When I had my hip replaced, I was told a new one just came on
the market and it was expected to last 15 years (and it did!).
I questioned the claim at that time as no one had a chance to
actually test it for that long.
 
My question about the new nylon synthetic pneumatic material is
in the same category: how long has it been tested to back up the
claims that it should last for 30-40 years?  Something that is only
4/1,000 inch thick doesn't have much to work with if it ever breaks
down at the creases.

I remember using pre-formed pouches from PPCo that "went to hell in
a hand basket", so I naturally question synthetics.  I realize that
those pouches were made  of a completely different synthetic and
I sincerely hope the projected life span claims on this new material
is accurate.

I suppose the only way to really back up the life expectancy claim
would be for someone to build a test machine pneumatic and run it for
the equivalent of 40 years worth of bending at the material creases
but this would not account for the aging process that seems to break
everything down (including my new hip).

Larry Schuette
Raymond, Nebraska