About the Support Company
About The Support Company
Specialists in Inguinal Hernia Support
The Support Company is a UK made and manufactured company specialising in one thing: comfortable, reliable support for people living with an inguinal hernia.
Our Flat Pad Support was developed as a different approach to traditional hernia belts and trusses. Instead of rounded pads and rigid components pressing into the affected area, it uses a distinctive flat-pad design to provide broad, secure support while remaining comfortable enough for everyday wear. The Flat Pad Support has been tried and tested for over a decard.
Today, we supply Flat Pad Supports to customers in the UK and around the world.
Why the Flat Pad Support?
Many traditional inguinal hernia trusses use shaped or rounded pads positioned over the hernia. For some people, these can feel uncomfortable, particularly when worn for extended periods.
The Flat Pad Support takes a different approach.
Its flat pads are designed to sit securely over the affected area without the pronounced rounded pads found in many conventional trusses.
The result is a simple support designed around three priorities:
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Secure support
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Everyday comfort
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A discreet fit underneath clothing
It is this difference that remains at the heart of The Support Company.
Our Story
The Support Company has an unusual history because the person behind the business first discovered the product as a customer.
From hernia sufferer to company owner, Craig Sams was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and began looking for a support that he could comfortably use in everyday life.
Over the years, he tried numerous types of hernia belts and trusses. He found that many either failed to provide the support he wanted or relied on rounded pads, rigid components and metal springs that he found uncomfortable.
His search eventually led him to a patented design created by Trevor Walker: the Flat Pad Support.
It was different from the other supports Craig had tried; rather than using a pronounced rounded pad, the design used flat pads to provide support across the affected area. Craig found the design comfortable, secure and better suited to his needs.
He was so impressed with the product that he eventually bought the company.
A Specialist Product, Not a General Medical Store
We don't sell hundreds of unrelated medical products. We specialise in the Flat Pad Support.
That focus means we understand the product, its sizing and how it should fit. If you're unsure which size you need or have questions about wearing your support, you can contact us and speak to someone familiar with the product.
If the first size you order isn't right, we'll also work with you to find a more suitable fit and arrange a size exchange where appropriate.
Made in the UK
Our Flat Pad Supports are made and manufactured in the UK and supplied directly by The Support Company.
We believe a specialist support product should be well made, straightforward to use and backed by knowledgeable customer service.
We ship throughout the UK and internationally, helping customers around the world access the Flat Pad design.
Tried, Tested and Trusted by Our Customers
The best way to understand what it's like to live with and wear a hernia support is often to hear from people who have actually used one.
Over the years, customers have shared their experiences of using the Flat Pad Support for everyday activities and as part of managing life with an inguinal hernia.
You can read these experiences on our Testimonials page.
Individual experiences naturally vary and a support garment isn't a replacement for appropriate medical care. But customer feedback has played an important role in helping us continue to improve the service and support we provide.
Our Approach
We want people living with an inguinal hernia to have access to clear information and understand the different options available to them. Our website therefore includes information about:
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inguinal hernias;
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hernia belts, trusses and supports;
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choosing and fitting a support;
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research into inguinal hernia management; and
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the Flat Pad design.
For those who want to explore the subject in greater depth, our Helpful Links & Research section brings together research papers, historical material and other useful resources.
Treatment decisions are personal and should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. Our role is to provide a specialist support product, practical product guidance and useful information.
Need Help Choosing Your Support?
If you're unsure about sizing, fitting or whether the Flat Pad Support is appropriate for your needs, please get in touch.