Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Aquaplast is a brand of low-temperature thermoplastic splinting material: a sheet that softens with heat, can be shaped, and sets rigid as it cools. This page is for clinic staff, buyers and students who need to tell the Aquaplast variants apart and know the manufacturer’s stated specifications and handling limits. Clinicians who work with it include occupational therapists, hand therapists and orthotists.
What is Aquaplast?
Aquaplast is a thermoplastic sheet sold by Performance Health under its Rolyan line for custom-molded rigid splints, orthoses and adaptive equipment. The manufacturer lists uses such as thumb spica, finger, hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and ankle stirrup splints, foot-drop and carpal tunnel splints, and arthritis splints. For what a splint is in general, see what a splint is and the carpal tunnel splint guide.
The name is also used for a different product family. In the FDA’s AccessGUDID database, “Aquaplast with Integrated Shim” (model RT-A892SD) is made by Qfix and is a radiation-therapy immobilization product, not a hand-therapy splinting sheet. It is a separate product line that shares the name.
How is it built and how does it behave?
Per the manufacturer’s product pages, Aquaplast sheets have 100% memory: the material returns to its original shape when reheated and can be reshaped. When heated the sheet turns transparent or translucent, which the manufacturer notes helps mark pressure points and landmarks. Rigidity is rated moderate to maximum, with a stated modulus of 59.2 kpsi. The manufacturer does not list a chemical composition on these pages, so none is stated here.
What types of Aquaplast are there?
| Product | Surface | Bonding behavior | Perforation options stated | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaplast (original) | Uncoated, beige | Bonds to itself when heated surfaces are pinched together | 13%, 19%, solid | Performance Health, original Aquaplast page |
| Aquaplast-T | Water-based, non-stick coating | Coating gives only a temporary bond while warm; a permanent bond needs the coating removed with spirits or by scratching the surface | 1%, 13%, 19%, 38%, 42%, solid | Performance Health, Aquaplast-T page |
| Aquaplast with Integrated Shim (Qfix) | Not a splinting sheet | Radiation-therapy immobilization product, product code IYE, listed as MR Safe and not sterile | Described as 3.2 mm standard perforation | FDA AccessGUDID record |
What thicknesses and perforations are available?
The manufacturer lists the same three thicknesses for the original and the -T version: 1/8 inch (3.2 mm), 3/32 inch (2.4 mm) and 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). Perforation options differ by product, as shown in the table above. Heating guidance for each thickness is given in the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do the listed options differ?
Two differences are stated in the manufacturer’s own pages. First, coating versus bonding: the original is uncoated and bonds to itself on contact when heated, while Aquaplast-T’s coating prevents accidental bonding and needs deliberate removal for a permanent bond. Second, thickness and perforation percentage are listed as separate options for each product. Selection for a particular person or setting is outside the scope of this page and belongs to the treating clinician.
What are the storage and handling limits?
- Heat limit for formed items: the manufacturer states that formed splints lose their shape above 135 °F (57 °C).
- Storage: 40 to 90 °F (4 to 32 °C), under 65% relative humidity, away from prolonged UV light, corrosive fumes and ethylene oxide fumes.
- Cleaning: mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry thoroughly.
- Adjustments: the manufacturer says splint adjustments are to be made only by a health care professional.
- Latex labeling: the Performance Health pages contain both a “latex-free” feature bullet and a symbol key reading “This product contains natural rubber latex”. Because the two statements appear on the same pages, check the labeling and instructions for use that ship with the specific item and ask the manufacturer if it is unclear. The AccessGUDID record for the Qfix product does not label latex either way.
What are common mistakes?
- Overheating the sheet or holding it at high heat, which the manufacturer says increases stretching.
- Exposing a finished splint to heat above the stated 135 °F (57 °C) limit.
- Assuming Aquaplast-T bonds like the original; its coating gives only a temporary bond while warm.
- Treating the radiation-therapy Aquaplast products as interchangeable with splinting sheet because the brand name matches.
- Making adjustments without a healthcare professional.
Where does this fit?
Splinting material is one of several product classes in wound and injury care. For neighboring product classes see what a medical device is and the wound care supply selection guide. Related supplies are listed under emergency, trauma and crisis response supplies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Aquaplast and Aquaplast-T?
Per Performance Health, Aquaplast-T is a variation of the original with a water-based, non-stick coating. The original is uncoated and bonds to itself when heated surfaces are pinched; the coated version gives only a temporary bond while warm.
Is Aquaplast latex-free?
The manufacturer’s pages are inconsistent: they list “latex-free” as a feature and also carry a symbol stating the product contains natural rubber latex. Check the labeling of the specific product or ask the manufacturer.
At what temperature does a formed Aquaplast splint lose its shape?
The manufacturer states formed splints lose their shape above 135 °F (57 °C).
Is every Aquaplast product a splinting material?
No. Qfix sells “Aquaplast with Integrated Shim” for radiation-therapy immobilization, listed in AccessGUDID.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-30.
- Performance Health, Rolyan Aquaplast-T Splints product page, https://www.performancehealth.com/rolyan-aquaplast-t-splints, checked 2026-10-30.
- Performance Health, Rolyan Aquaplast Original Splints product page, https://www.performancehealth.co.uk/rolyan-aquaplast-original-splints, checked 2026-10-30.
- FDA and NLM, AccessGUDID record for Aquaplast with Integrated Shim (Qfix), https://accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/10841962110683, checked 2026-10-30.
