DonJoy Performance Bionic Drytex Knee Sleeve (Medium)

I’ve been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, but am trying to hold off on having surgery. I am an avid pickleball player (3-4 sessions a week for a total of 9-11 hours of playing time) and at the onset of the problem I was lucky if I could play one session for a couple of hours a week. While I am not pain-free, this brace has enabled me to mostly get back to the level of activity I was at before the pain began. I had tried a number of drug store braces with minimal success and found the lifespan of those braces tended to be fairly limited before they started coming apart. This brace is built much sturdier and sure seems likely to last much longer than those less expensive braces. I like the Drytex as it is lighter and cooler than the neoprene of other braces I had used.The sizing does run on the small size. According to the sizing guide I was a clear Medium. The braces (I’m wearing one on each knee) are very, very snug. They do seem to stretch out a bit with use, but remain snug. Not uncomfortably snug, but enough so that it takes some work putting them on and especially taking them off when I’ve been sweating. Personally, I feel like the tightness of fit gives me an extra feeling of stability for the knee, but I’m sure some people would find the fit bothersome. If you think you would be so inclined then you may want to order a size larger than the sizing chart indicates.

Quality product, which restored my mobility with comfortable support, and will now promote healing. The higher price (than other brands) is definitely justified, and is recommended if you are serious about your health. An exceptional product. A high-value purchase. Materials and construction look like product will last a long time. Product quickly slips on your leg, and is secured easily and simply. Received product in only 2 days, and it was 3 days early. Note that, with this slip-on tubular design, ordering the correct size is very important, since range of fit is limited for each size by the amount it can stretch. For older/weakened knees, recommend purchasing one for each knee to avoid injuries during high-risk activities. With this streamlined design, most pants will easily fit over the product. If already injured, don't leave home without it.

If I could give it ZERO STARS I would. Absolute waste of money and time and basically ruined a day of skiing. Got it because I have an old version of this for my right knee but after an injury last year I now need one for might left as well. At home before we headed out I put it on over the long johns and the brace felt fine. On the mountain we skied a few runs and it warmed up a lot so I took off the long johns and put the braces on my knees. The old one was fine but the new one was SO incredibly irritating to my skin. It felt like there was a bunch of fishing line ends poking into my knee, it seemed like all the stitching was like this, and it was also extra annoying because some of the irritating parts were right where incisions had been. WORST design… did no one ever try a prototype?? I tried putting a layer of cloth between my skin and the brace but it didn’t help much and then the cloth became annoying as well. I wanted to use this brace for exercise in addition to skiing like running and cycling but there is no way I could ever use something that uncomfortable on my bare skin. BUYER BEWARE!!!

I use tgis skiing and ordered the medium, which is a little snug, but if it were any bigger, it would be too loose and not supportive enough. It's a bit snug at tge hinges so I had to modify a little with extra padding. I'd prefer something more adjustable, but have yet to find anything satisfactory.

A word of warning. It was difficult to get on the first time, but after wearing it once, it has been easier to get on and still provides great support. I have a total knee replacement scheduled in several months, and needed support against flexion/extension, and this does a great job. I do not need lateral support but it is there. I have been able to continue to do moderate hikes with the brace and pain is reduced. I am a physician and have recommended it to several patients who have given favorable feedback. It is well made and sturdy.