A waterproof cast is a fiberglass cast put over a waterproof cast liner. The cast is not actually waterproof; it is water-resistant. The cast can get wet and the water will drain from the cast, leaving the padding intact.
For the right person and the right injury, you might be able to wear a waterproof cast. Going waterproof may seem like a logical choice that ends many frustrations of a broken arm or leg, but these casts aren’t perfect.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Waterproof Cast Materials
Waterproof cast materials are not really waterproof; rather, they’re water-resistant. When afiberglasscast is used with a waterproof cast liner, water can drain from the cast and the padding will remain intact.
Before these waterproof and breathable paddings were developed, casts were padded with cotton. While cotton can be comfortable, it doesn’t tolerate water and tends to collect sweat andodorsover time. Because of this, the only way to clean the extremity was to see the healthcare provider, have the cast removed, wash the skin, and get a new cast.
Waterproof casts use synthetic materials like Gore-Tex which repel water while allowing water vapor to pass through.Even after bathing or swimming, a Gore-Tex liner can quickly siphon water from under the cast and air-dry within hours.
The covering is no different from cotton-padded casts. Most healthcare providers have been using colorful fiberglass coverings to wrap casts for years. These are tougher than the more traditional plaster casts.
AdvantagesCan swim, bathe, showerLess sweatLess odorFewer skin problemsDisadvantagesHarder to applyExpensiveInsurance may not coverTakes hours to dry
AdvantagesCan swim, bathe, showerLess sweatLess odorFewer skin problems
Can swim, bathe, shower
Less sweat
Less odor
Fewer skin problems
DisadvantagesHarder to applyExpensiveInsurance may not coverTakes hours to dry
Harder to apply
Expensive
Insurance may not cover
Takes hours to dry
Advantages
In a study published in 2016, researchers compared cast liners made of cotton and Gore-Tex on 20 people with broken bones.The subjects ranged in age from 3 to 30, and each wore cotton liners through half of the healing process and Gore-Tex liners during the other half.
Healthcare providers in the study noted fewer skin problems as well. Despite being more difficult to apply, the waterproof liner also got higher marks from the practitioners.
The study also notes that there was no difference in pain, itching, or overall comfort between the two casts. The casts did not weigh any different, either.
Overall, researchers concluded that waterproof liners show promise in reducing patient frustrations with casting.While they may not be perfect, this technology does have a good start for making casts more comfortable and easier to deal with.
Can I swim with a waterproof cast?You can swim with a waterproof cast. If you are going to swim in the ocean, however, use a waterproof cast protector or cover the cast with a plastic bag and tape. This will prevent sand from getting inside the cast, which can be very uncomfortable.
Can I swim with a waterproof cast?
You can swim with a waterproof cast. If you are going to swim in the ocean, however, use a waterproof cast protector or cover the cast with a plastic bag and tape. This will prevent sand from getting inside the cast, which can be very uncomfortable.
Disadvantages
The cost difference between a waterproof cast and a regular cast can be significant. Even more important is that some insurance companies will not cover it. Your healthcare provider’s office may not check on coverage, so you may incur an unexpected charge if you request one.
While a Gore-Tex liner is able to wick moisture, it may take hours to do so. That’s why people with acompound fracture(in which the skin is broken) will be advised not to wet the cast until the wound is sufficiently healed.
Even if the skin isn’t broken, it may feel like you’re wearing a wet sock as you wait for the liner to dry. To dry it faster, use a blowdryer on cool-air or fan-only settings.
Similarly, while you can swim with a waterproof cast, your healthcare providers may advise you not to go to the beach as sand and other debris can get trapped under the fibers. It may be better to stick to a swimming pool until you’re fully healed.
Summary
Waterproof casts are made from Gore-Tex and will allow you to get your cast wet when showering or swimming. Waterproof casts tend to produce less sweat and odor and help keep your skin cleaner.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Guillen PT, Fuller CB, Riedel BB, Wongworawat MD.A prospective randomized crossover study on the comparison of cotton versus waterproof cast liners.Hand (N Y). 2016;11(1):50-3. doi:10.1177/1558944715614853Boston Children’s Hospital.Orthopedic center’s cast care and maintenance.Additional ReadingChildren’s Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery Associates, LLP. Waterproof Casts. 2015.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Guillen PT, Fuller CB, Riedel BB, Wongworawat MD.A prospective randomized crossover study on the comparison of cotton versus waterproof cast liners.Hand (N Y). 2016;11(1):50-3. doi:10.1177/1558944715614853Boston Children’s Hospital.Orthopedic center’s cast care and maintenance.Additional ReadingChildren’s Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery Associates, LLP. Waterproof Casts. 2015.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Guillen PT, Fuller CB, Riedel BB, Wongworawat MD.A prospective randomized crossover study on the comparison of cotton versus waterproof cast liners.Hand (N Y). 2016;11(1):50-3. doi:10.1177/1558944715614853Boston Children’s Hospital.Orthopedic center’s cast care and maintenance.
Guillen PT, Fuller CB, Riedel BB, Wongworawat MD.A prospective randomized crossover study on the comparison of cotton versus waterproof cast liners.Hand (N Y). 2016;11(1):50-3. doi:10.1177/1558944715614853
Boston Children’s Hospital.Orthopedic center’s cast care and maintenance.
Children’s Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery Associates, LLP. Waterproof Casts. 2015.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
