I’m using my Infrex unit all the time (and the TENS unit simultaneously on acupuncture/acupressure sites at the recommendation of my physical therapist). I LOVE IT! It is really being very helpful to me in pain management. That said, my electrodes are wearing out, and I need to obtain more. My 3” Round are completely gone, so I am not able to use that protocol until I obtain more, so I was wondering if I could get a couple of spare sets of the things I use most in addition to the replacement set so that I don’t run out like this. I don’t know how that works with insurance/ Medicare, so please let me know on that front. If I can’t get several at a time, just let me know the frequency I can request to obtain what I need.

Also, as per my physical therapist, I am wearing the TENS 22 hours per day and then using both units sometimes simultaneously, combining approaches. He was very impressed with the unit, and I think you’ll likely have some additional clients from his referrals.
I am finding that the smaller electrodes are lasting 3-4 days because of the continual wear. And the larger electrodes are lasting about a week at most. That said, the Pre-Tens and the Clean-Cote are helping tremendously. They help both the condition of my skin and the life of the electrodes.

A few quick questions:

1) How much moisture are the multi-day electrodes supposed to tolerate? (showers, washing hands, etc.) I was afraid that a shower would ruin them.
2) I got one electrode in my last box that had a snap connection instead of a pin connection. Is that possible to use with my Infrex unit? I didn’t know how to hook it up.
3) Can I mix and match electrodes according to the site? For example, one of my protocols requires between the forefinger and thumb on the extensor surface (which is narrow and is in constant movement), two are on the forearm, and one is near the elbow joint (again a lot of movement and easy to bump). So, could I try a .75”X1.375” rectangle or even a 1.5”X2” rectangle on the thumb area while using the 2” electrodes on the rest?
4) What is the easiest way to determine which leads are used in the 2 Pole application? I can figure it out by trial and error a couple of times, and I can mark them with a silver sharpie or something, but I was wondering if there was a simple way of telling visually already that I just missed.
5) I love the Clean-Cote, but is there a way to remove that residue easily besides scrubbing vigorously in the shower?

If at all possible, I would like to request the following: (assuming that each package has four electrodes). Where possible, I prefer latex-free products, but if must use a latex product to obtain the smallest sizes I will do so. Also, I have sensitive skin, so where there is a reasonable option, please provide a skin-friendly electrode. For example, the

• 3 packages 3” Round Superior Starburst Model 628SB (latex free, with aloe)
• 3 packages Re-Flex Tantone 2”X2” square (I am hoping that these might stay adhered better to sites that are continually moving, such as my hands and wrist areas. If you think something else is better, please advise. If you have something that is slightly smaller like a 1.75”X1.75”, that would be even better.)
• 1 package Multi-Day 2.25” square gel pin connection (unless you can tell me how to use the snap connection)
• 1 lumbosacral 6”X4” butterfly – (Do I use the 2 pole or 4 pole protocol with that? I have been using the infrex on this region very often, so I thought this would be easier to use since I often have to ask for help in applying the electrodes there.)
• 1 package1 Re-Ply 2” round (tan)
• 1 package .75X1.375” rectangle
• 1 package 1.5”X2” rectangle

If you have questions or think I should consider something different, please don’t hesitate to call me at xxx-xxx-xxxxor or email me at __________

Thank you so much,
S S
DOB 9-9-1971

Answer To SS:

Hi SS,

   Thanks for the very nice email back.   I’m glad things are working well and once we get the insurance going think all will be fine.  I want to try to address several of your questions however many better answers are on our web site. 

   First off is if your physical therapist would like us to consign a couple of Infrex units to the dept. for patient trials we will be glad to do so.  Also if he/she does that please let me know as I want to send you some extra supplies as a “thank you” for helping us.   I’m also assuming you will not mind if I post your email to our blog, but I will not reveal your name or other identifying info.   Your letter has some very good, well thought out questions that many people need to know.   Also if your P.T. has any questions  then please have them call me.

  Now to some of your questions:

“ If I can’t get several at a time, just let me know the frequency I can request to obtain what I need. “ ( electrodes) – This to Linda but when possible, after insurance determined, then anytime we can send one shipment with more electrodes etc. then do so.  We can ship once with a year’s supply, but bill them out as allowable each month.  That way Sherri gets more electrodes because we only have one shipping charge rather than 12- 24 with minimal cost of $10 each when you put in handling.

“I am finding that the smaller electrodes are lasting 3-4 days because of the continual wear. “  Do not use any reusuable electrodes for “extended time periods” if you can prevent.  To increase the life of the electrodes it’s best to rotate them and the life is extended.  Example is if you are wearing electrodes 16 hours a day, it’s better to wear one set for 8 hours, then put on other electrodes for 8 hours.  That alone should minimally double the life span of the electrodes. As is seen on one of our electrode videos, store the unused pair in the refrigerator, wipe surface gently with toothbrush, and may occasionally need to dampen with water before putting back on.

1)    How much moisture are the multi-day electrodes supposed to tolerate? (showers, washing hands, etc.)  I was afraid that a shower would ruin them. ( Shower will not ruin as that is a main reason for having that type electrode)

This multiday electrode is generally not a very good electrode and especially so when doing interferential therapy on the Infrex.  Reason  for IF treatment is the surface area for stimulation is very small and therefore the stimulus is concentrated in very small area – not good with interferential.

Other issue with this electrode is not skin friendly at all, occluding skin for long periods so breakdown more likely.  You doing right thing with the skin prep and clean cote so keep that up. 

Gravity is constantly pulling gel etc. down on that electrode as you wear it.  You stand up or sit up and gravity starts trying to get the gel out which means might have “leakage” on bottom edge breaking through the adhesive that is holding electrode on and dry out.  If dries out you will start feeling a “pin stick” because the current is concentrated in only areas where conductive gel/medium is.  This electrode is fine if you are happy and can be very good for small areas like hocu, space between thumb and forefinger in web space.

2)    I got one electrode in my last box that had a snap connection instead of a pin connection.  Is that possible to use with my Infrex unit?  I didn’t know how to hook it up. No was a mistake – Sorry.

3)    Can I mix and match electrodes according to the site?  For example, one of my protocols requires between the forefinger and thumb on the extensor surface (which is narrow and is in constant movement), two are on the forearm, and one is near the elbow joint (again a lot of movement and easy to bump).  So, could I try a .75”X1.375” rectangle or even a 1.5”X2” rectangle on the thumb area while using the 2” electrodes on the rest? 

Yes and that is really a good strategy.  Your therapist seems very knowledgeable and is unique in helping you with more knowledge than most have.  This is very good to cut and shape electrodes for the specic areas.  As an example if you are having pain in the “lower back” in large area then generally use larger electrodes, but if on small joint like wrist then use smaller electrodes.  Mixing and matching is perfect way to go.

Another useful tip is you can always use an “ace” wrap/bandage and secure electrodes like on your forearm by simply binding with the Ace and securing that way if helps.

4)    What is the easiest way to determine which leads are used in the 2 Pole application?  I can figure it out by trial and error a couple of times, and I can mark them with a silver sharpie or something, but I was wondering if there was a simple  way of telling visually already that I just missed. 

Might want to take magic marker as you’ve done  and mark the two cables if that makes it easier.  Now important point is when you have electrodes on and working, yet one electrode area felt more than the other, don’t’ change the electrode location but simply pull out cables at electrode and switch.  One electrode always has more of the positive/negative charge than the other and one always dominants.  If electrode you are feeling most is not one where most pain is, then switch cable and now the electrode over most painful area should be felt more and should help more.  Not sure what going on but most of our cables for Infrex are color coded to start with.  I do know that we do have some that were not color coded but you’ve overcome that with your markings which was smart.

5)    I love the Clean-Cote, but is there  a way to remove that residue easily besides scrubbing vigorously in the shower?   Acetone ( finger nail polish remover ingredient)  which can get at drugstore or we have some removal pads you can wipe with.