How to Choose the Right Carpal Tunnel Brace

What carpal tunnel patients should know before buying a brace

man thinking

Choosing the right wrist brace can make a huge difference in helping your carpal tunnel syndrome. 


Unfortunately, many patients unknowingly make their symptoms worse by wearing the wrong type of brace — especially during the day.


This guide explains what to look for, what to avoid, and how to use a brace correctly to protect your hands and speed your healing.

Why some braces make carpal tunnel worse

palmar spine in a wrist brace

Many drugstore braces claim to help carpal tunnel but often do the opposite.


The biggest problem is the palmar spine — a stiff insert on the palm side that restricts movement and adds pressure to your carpal tunnel space. Since pressure causes pain, tingling, and numbness, this design can actually worsen symptoms.


If your brace has a palmar spine, remove it — or stop using it altogether.

The Best Type of Brace for Carpal Tunnel Relief


When choosing a brace, look for one that:


  • Supports your wrist without pressing on the palm
  • Keeps your wrist neutral (not bent up or down)
  • Allows light finger and hand movement
  • Feels comfortable and breathable for nighttime wear


Nighttime bracing is essential. When you sleep, your wrists often bend without you realizing it, which increases compression on the median nerve. A properly designed night brace prevents that from happening and helps reduce symptoms by morning.

When (and When Not) to Wear a Brace


You should avoid wearing a rigid brace during the day while you’re active — especially if it restricts movement. Activities like typing, gripping, or lifting while your wrist is immobilized can create even more internal compression in the carpal tunnel space.


Instead, reserve bracing for nighttime use.


The only exception is if you expect to strain your hand, like lifting a heavy object. A wrist brace can support your wrist and prevent over-bending. Again, make sure the brace does not have a palmar spine.

Safe Braces to Wear at Night While Sleeping
(Dr. Z designed the CarpalRx Night Brace for his patients)

BSOS splint
Comfy splint
AliMed Dorsal Splint
LEEDer Dorsal Splint
RCAI Dorsal Splint
CarpalRx Night Brace

The CarpalRx Day Brace

The  Only Safe Brace to  Wear During the Daytime

(Dr. Z also designed this brace for his patients)

A person is wearing a black and yellow wrist brace
CarpalRx day brace.

Wrist Braces to Avoid if You Have Carpal Tunnel

More than 900 companies make wrist braces. These are the most common "Worst Braces". If your brace has a palmar spine, then it is harmful to use with carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Ace Night Wrist Sleep

• Ace Wrist Stabilizer

• AirCast A2 Wrist Stabilizing Brace

• Bauerfeind ManuLoc Wrist Brace

• Bauerfeind ManuTrain Wrist Brace

• Bio Skin DP2 Cock-Up Wrist Brace

• Bio Skin DP3 Cock-Up Wrist Brace

• Bledsoe Universal Wrist Lacer

• Bledsoe Wrist Lacer Wrist Brace

• ComfyBrace

• Copper Compression

• Copper Fit Wrist Brace

• Curad Wrist & Forearm

• CVS Wrist Night Support

• Don Joy Universal Splint

• DonJoy Contoured Splint

• DonJoy CXT & SXT Functional Braces

• DonJoy Neoprene Wrist Wrap

• Dr. Arthritis Wrist Brace

• Featol Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace

• FLA ProLite Wrist Splint

• FLA Uni-Fit Wrist Splint

• Futuro Wrist

• Hely and Weber Wrist Brace

• Hely and Weber Tiny Titan

• IMAK 

• Medtherapies Lace-Up Wrist Brace

• Mueller Sports Medicine Wrist Brace

• Neo G Active Wrist Support

• Ossur Exoform/Formfit

• OTC 8” Wrist Splint

• ProCare Cock-Up Wrist Splint

• ProCare Foam Wrist Splint

• ProCare IMAK Pil-O-Wrist Splint

• ProCare Loop-Lock Cock-Up Splint

• ProCare Quick-Fit W.T.O. 

• Rakiie Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace

• Walgreens Wrist/Sleep Support

• Zofore Sport

• Zouyue Splint Wrist Brace