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6 Best Hernia Belts 2023: (Reviews of Top Hernia Trusses for Immediate Support & Pain Relief)
Hernia belts can make a big difference for people suffering with hernias.
These belts—or trusses—are not a new invention. They were used at least as early as the 19th century, but they have come a long way since then in terms of design and the materials used.
Even with recommendations from a doctor, we know that choosing a hernia strap can be difficult.
You may know that you need an inguinal hernia belt or an abdominal hernia belt, but you will still face many choices since there are so many brands and individual products currently on the market.
We set out to make this process easier by reviewing the most popular hernia supports.
Our team also worked to determine the most common questions consumers have about hernia support belts, and we have provided that information along with the reviews as well.
Comparison Chart: Top Hernia Trusses of 2023
Hernia Belts
Belt Type and Support
Price
Meditex Uriel Inguinal Groin Hernia Belt (Editor’s Choice)
Uriel offers this product in several configurations: right, left and double.
We tested all of these products and would strongly recommend the double. It provides support on both the left and the right, but this actually means better support overall in the area that you care about.
Additionally, there is not even a price beak really for choosing a one-sided version, so in our—non-medical—opinion, we are not even sure why the left and right versions sell as well as they do.
They do work, though, so if that is your preference, you can purchase it without worry.
Uriel offers the product in a number of different waste sizes, so you can choose the ideal fit for you. These tend to run a bit on the small size, but that tightness is a good thing with this belt type.
We found these hernia belts to be among the easiest to put on and adjust.
These are comfortable. The pressure provided is constant and adjustable. Once we had the belt the way we liked it, it stayed that way all day without us needing to readjust it even a little.
Uriel lists this product for both pre-surgery and post-surgery use.
You can use these belts in the shower and while swimming.
These are perfectly fine for jogging, other cardio, strength training and so on.
When wet, allow them to air dry. If you want to wash them, do so hand. As a rule of thumb, you do not want to machine wash any hernia belt—even if the product is described as machine-washable.
If you are seeking an abdominal support belt for hernia conditions, this OTC product is the top option.
The OTC belt features a ribbed design, which is not usual for such products but should be. Along with the elastic, this helps the belt to contour to your body and is more comfortable in our experience.
The product also features compression pads for even more pain relief and comfort.
What we did not like about this product was putting it on. It has back fasteners, so unless you have a helper handy, you will need to put it on backward and then inconveniently rotate it into place.
We wish it was easier to put on, but the hassle is worth in our opinion. Once you have it in place, it feels great and you will not have to worry about readjusting it throughout the day.
The sizes available range from small to double extra-large. It is very important with this belt that you get the proper size, and if you are unsure between two sizes, err on the smaller side. It may be a little more difficult to put on but better the inconvenience than a belt that is too loose.
You can use this product for physical activities, but it is not ideal for swimming or getting wet in general. You may be better off getting abdominal-oriented hernia swimwear and using that instead.
Abdominal Support Binder: Revolutionary 2-way stretch fabric is supportive yet comfortable. Made of polyester and elastane which creates the 2-way stretch fabric and...
The Safe n’ Simple product is a high-end binder for abdominal hernias.
This product is a bit on the pricey side. In fact, it is among the most expensive hernia belts for men and women that we tested, but the price is worth if you want to invest in a belt for long-term use.
There are three versions of this product available: a full belt as well as left- and right-sided versions that come with optional pouch holes. We prefer the full version but all are made quite well.
Note that with the sided versions, compression is focused on one side.
We found this product to be much easier to put on than the OTC option. It fastens via Velcro, and you can choose the area for fastening for maximum comfort. We also like how the material stretches.
The fit is not quite as tight as with the OTC belt, so keep that in mind. It is tight enough, but if you prefer your belt really tight than you may want to go with the elastic style that provides more compression.
Larger people may find this more comfortable and convenient overall.
This product also includes anti-slip padding on the interior, which is a feature that ensures that once put on the belt stays in place throughout the day even when you are being moderately active.
HELPS REDUCE INGUINAL HERNIA & RELIEVE PAIN: The cushions are used to apply pressure to the left, right, or both sides depending on the location of the hernia. Gentle and...
Note that this is a male-specific product.
It is a double—meaning both sides—inguinal belt, which is the belt style common for sports hernias.
The product features adjustable groin straps.
It also has two optional compression pads. Remove or use the pads depending on your comfort and needs. The pads are simple to insert and remove at the sides.
The biggest downside to this belt is that it is not convenient for restroom visits. You are generally going to have to remove it entirely and then put it back on again, which is an inconvenience certainly.
There are left- and right-sided versions of the product. These are more convenient at least for urination, but we preferred the overall support the double version provides, so we would live with that hassle.
Wonder Care has designed an excellent product in terms of feel and durability.
That quality is reflected in user reviews as well as professional assessments.
Sizes include medium, large and extra-large. While you can tighten this belt down, you will want to be precise with your size selection for maximum comfort and pain relief.
You can easily wear this under all manner of pants.
Briefs are recommended, however, as this product does not work well with boxers.
This hernia belt for men and women is ideal for reducing abdominal wall load.
We like this product for people who have had an abdominal hernia prior and want to protect themselves during those activities when they are prone to injuring themselves again.
The Ufeelgood umbilical hernia truss is also a quite popular option to prevent relapse after a hernia surgery.
It can as well provide relief from an active hernia while you await surgery.
Available sizes are extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large.
Note that sizing this product is a bit tricky. The sizes are not waist sizes. Instead, check the manufacturer site, measure yourself according to the instructions and then choose a size based on the provided chart.
This product is very comfortable and among the most snug and comfy of this style that we tested.
It also fastens at the side, which makes it very easy to put on and remove.
There is an interior curved pad that you can adjust to conform the belt specifically to your body.
We did find this to be a bit on the itchy and scratchy side, so we would recommend wearing a thin undershirt beneath this particular for maximum comfort.
Lightweight material for comfort and breathability
Curad is an established brand that makes a broad range of affordable medical-related supplies, including bandages, latex gloves, gauze, antiviral face masks, antimicrobial gel and, of course, hernia belts.
The balance between price and quality is why the Curad solution makes our list.
The Curad hernia belt with compression pads is among the most inexpensive products that we tested.
Despite the low sticker price, these belts are built well and will last, and when they finally do go, you are not going to stress the replacement since they are so affordable and easy to find.
These are made with a lightweight material that breathes and is quite comfortable. A low-profile design allows you to wear it under jeans, slacks and suit pants without it being noticeable or uncomfortable.
It uses a hook-and-loop closure, which is fairly easy to work with. If you do it properly, you should have no issues, such as needing to readjust it even if you are participating in physical activities.
Note that Curad sells this product in small, medium and large sizes.
The general rule is that small is intended for waist sizes up to 35 inches, medium for waist sizes up to 41 inches and large for up to 46 inches. A little large is all right since you can tighten them down as needed.
Everything is adjustable with Velcro, and you can take out pads as needed as well.
This makes the Curad belt a good option for women too. Smaller women often have an issue finding a belt that will work for them, and this is one of the products that will and does quite well.
How the Top Hernia Belts Were Tested
This was a tricky product category to review since we are not doctors.
We approached this from the perspective of the consumer who knows what they are seeking to achieve and which product type is best suited to helping them reach that goal.
Our team began this process by eliminating all products that lacked proper research, clinical testing, doctor testimonials and so forth. We also eliminated any brand that had issues with the Better Business Bureau or had earned reviews online that were overwhelmingly negative.
From there, we focused on ease of wearing, fit, comfort and the need for adjustment. We did this for both men and women—where appropriate—and across many different body shapes and sizes.
Another focal point for us was the quality of materials and construction. If you are wearing a hernia belt day in and day out, it is going to take some abuse and has to be able to last. [1]
How Do Hernia Belts Work and Who Should Use Them?
Most hernia belts for men and women work via compression.
This is why many modern products are similar to compression shorts or are integrated into compression shorts. Doctors will even recommend compression shorts for minor hernias that may not need surgery.
In a patient that has a hernia, the belt works by keeping the protruding tissue in place.
This will not heal the hernia, but it can mitigate the pain, and it can prevent the hernia from worsening.
In a patient that has had hernia surgery, the belt provides support so that the body can heal and the tissue repair or mesh repair can become established enough that additional support is not required.[2]
There are also hernia belts for men and women that are designed to protect against hernias.
These products are often worn by people who have experienced a hernia and want to protect themselves during those activities that make them susceptible to another hernia.
Athletes will often wear hernia support devices as well.
Important Factors to Consider When Selecting a Good Hernia Belt
First off, know that there are different types of hernia belts available, such as a/an:
Hip and groin wrap
Inguinal hernia belt
Abdominal or umbilical hernia belt
Identify your hernia type and the truss type best suited to it.
Understand also that certain products are designed for a particular end result.
You may purchase a hernia sling in order to:
Manage pain or discomfort
Protect against future hernias
Help your body heal after hernia surgery
Pay particular attention to fit. The best hernia support product on the market may not be the best for you due to the size or shape of your body or the types of clothes you intend to wear.
Be mindful that the binder style tends to be the thinnest. These can actually work as a girdle and accommodate practically any fashion. Better support is generally going to require a bulkier belt.
Loose-fitting garments may be required in order to accommodate a bulky belt.
What Real Customers are saying about the Hernia Belts
As part of this process, our team collected a lot of data concerning online user reviews.
What we found is that consumers are generally quite satisfied with their purchases in this segment.
This is a niche market. It is very competitive. If a product does not work as advertised or has questionable construction or material quality, then it tends not to last.
We did review some bad products that deserved the criticisms that they received.
However, many of the consumer criticisms we encountered were misinformed. Some people select the wrong tool for the job and then criticize the tool and the toolmaker for their mistake.
The area in which we found the most variance is fit.
How comfortable abdominal trusses are is important to people. Users do not want a belt that is too tight or too loose or has to be adjusted throughout the day. The problem here is different body types.
What fits well for one person may need constant adjustment on another.
When reading user reviews, be mindful of how people describe themselves. Give the most credence to those reviews that come from people who describe themselves as you would yourself.
Precautions When Using a Hernia Belt
If you think that you may have a hernia, consult with a physician.
Do not use any hernia supportive device without either consulting with a doctor or knowing that it is the appropriate course of action because in the worst case such devices can actually worsen the hernia.
Ensure that you are using a hernia girdle appropriate to your condition.
There are different types of hernias and thus different types of hernia trusses.
If your doctor has advised a belt for hernia conditions, then heed any recommendations and advice that he or she may have given you. If you are unsure, call them and ask them if the product that you are about to purchase is the best hernia belt for you and the specific hernia condition you are dealing with.
Read the manufacturer recommendations.
These should be included with the product or can be found online.
Not using a hernia band in the manner in which the manufacturer intended can produce less-than-optimal results or even cause the product not to work in some capacity or at all.
Wrap Up
Well, there you have it.
Hopefully, we have answered your questions and provided you with all of the information needed to select the best hernia belt for you so that you can feel great and, more importantly, be healthy.
Be mindful that no aspect of this buying guide and these hernia belt reviews are intended as medical advice. If you any concerns about these products and their suitability to you, speak with a doctor.
A hernia support belt can reduce or even eliminate discomfort, prevent a hernia from worsening and help a hernia heal faster. This is true whether a hernia required medical attention or just time.
However, you should never self-diagnose and determine that a truss belt is the proper treatment.
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
