Wearing a Nighttime Hypercorrective Brace (NTHCB) may be a new experience for you and your family. The purpose of your brace is to help keep your spinal curve(s) from progressing to a level where surgery is needed. This information and guidance from your care providers will help you know what to expect.
General NTHCB Guidelines
- Your brace is like medicine; it only works if you use it as prescribed.
- The Nighttime Hypercorrective Brace is meant to be worn only while lying down.
- A close-fitting shirt or body sock must be worn under the brace to protect the skin.
- You must check your skin frequently for red or pink marks. A red or pink mark that stays on your skin for longer than 30 minutes could indicate that there is too much pressure, and you should contact your orthotist.
- Avoid using lotions, creams, and oils on your skin under your brace. These products soften your skin and may lead to blisters or other skin irritations. If bruising or blisters develop, contact your orthotist immediately.
- Be sure to wear your brace snug. Wearing it loose may cause chafing and will not correct your spine as well.
Applying Your NTHCB
- Apply a snug-fitting shirt. Pull it tight so there are minimal wrinkles.
- While standing, open the brace wide and slip into it.
- Align the waist pad in the brace with your natural waist (the soft area between your ribs and the top of your hip).
- Carefully lie down on your back, making sure the brace stays positioned at your waist.
- Loop the straps through the metal chafes and tighten them to the marks indicated by your orthotist.
NTHCB Wearing Schedule
| Nights 1-2 | Tighten as tolerated; remove the brace if you wake up with discomfort. |
| Nights 3-5 | Tighten as close as possible to lines on straps; wear the brace all night. |
| Nights 6-7 | Tighten straps to marks indicated by your orthotist and wear the brace all night. |
Always check your skin after removing your brace. If any redness persists longer than 30 minutes, consult your orthotist.
Cleaning Your NTHCB
It is important to keep your brace clean. The foam will not absorb moisture, but perspiration will collect on it. Wipe down the brace once a day with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and let it dry for at least 10 minutes before putting it back on. Do not use a hair dryer or other heat source on your brace.
Follow-Up Care
You will see your spine provider for routine follow-up appointments after you get your brace. It is important to see your orthotist on these days to make sure the brace continues to fit well as you grow and is functioning the best it can. When scheduling appointments, request an appointment with Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Seating (OPS) to have your brace checked.
Do not wear your brace for 24 hours before spine X-ray appointments.
If you have any questions or concerns about your brace, you should contact OPS to speak to a spine orthotist.
OPS: 651-229-3800
Scheduling: 651-290-8707
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.