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1. How does Impact work?
On the pitch - Impact helps prevent cauliflower ear by using a patented post-auricular gel cushion™. This protects the ear cartilage from being crushed against the skull in the scrum or during play. The bio-film™ creates a friction barrier for the ear.
Off the pitch - Impact uses the latest medical technology to aid in the treatment of cauliflower ear. Cares:reduces swelling by cooling and soothing the ear. Repairs damage to the ear (lacerations, abrasions, cuts, scarring) by providing an ideal healing environment. Wounds heal 500% faster than if left untreated.
2. Why should I wear Impact off the pitch?
By wearing Impact off the pitch you are giving your wound the chance to benefit from Impact's accelerated healing properties, reducing the risk of the wound reopening and worsening or a scar forming. Because of its transparent materials, Impact is discreet and can be worn during the week, at home or at school.
3. I wear a scrumcap to protect myself from concussion. Can I wear Impact underneath?
Medical studies (British Journal of Sports Medicine 2000: 34:337-341) show that scrumcaps do not reduce the likelihood of concussion. However, if it is your preference to wear a scrumcap, Impact can comfortably be worn underneath. Players wearing Impact underneath a scrumcap report an increase in comfort, especially during scrummaging.
4. I've been taping my ears for years. What's the difference between taping and wearing Impact?
Taping ears removes their natural flexibility, so when the ear is subject to trauma it is unable to flex because it is taped tightly against the side of the head. By placing a shock absorber (patented post-auricular gel cushion™) behind the ear the force of the blow is absorbed by the gel instead of the fragile ear cartilage.
5. I am a back. why should I wear Impact?
Although more common among forwards, all players are susceptible to ear injuries from impacts due to tackling or being handed off. Impact provides an unobtrusive method to help protect the ear.
6. The instructions say to remove any hair gel or wax before I put on Impact. Why do I have to do this?
It is crucial that the bio-jel™ and bio-film™ are applied to a clean dry surface.
The bio-adhesive™ is capable of remaining bonded to the skin while sweating but any moisture present during application will compromise the performance of the product. This is true of sweat, hair gel, hair wax, sun block, water, lubricants or moisturisers. These should be removed before application. To learn more go to SEE >> 2.5 of 3 - strong bio-adhesive™
.7. How do I take it off after a game?
Impact uses a skin friendly adhesive to ensure it stays in place for the duration of a game or training session. After the game it can be removed by pulling the film away from the head. Please dispose of any waste materials in the bin after use.
8. Since a recent game, my ear is tender and swollen. How can I use Impact to treat my ear?
If your ear is tender and swollen after a game seek medical attention. It may have to be syringed. Impact can help reduce swelling by cooling and soothing the ear, and provides drug free pain relief. When the bio-film™ is secured firmly into position it provides the pressure required to stop more fluid from filling the ear. It is especially effective if chilled before use.
9. Why should I wear Impact in training sessions?
In a contact training session you are just as likely to suffer ear trauma as during a game. You should therefore take the same measures to protect yourself during contact training as you would during a game. It is not necessary to wear Impact during a fitness-only session as it is highly unlikely you will suffer an ear trauma. If you have a cut or swollen ear, however, you should wear Impact as much as possible to aid in the treatment of your ear.
10. The IRB laws are strict about what I can wear. Does this conform to the laws?
Yes, LAW 4. PLAYERS' DRESS states: "(1) A player's dress consists of jersey, shorts and undergarments, socks and boots. (2) In addition, and subject to (3) below, a player may also wear:... (i) bandages and/or dressings to cover or protect any injury; (j) thin tape or other similar material as support and/or to prevent any injury."
11. How can Impact heal my wounds up to 500% faster?
The formation of a scab slows down the healing process and increases the likelihood of scarring. The best way to assist healing is to create a moist healing environment which stops a scab forming. This effect has been demonstrated through direct comparison of moist wound environments and dry, air-exposed conditions. Field and Kerstein (1994)
Impact creates an ideal healing environment by adopting technologies from the wound care industry (burns, post operative, pressure ulcers). These have been delivered in form of bio-jel (hydrogel) and bio-film (semi -occlusive dressings). By providing an ideal healing environment they provide other ideal characteristics further accelerating the healing process. (Click on image above to enlarge)
12. What is bio-jel™?
The bio-jel™ is a hydrogel which is capable of supporting moist wound healing. Bio-jel™ is a cross linked polymer with a glycerine base and a polymer matrix which holds the chemicals together. The gel has high glycerine content which helps form the skin's protective barrier, making it look and function better by helping skin cells mature properly.
13. What is bio-film™?
Bio-film™ is a semi-occlusive dressing. Semi-occlusive dressings maintain moist wound conditions through a reduction in moisture transmission through the dressing from the wound surface while remaining permeable to water vapour but not bacteria. Differences between the bio-jel and bio-film™; The bio-film™ can not absorb or hydrate a wound and does not interact with the wound surface in the manner of the bio-jeI™. However it does maintain a moist wound environment, provide an effective barrier against external contamination, reduce shearing stress across the wound surface, liquefy necrotic tissue and promote many of the beneficial effects on growth factors and cell growth.