Not medical advice. This guide is general purchasing information only.
Short answer: A cast protector is a waterproof cover that keeps a cast, splint or bandage dry during bathing — you slip the limb in, the opening seals around the skin, and water stays out. They are organized first by limb (arm vs leg) and then sized by length and the opening/circumference where the seal sits. We stock the Seal-Tight® Arm Cast Protector in a 30-inch length; leg/boot cover sizes and garter-style sizes on our listings are in the spec table on each listing; contact us with questions. Measure the limb and the cast, buy to the measurement, and check fit before the first bath — not while the cast is getting wet.
Types by limb and style
| Type | Covers | How it's worn | Our current specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm cast protector | Hand through elbow or upper arm, full arm casts. | A long waterproof sleeve; the opening seals at the top of the cast. | Seal-Tight® Arm Cast Protector, 30-inch length; see the listing for other details. |
| Leg / full-limb covers | Leg casts from foot upward. | Sleeve-style covers sized by length and opening. | Check the spec table on each listing for leg cover sizes. |
| Garter / strap-secured styles | Shorter leg, knee or lower-leg casts where a seal is held with a garter or strap. | Secured above the cast rather than sealed along a long sleeve. | Check each listing for garter sizes. |
| Boot-cover approach for walking boots | Removable casts and boots that must not get wet. | Usually a bag-style cover or a boot sized to cover — varies by product. | We do not currently list a dedicated boot-cover product. |
The style rows describe what these product categories are; fit and sealing mechanisms differ by manufacturer, and we make no claim that one brand's cover behaves like another's.
How sizing works on cast protectors
- Length first. Arm protector lengths run in inches from the cast end to the seal point. Measure the actual cast — from the fingertips (or hand end) to where the cast top sits — and match that against the listing's length. The Seal-Tight® we list measures 30 inches in length; a shorter arm cast may need a shorter protector, and ask us about lengths other than 30 inches.
- Opening / circumference second. The seal works at the opening: too tight and it won't seat on the skin comfortably, too loose and it leaks. Opening sizes are in the spec table on each listing.
- Buy to the whole duration of the cast. A commonly stated purchase heuristic: swelling can change fit early on, and a cover is reused every day the cast is on. Confirm the listing describes the cover as reusable before planning on it for weeks.
- One protector per wet event helps. Facilities and families doing daily baths sometimes keep a second cover so one can dry between uses — a purchasing decision, not a product requirement.
How to choose — a practical sequence
- Identify the limb: arm casts need an arm protector; leg casts need leg-style covers — the categories are not interchangeable.
- Measure: cast length, and the limb circumference where the seal will sit.
- Match against the listing's numbers, not a vague "adult" label. If the listing records only a length — as ours does at 30 inches — get the remaining dimensions before ordering.
- Check the seal style (long sleeve vs garter/strap) against where the cast ends and what the person can comfortably reach.
- Test the fit dry. Seat the cover at home with a towel under the arm before ever relying on it near water.
What we stock
- Seal-Tight® Arm Cast Protector, 30-Inch Length — waterproof arm cast protector; the 30-inch length is listed on the product page; see the listing for other sizing detail.
- Splints & Braces collection — related immobilization listings.
- Mobility & Orthopedic collection — the broader orthopedic category where related covers and accessories appear.
For leg protector sizes, garter sizes, color options and current stock, check the listings or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Will a plastic bag and tape work instead?
It's a common improvised answer, but improvised wraps are not sealed covers: tape edges leak and
bag surfaces are a slip hazard in a wet tub. A purpose-made protector is the safer purchase, and
nothing here replaces the bath setup your clinician approves for your cast.
Is the 30-inch length for adults or kids?
Length is not an age label — it's a measurement. Match the protector length to the measured cast,
from the hand end to the top of the cast. If the measured cast is well under 30 inches, ask us
about shorter lengths before ordering.
Can I use an arm protector on a leg cast?
No — the limb categories exist because the shape and seal position differ. Buy the type that
matches the limb.
How do cast protectors get dry between uses?
Wipe the inside and air-dry the cover open, out of direct heat, the same way you'd dry any
waterproof gear. Check whether the listing describes the cover as reusable before counting on
repeated use.
What if I can't find a size on the listing?
If a spec like opening circumference isn't printed on the page, ask before buying rather than
guessing — call (614) 654-6591 and we will help.
Not medical advice. This guide is general purchasing information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it does not replace the advice of your doctor, nurse or other qualified clinician or the manufacturer's instructions for use. Always follow their guidance for your situation.
