult your healthcare team before travelling.

Can I go swimming in my boot?

Whether it is for pleasure or for early rehab/physiotherapy, you can wear your boot into the pool. Simply towel dry the shell and swap to your additional* dry liner when you are finished. Not for use in natural waters such as rivers or the sea, and not suitable for wearing at the beach. *Additional XELGO liners can be purchased, only one is provided in the set.

Further guidance on use in water can be found here: Use in water

Should I have the VACOped with XELGO or the vacuum?

Both versions offer the same cast stability and unrivalled rehabilitation capabilities, yet the XELGO version has been developed to provide these benefits but with additional simplicity and comfort.

Ultimately the choice will be down to the advice given by your healthcare provider and your personal preference.