The majority of our products are latex-free, with the exception of some of the foot orthotics that are made out of natural rubber. For information please view the specific item features or contact customer service at .

A "latex allergy" is an allergy to products made from natural rubber latex. It is an allergy to proteins originating from the rubber tree and still present in products made from natural rubber latex.

Products made from natural rubber latex usually contain a number of chemicals and some people are not allergic to natural rubber latex itself, but the chemicals found in the manufactured natural rubber latex products. Your allergist will identify which materials affect you. If you react to chemicals, you may have a "rubber allergy" and may be referred to a dermatologist for further tests.

Natural rubber latex is a particular kind of rubber that has been manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree. Rubber tree sap, or natural rubber latex, is a cloudy white liquid containing a large amount of natural rubber that can be used to manufacture various consumer products. Natural rubber latex products cannot be identified visually. Any rubber-like object could be made of natural rubber latex, or it could be made of synthetic material (including synthetic rubber). Items that are not are not stretchy may have natural rubber latex applied, similar to a paint-like coating.

Some latex allergic individuals can suffer a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction when they come in contact with natural rubber latex.

This serious reaction is called anaphylactic shock. It occurs within minutes of exposure, and is characterized by generalized hives, breathing difficulties and low blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock may be fatal and must be promptly treated by adrenalin injection.

Anaphylactic shock is most likely to occur during direct tissue contact with natural rubber latex products. Direct contact occurs when the skin surface has been broken, or the contact is across a mucous membrane. Mucous membrane contact can occur in the mouth (e.g. blowing up a balloon, dental surgery, anesthetic administration), vagina (condom use, vaginal examination), rectum and colon (examination or enema administration), or urethra (catheterization). Direct tissue contact can occur during surgery when a surgeon wears natural rubber latex gloves when operating on a patient.