Q1:
Can't they take the smock off?
A:
Yes. It's not designed to prevent exhibitionism.
It's for people who wish to be clothed, which is
the majority of suicidal inmates. We have given some
thought to an anti-exhibitionist garment but haven't
come up with a safe design. Would you let us know
if you have any ideas?
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Q2:
Are they washable?
A: Completely. Nylon may be the most abrasion-resistant
fiber around. The smocks and blankets hold up extremely
well in hot water, chlorine bleach and hot dryer.
These are hard on any fabric and should be minimized
to prolong the life of the item. We suggest that
users follow whatever laundering process that they
use for other institution linens. (As if you have
a lot of control over your laundry anyway.)
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Q3:
Are they indestructible?
A:
Have you heard about the Wisconsin inmate who tore
through walls with his bare hands to pull out the
wiring? How about the Wyoming inmate who bent a
solid steel door in half? These actual events indicate
how imprudent it would be to call anything made
of fabric "indestructible". Our blankets
and smocks are made of the strongest wearable,
washable fabric available.
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Q4:
Why are they so heavy? (Smocks weigh 4¼ pounds)
A: In order to prevent the items from being
rolled up and tied around the neck, they have to be
bulky. The bulk is provided by polyester fiberfill,
which is fairly light-weight but the volume does add
up. The nylon cordura is about one seventh the weight
of cotton of the same strength.
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Q5:
Why are they so expensive?
A: They're very expensive to make. Actually,
our prices are significantly lower than the standard
formula for manufactured goods and since we sell
direct, there is no additional mark-up for a distributor.
Also, these items are so durable that the cost over
time is low. If you examine one, you'll see the quality
work that goes into them.
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Q6:
Do you make pull-over smocks?
A: No. The risk of an inmate using the armholes
or neckhole as a noose is too great.
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Q7:
May we examine one?
A: By all means. We're happy to send you a
smock or blanket to examine with no obligation (except
to send it back if you don't buy it, of course).
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Q8: What is a sanitary belt anyway?
A. standard sanitary belt is an elastic belt with two metal hooks used to hold a sanitary napkin ("Kotex") in place. It was used widely before the development of sanitary pads backed with adhesive strips. The Ferguson sanitary belt is designed for self-destructive females on their menses, when tampons are ill advised and a standard sanitary belt might be used for self harm.
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Q9: How is a sanitary belt worn?
A. Each packet has drawings and instructions. The belt is first tied in a half knot. The "sling" portion is then pulled between the legs and looped under and over the belt. The foam material clings to itself nicely to hold it together. Simple as that. A standard sanitary pad of any size is placed in the sling. No fasteners are needed.
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Q10: What size is a sanitary belt?
A. The belt is about 50 inches long, so after it's knotted will fit a 48 inch waist (just barely). For an inmate who's larger around, we suggest that you use two of them. Tear the sling off of one and knot its belt to the other.
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Q11: What if she tries to swallow a sanitary belt to choke herself?
A. Only very small pieces of this foam can be swallowed but they're non-toxic and will just pass through the digestive track. Larger pieces provoke a strong gagging reflex. This is one of the terrific features of this material.
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Q12: How long can a sanitary belt be used?
A. It will tear if the wearer plays tennis in it but she can probably play croquet if your safety cell is so equipt. Since it's meant to be too weak to be able to form a cord, it may not hold up very long, but the wearers are typically motivated to keep it intact.
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Q13: The sanitary pad doesn't stick very well to the material.
A. True. Can't be helped. Our priority is providing something that can't be made into a weapon. This foam is the only material we've found that fits the bill and sanitary pad adhesives do not adhere strongly to its porous surface. When it’s actually worn, the pad will stay in place well enough for the usual low level of activity of such an inmate.
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Q14: Can a sanitary belt be washed?
A. Gently and quickly by hand so the glue doesn't dissolve, but it's expected to be disposable.
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Q15: They have little cuts in the "sling" portion of the sanitary belt. Are they meant to?
A. Yes. They're to reduce the risk of the 4 inch wide strip being tied tightly around the neck.
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