What is OSleeve Made Out Of?Updated 9 months ago

You may be wondering what our OSleeves are made out of. 

We're now into our fourth generation of OSleeve, with a fifth generation in the works right now. Each generation has had refinements that functioned to improve the look, feel, fit, and overall function based on feedback from real customers and our product testing group.

Below is a table of our OSleeve evolution so you can get an idea of the iterations we've tested (and learned from) in the market:

OSleeve Material Evolution

So, depending on which generation OSleeve you purchased will define what it was made out of (note, our Generation 4 is also made out of silicone and similar in features to Generation 3 above, but without the seam and slightly more robust).

Our Silicone Generations (not to be confused with 'Rubber')

The most recent generations are made out of silicone. More specifically, Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR). Don't be deceived by the word 'rubber' here because rubber is not only the term used to describe "natural rubber" and a group of human-made polymers called elastomers aka rubbers.

Let's get a bit technical for a minute.

Silicone rubber differs significantly from regular rubber in several key aspects:

1. Composition and Origin: Silicone rubber is a synthetic material derived from silicon, a chemical element, through a specialized manufacturing process. In contrast, regular rubber, often referring to natural rubber, is harvested from the latex of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) or produced synthetically from petroleum-based materials.

2. Heat and Chemical Resistance: Silicone rubber exhibits superior resistance to heat, chemicals, and UV radiation compared to regular rubber. This makes silicone rubber highly durable in environments with varying temperatures and exposure to harsh chemicals or sunlight.

3. Elasticity and Flexibility: Both silicone rubber and regular rubber are elastomers, meaning they possess elasticity and can return to their original shape after deformation. However, natural rubber typically offers higher elasticity and flexibility compared to silicone rubber, which tends to be slightly less flexible but still maintains good elasticity.

4. Applications: Due to its excellent heat resistance and chemical inertness, silicone rubber finds extensive use in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and food processing where durability and hygiene are critical. Regular rubber, on the other hand, is commonly used in tires, industrial belts, footwear, and various consumer products where its natural elasticity and resilience are advantageous.

5. Allergenic Potential: Natural rubber can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, whereas silicone rubber is generally hypoallergenic and biocompatible. This property makes silicone rubber preferred in medical applications such as prosthetics, implants, and medical tubing where contact with sensitive skin or tissues is frequent.

In essence, while both silicone rubber and regular rubber share some similarities as elastomers, their distinct compositions, properties, and applications make them suitable for different industrial and consumer uses.