Ultrasound Gel vs. Ultrasound Lotion: When to Use Aquasonic 100 or Polysonic
Should you use an ultrasound gel or an ultrasound lotion for therapeutic or diagnostic ultrasound?
With Parker Laboratories’ Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic, both choices are purpose-built medical ultrasound couplants. The difference is not that one transmits ultrasound and the other does not.
The practical difference is how they handle during and after the procedure.
Aquasonic 100 is Parker’s conventional high-viscosity ultrasound transmission gel. Its non-drip consistency is useful when you want the coupling medium to remain concentrated at the treatment or scanning site.
Polysonic is a lower-viscosity, moisturizing ultrasound lotion designed for ultrasound procedures where a lotion is preferred. Parker also specifically positions it for massage-oriented applications.
The quickest selection rule is
Choose Aquasonic 100 when you want a traditional viscous, non-drip ultrasound gel. Choose Polysonic when you want an acoustically appropriate ultrasound couplant with a smoother lotion feel that integrates naturally into rehabilitation or manual-therapy workflows.
Compare Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel and Parker Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion at Balego.
Aquasonic 100 vs. Polysonic: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aquasonic 100 | Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Parker Laboratories | Parker Laboratories |
| Product type | Ultrasound transmission gel | Ultrasound coupling lotion |
| Diagnostic ultrasound | Yes. | Yes. |
| Therapeutic ultrasound | Yes. | Yes. |
| Published viscosity | 130,000–195,000 cP | 35,000–70,000 cP |
| Consistency | Viscous, non-drip gel | Thick, smooth lotion |
| Moisturizing formulation | Not its primary positioning | Yes. |
| Massage/manual-therapy positioning | Not its primary purpose | Yes. |
| Water compatibility | Water-soluble | Water-soluble per IFU |
| Non-staining | Yes. | Yes. |
| Bacteriostatic | Yes. | Yes. |
| Formaldehyde-free | Yes. | Yes. |
| Paraben-free | Yes. | The current IFU warns against use with known paraben sensitivity. |
| Standard product sterile? | No | No |
| Single-use nonsterile packets | Available | Not offered in the current Polysonic range |
| Small portable tube | 60 g available | No equivalent small tube |
| 250 mL treatment-room bottle | Yes. | Yes. |
| 1-liter size | Yes. | No |
| Gallon size | No | Yes. |
| Large refill system | 5 L SONICPAC | Gallon-based POLYPAC |
| Aloe Vera option | No | Yes. |
| Best reason to choose | High-viscosity, conventional gel workflow | Lotion texture and rehabilitation/manual workflow |
SDS identifies Aquasonic 100 as a viscous aqueous gel with a published viscosity of 130,000–195,000 cP. Polysonic’s SDS lists 35,000–70,000 cP, confirming that its lotion format is materially less viscous even though Parker still describes it as a thick lotion.
What Does Ultrasound Coupling Medium Actually Do?
Ultrasound requires direct acoustic coupling between the transducer and the patient.
An air gap between the sound head and skin interferes with transmission because air and tissue have very different acoustic properties.
A properly formulated ultrasound couplant fills microscopic air spaces and allows sound energy to move from the transducer into the treatment or imaging interface.
The important point is that the product must be designed and labeled as an ultrasound couplant.
That is why Polysonic can be an alternative to ultrasound gel even though Parker calls it a lotion.
It is not ordinary skin lotion.
Parker specifically identifies Polysonic as an ultrasound coupling product appropriate across the broad range of frequencies used in medical ultrasound and for use with commercially available ultrasound equipment.
Is Ultrasound Lotion as Effective as Ultrasound Gel?
The words "gel" and "lotion" do not identify different levels of ultrasound performance.
Both Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic are purpose-built acoustic coupling media.
Parker describes:
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Aquasonic 100 is acoustically correct across the broad range of medical-ultrasound frequencies; and
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Polysonic is acoustically correct across that same broad range and recommended for ultrasound procedures when a lotion is preferred.
There is therefore no basis for saying:
“Gel transmits ultrasound better because it is thicker.”
Nor should Polysonic be marketed as providing superior ultrasound treatment because it is a lotion.
The better distinction is
same clinical function → different handling characteristics.
The Biggest Difference Is Viscosity
Parker’s published viscosity numbers make the distinction unusually clear.
| Couplant | Published Parker viscosity |
|---|---|
| Aquasonic 100 | 130,000–195,000 cP |
| Polysonic Lotion | 35,000–70,000 cP |
Aquasonic 100 is therefore substantially more viscous.
Why that matters
A higher-viscosity gel can be advantageous when you want the coupling medium to:
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remain concentrated beneath the sound head;
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resist running away from the treatment site;
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maintain a thicker interface;
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stay manageable in a small treatment area; or
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behave like the conventional medical ultrasound gel clinicians are accustomed to using.
Polysonic’s lower-viscosity lotion consistency can be advantageous when you want:
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easy spreading;
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smooth transducer glide;
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a cosmetic lotion feel;
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a moisturizing interface; or
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to integrate ultrasound into a treatment session that also involves massage or manual work.
Neither consistency is universally better.
When Aquasonic 100 Is the Better Choice
Choose Aquasonic 100 when a conventional high-viscosity ultrasound gel best fits the procedure.
Aquasonic 100 is a viscous, non-drip formula designed for diagnostic and therapeutic medical ultrasound.
It is particularly practical when:
You want the couplant to stay in one area.
The higher viscosity makes Aquasonic 100 a logical choice for smaller treatment areas or locations where excessive flow would be inconvenient.
You want traditional ultrasound-gel handling.
Aquasonic 100 behaves like the conventional coupling gel used throughout diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation.
You need small or individual-use packaging.
Aquasonic 100 is available in configurations that Polysonic does not offer, including:
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60 g portable/Doppler tube;
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20 g single-use nonsterile packets; and
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1 L dispenser.
The catalog also lists the conventional 250 mL and 5 L configurations.
Paraben avoidance matters.
Aquasonic 100 is paraben-free.
That can be a meaningful distinction because Polysonic’s current IFU states that it should not be used in patients with a known sensitivity to parabens.
For current sizes and pricing, see Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Gel.
When Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion Is the Better Choice
Choose Polysonic when you specifically want an ultrasound lotion rather than a traditional gel.
Parker describes Polysonic as a rich, moisturizing, non-greasy ultrasound couplant with a cosmetic-quality base. It is recommended for ultrasound procedures where lotion is preferred and is specifically positioned for therapeutic ultrasound and massage-oriented applications.
It can be particularly useful in:
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physical therapy;
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chiropractic treatment;
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sports medicine;
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rehabilitation;
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manual-therapy clinics; and
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treatment sessions in which massage follows ultrasound.
Why physical therapy clinics may prefer lotion
A standard gel often serves one purpose very well: acoustic coupling.
Once the ultrasound is complete, the clinician may wipe it away before proceeding.
A lotion-format couplant can fit differently into a rehabilitation workflow because it provides a smoother, moisturizing interface that may also be useful during subsequent manual contact when clinically appropriate.
That is the primary reason Polysonic exists.
It is not simply Aquasonic 100 in a different bottle.
Browse Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion.
Can You Use Ordinary Massage Lotion for Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Do not assume so.
A lotion can feel slippery enough for the treatment head to move smoothly while still being a poor acoustic couplant.
Ordinary products such as
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massage lotion;
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body lotion;
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moisturizer;
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massage oil;
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petroleum jelly; or
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cosmetic gel
are not automatically designed or tested for ultrasound transmission.
Polysonic is different because Parker specifically manufactures it as a medical ultrasound coupling lotion and identifies it for use with commercially available ultrasound equipment.
The useful distinction is
| Product | Slippery on skin? | Specifically formulated as an ultrasound couplant? |
|---|---|---|
| Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion | Yes. | Yes. |
| Aquasonic 100 | Yes. | Yes. |
| Ordinary massage lotion | Yes. | Not necessarily |
| Body moisturizer | Yes. | Not necessarily |
| Massage oil | Yes. | Not necessarily |
So:
Use ultrasound lotion—not simply lotion.
Always follow the ultrasound device manufacturer’s coupling-medium instructions.
Aquasonic 100 vs. Polysonic for Therapeutic Ultrasound
Both products are appropriate coupling media for therapeutic ultrasound when consistent with the ultrasound equipment instructions.
The more useful comparison is therefore workflow.
| Treatment situation | Better starting choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small treatment area | Aquasonic 100 | High viscosity helps keep gel localized. |
| Standard therapeutic-ultrasound workflow | Aquasonic 100 | Conventional non-drip gel format |
| Manual therapy immediately afterward | Polysonic | Lotion consistency fits the manual-treatment workflow. |
| Massage is part of the same session. | Polysonic | For massage applications. |
| The patient prefers a moisturizing lotion feel. | Polysonic | Rich cosmetic-quality base |
| Need 20 g individual-use packets | Aquasonic 100 | Packettes available |
| Need a compact, portable tube | Aquasonic 100 | 60 g tube available |
| Need gallon purchasing | Polysonic | 1-gallon format |
| Known paraben sensitivity | Do not choose polysonic. | The current IFU specifically warns against use. |
| The procedure requires sterile coupling medium | Neither standard product | Use explicitly sterile ultrasound gel. |
The treatment frequency—such as 1 MHz versus approximately 3 MHz—does not by itself determine whether gel or lotion should be selected. Both formulations are acoustically suitable across the broad range of frequencies used in medical ultrasound.
Aquasonic 100 vs. Polysonic for Diagnostic Ultrasound
Polysonic is not restricted to physical therapy.
Parker identifies it for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound procedures where lotion is preferred.
Aquasonic 100 is likewise designed for diagnostic and therapeutic imaging.
In diagnostic settings, however, Aquasonic 100 often has a practical advantage because its product family includes:
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a Doppler-size tube;
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single-use packettes;
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conventional 250 mL bottles;
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1-liter dispensing; and
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5-liter bulk format.
Polysonic’s package architecture is more heavily oriented toward routine treatment rooms and high-volume rehabilitation use.
So while either formulation can provide acoustic coupling, packaging logistics may make Aquasonic 100 the more natural diagnostic-imaging choice.
Polysonic Original vs. Polysonic With Aloe Vera
Polysonic comes in two formulations:
Original Polysonic
and
Polysonic with Aloe Vera
Both remain ultrasound coupling lotions.
| Feature | Original Polysonic | Polysonic with Aloe Vera |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound coupling | Yes. | Yes. |
| Lotion format | Yes. | Yes. |
| Moisturizing positioning | Yes. | Yes. |
| Aloe Vera | No | Yes. |
| 250 mL bottle | 21-08 | 20-08 |
| 1-gallon format | 21-28 | 20-28 |
| POLYPAC | 21-50 | 20-50 |
| Manufacturer-listed broad-frequency use | Yes. | Yes. |
Parker does not position the Aloe version as providing stronger acoustic transmission or a different ultrasound dose.
Choose Aloe according to formulation and patient/workflow preference—not because it is assumed to make ultrasound more effective.
Which Product Has Better Transducer Glide?
Both are designed to permit transducer movement.
The difference is the character of that glide.
Aquasonic 100
Provides the familiar feel of a viscous ultrasound gel and tends to remain concentrated at the treatment site.
Polysonic
Provides a smoother lotion-type feel and is specifically described by Parker as non-greasy and comfortable for both patient and practitioner.
This can make Polysonic particularly appealing during longer manual-treatment workflows.
However, more slippery does not automatically mean better acoustic coupling.
Adequate couplant quantity and continuous contact between the treatment head and patient remain essential regardless of formulation.
Which Product Is Easier to Clean Up?
Both are designed with cleanup in mind.
Aquasonic 100 is water-soluble and non-staining. Its IFU instructs users to remove residual gel with a disposable paper towel, gauze, or lint-free cloth.
Polysonic is also described as water-soluble and non-staining, but its lotion character can make it more compatible with a workflow in which some of the product continues to be used during massage/manual treatment instead of immediately being wiped away.
So the difference is less:
easy cleanup vs. difficult cleanup
and more:
Remove conventional gel vs. potentially continue with lotion-style manual glide.
Aquasonic 100 vs. Polysonic for Vertical or Small Treatment Areas
Aquasonic 100 has an advantage when runoff control matters.
Its published viscosity is approximately two to more than five times the Polysonic viscosity range depending on which ends of the ranges are compared. More importantly, Parker specifically describes Aquasonic 100 as a non-drip formulation.
Examples might include treatment over:
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shoulder;
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elbow;
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lateral hip;
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ankle; or
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another relatively confined area.
That does not mean Polysonic cannot be used there.
It simply means the higher-viscosity Aquasonic consistency may be easier to manage when keeping the couplant concentrated under the sound head is the priority.
Aquasonic 100 vs. Polysonic for Massage After Ultrasound
This is the clearest use case favoring Polysonic.
Parker specifically identifies Polysonic for massage applications as well as medical ultrasound.
A physical therapy sequence might therefore involve:
therapeutic ultrasound → manual soft-tissue work
without necessarily switching from an ultrasound gel to a completely separate massage medium.
Aquasonic 100 can certainly be wiped away and followed by massage lotion, but that involves two separate products.
For clinics that routinely combine these workflows, Polysonic may simplify the treatment-room setup.
Do not interpret this as a clinical claim that massage after ultrasound improves the effect of ultrasound. It is a handling and workflow advantage, not evidence of superior therapeutic outcomes.
Packaging: One of the Biggest Practical Differences
The two product families are designed around different purchasing patterns.
Aquasonic 100
Parker currently offers:
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20 g nonsterile single-use packets;
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60 g Doppler-size tube;
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250 mL dispenser;
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1 L dispenser; and
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5 L SONICPAC refill system.
Polysonic
Parker currently offers:
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250 mL / 8.5 fl oz dispenser;
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1 U.S. gallon with refillable dispenser; and
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four-gallon POLYPAC with two dispensers and one pump.
The same structure is available with aloe vera.
Best package by workflow
| Purchasing need | Product to consider |
|---|---|
| Portable ultrasound kit | Aquasonic 100 60 g |
| Individual-use dispensing | Aquasonic 100 20 g packets |
| Standard treatment room | Either 250 mL product |
| Several treatment rooms using lotion | Polysonic gallon/POLYPAC |
| Need a 1-liter intermediate size | Aquasonic 100 |
| High-volume traditional gel | Aquasonic 100 SONICPAC |
| High-volume lotion | Polysonic POLYPAC |
Complete REF numbers and case quantities should remain on the respective Balego product pages rather than being duplicated throughout this guide.
Are Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic Sterile?
No—not the standard products discussed here.
Standard Aquasonic 100 multi-use containers are nonsterile. Polysonic and Polysonic with aloe vera are also nonsterile. Their current IFUs restrict these multi-use products to appropriate external use on intact, unbroken skin and contain additional restrictions for higher-risk patients and procedures.
If the procedure requires sterile ultrasound coupling media, neither conventional Aquasonic 100 nor Polysonic should be selected merely because it is convenient.
Use a product specifically labeled sterile, such as Sterile Aquasonic 100 REF 01-01 at Balego.
Important Difference in Skin-Sensitivity Warnings
The current Parker instructions contain different formulation-specific warnings.
Aquasonic 100
Parker’s 2026 IFU warns against use in patients with a known sensitivity to propylene glycol.
Aquasonic 100 is currently marketed as paraben-free.
Polysonic
Parker’s current Polysonic IFU states:
Do not use in patients with known sensitivity to parabens.
That can make Aquasonic 100 the more straightforward of these two products when known paraben sensitivity is a concern.
Neither product should be described as incapable of causing irritation merely because it has a long history of medical use.
How Should Polysonic Be Applied?
There is an important manufacturer-specific difference worth preserving.
Parker’s Polysonic IFU instructs users to apply the lotion to the transducer surface rather than directly onto the patient.
Aquasonic 100’s current instructions allow gel to be applied to the transducer surface and/or the patient's skin as appropriate under the facility’s hygiene protocol.
For either product, the ultrasound device manufacturer’s instructions and facility procedures remain controlling.
Can Aquasonic 100 or Polysonic Be Used on an Open Wound?
Not the standard nonsterile products.
The current instructions for both conventional Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic exclude use in procedures on or near broken skin, such as an open wound or fresh surgical site. They also contain restrictions for invasive procedures and certain high-risk populations.
When sterility or another specialized coupling protocol is required, select a product specifically labeled for that application.
Can Polysonic Be Used With 1 MHz or 3 MHz Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Parker describes Polysonic as acoustically correct across the broad range of frequencies used in medical ultrasound. The same general manufacturer positioning applies to Aquasonic 100.
Therefore, the decision between the two should not ordinarily be
1 MHz = gel
3 MHz = lotion
There is no such Parker rule.
Choose according to:
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ultrasound equipment instructions;
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procedure;
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treatment location;
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desired consistency;
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packaging;
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facility protocol; and
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patient/formulation considerations.
For device-specific coupling troubleshooting, our US Pro 2000 Ultrasound FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide explains why maintaining an appropriate acoustic interface matters during therapeutic ultrasound.
Is Polysonic Better for Physical Therapy Than Diagnostic Imaging?
Not inherently.
Polysonic is for both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound, so it should not be described as a physical-therapy-only product.
Its lotion texture and massage positioning, however, create a particularly natural fit in physical therapy, rehabilitation, chiropractic, and sports medicine workflows.
Aquasonic 100 has broader packaging options that may make it more convenient for:
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Doppler use;
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diagnostic carts;
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individual-use dispensing; and
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facilities already standardized on conventional gel.
The difference is workflow rather than clinical eligibility.
Is Polysonic Greasy?
Parker specifically describes Polysonic as a smooth, non-greasy ultrasound lotion.
“Lotion” therefore should not be interpreted as meaning an oily massage product.
It is designed to provide the acoustic interface required for ultrasound while maintaining a cosmetic-quality lotion feel.
Does Polysonic Stain Clothing?
Polysonic is non-staining and formulated not to damage ultrasound equipment. Aquasonic 100 is likewise identified as non-staining and equipment-compatible.
So stain prevention does not provide a strong reason to choose one over the other.
Texture and workflow are much more meaningful differentiators.
Should You Choose Polysonic With Aloe Vera?
Choose the Aloe formulation when the clinic or patient prefers that version of the lotion.
Do not select it because of an assumption that Aloe:
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improves acoustic transmission;
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increases ultrasound penetration;
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changes the delivered ultrasound intensity; or
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improves the clinical effect of therapeutic ultrasound.
Both standard Polysonic and Polysonic with aloe vera as ultrasound coupling lotions.
The Aloe distinction is a formulation preference.
Can Ultrasound Gel or Lotion Be Used as TENS Electrode Gel?
Do not assume so.
Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic are specifically designed as acoustic coupling media.
Products used with electrical stimulation, ECG, or physiological monitoring have a different purpose: they need to provide an appropriate electrical interface.
| Contact medium | Primary job |
|---|---|
| Aquasonic 100 | Transmit medical ultrasound. |
| Polysonic | Transmit medical ultrasound in a lotion format |
| SignaGel | Electrical/electromedical contact |
| Spectra 360 | Electrical/electrode contact |
| Tensive | Electrical contact plus temporary adhesive function |
For the electrical-contact distinction, see our SignaGel vs. Electrode Gel Guide.
Browse all categories at our Conductive Gels, Lotions & Contact Media.
What if neither Aquasonic 100 nor Polysonic is the best fit?
We have several coupling products because different workflows require different characteristics.
| Need | Product to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional viscous ultrasound gel | Aquasonic 100 | High-viscosity non-drip gel |
| Lotion-format ultrasound coupling | Polysonic | Moisturizing lotion and massage workflow |
| No added color or fragrance | Aquasonic CLEAR | Colorless, fragrance-free Parker gel |
| Less viscous gel rather than lotion | SCAN | Parker dual-viscosity gel |
| Sterile ultrasound coupling | Sterile Aquasonic 100 | Individually packaged sterile gel |
If the main objection to Aquasonic 100 is its blue color or slight fragrance—not its gel consistency—then the more direct comparison is Aquasonic CLEAR Ultrasound Gel rather than Polysonic.
If a sterile product is required, use Sterile Aquasonic 100 at Balego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ultrasound gel and ultrasound lotion?
Both can act as acoustic coupling media when specifically formulated for medical ultrasound.
A gel such as Aquasonic 100 has a higher-viscosity, non-drip consistency. Polysonic has a lower-viscosity, moisturizing lotion base intended for situations where lotion-style handling is preferred.
Is Polysonic a real ultrasound coupling medium?
Yes.
Polysonic is specifically an ultrasound lotion and identifies it for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound with commercially available devices.
Is Aquasonic 100 thicker than Polysonic?
Yes, based on published viscosity data.
Aquasonic 100 is 130,000–195,000 cP, compared with 35,000–70,000 cP for Polysonic.
Does thicker ultrasound gel work better?
Not automatically.
Higher viscosity primarily changes handling and resistance to run-off. Both Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic are designed as medical ultrasound couplants.
Can I use massage lotion instead of ultrasound gel?
Only if the lotion is specifically intended for ultrasound coupling.
Polysonic qualifies because it is formulated and labeled as an ultrasound lotion. An ordinary cosmetic or massage lotion should not be assumed to provide suitable acoustic coupling.
Why would a physical therapist choose Polysonic?
Its lotion consistency, moisturizing formulation, and manufacturer positioning for massage applications can integrate well into rehabilitation sessions that combine therapeutic ultrasound and manual treatment.
Why would a physical therapist choose Aquasonic 100?
Its substantially higher viscosity, non-drip consistency, and familiar gel handling can make it easier to keep the coupling medium concentrated in the treatment area.
Can Aquasonic 100 be used for massage?
It is designed primarily as ultrasound transmission gel rather than massage lotion.
If a continuing lotion-style manual-treatment medium is part of the workflow, Polysonic is the more purpose-specific Parker option.
Can Polysonic be used for diagnostic ultrasound?
Yes.
Parker identifies it for medical ultrasound generally, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures where a lotion is preferred.
Can both be used at 1 MHz and 3 MHz?
Both are described by Parker as acoustically correct across the broad range of medical ultrasound frequencies. Follow the specific ultrasound device instructions.
Is Polysonic water-based?
IFU describes Polysonic as water-soluble, and its SDS describes the product as a thick lotion with water-dispersible properties.
Is Aquasonic 100 water-soluble?
Yes, it is completely aqueous and water-soluble.
Is Polysonic sterile?
No.
Standard Polysonic and Polysonic with aloe vera are nonsterile.
Is regular Aquasonic 100 sterile?
No.
Standard Aquasonic 100 is nonsterile. Sterile Aquasonic 100 is a separate, individually packaged product.
Does Polysonic contain parabens?
Rather than inferring ingredients from the product name, follow Parker’s current warning: its Polysonic IFU states not to use the product in patients with a known sensitivity to parabens.
Is Aquasonic 100 paraben-free?
Yes. Parker currently identifies Aquasonic 100 as paraben-free.
Is Polysonic available with Aloe Vera?
Yes. Parker offers standard and Aloe Vera versions in 250 mL, gallon, and POLYPAC configurations.
Can Polysonic be used on broken skin?
Not the standard nonsterile product. Parker’s current instructions restrict it from procedures on or near broken skin, including fresh surgical sites and open wounds.
Can I put Polysonic directly on the patient's skin?
Parker’s current IFU specifically instructs users to apply Polysonic to the transducer surface, not directly to the patient.
Which product is better for a portable ultrasound kit?
Aquasonic 100 has a practical packaging advantage because Parker offers a compact 60 g Doppler-size tube.
Which is better for a high-volume PT clinic?
Either can work. Aquasonic 100 offers a 5 L SONICPAC, while Polysonic is available by the gallon and in four-gallon POLYPAC configurations. Choose according to the gel-versus-lotion workflow and facility refill policy.
Bottom Line: Choose the Couplant by Workflow, Not by the Word "Gel."
Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic are both Parker medical ultrasound coupling media.
The meaningful difference is their physical form.
Choose Aquasonic 100 when:
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You prefer conventional ultrasound gel;
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High viscosity and non-drip handling are priorities;
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You need a 60 g portable tube;
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You need 20 g single-use nonsterile packets
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You need a 1 L intermediate size; or
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Paraben-free formulation is important.
Choose Polysonic when:
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You prefer an ultrasound lotion
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Smoother, lower-viscosity handling is desirable;
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A moisturizing cosmetic-quality base fits the treatment workflow;
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Massage or manual therapy commonly follows ultrasound;
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A gallon or four-gallon purchasing format is useful; or
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You want a Polysonic formulation with aloe vera.
Most importantly:
Do not substitute ordinary massage lotion for ultrasound gel simply because both products feel slippery. Polysonic works as an alternative because it is specifically formulated and labeled as a medical ultrasound couplant.
Neither Aquasonic 100 nor Polysonic should be marketed as producing superior clinical outcomes simply because one is a gel and the other is a lotion.
For conventional high-viscosity coupling gel, shop Parker Aquasonic 100.
For lotion-style coupling and rehabilitation/manual-treatment workflows, shop Parker Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion.
For therapeutic ultrasound systems, browse our Therapeutic Ultrasound Equipment.
For the complete coupling-media category, browse our Conductive Gels, Lotions & Contact Media.
Product-use notice: Standard Aquasonic 100 and Polysonic are nonsterile coupling products. Follow the current Parker instructions, the ultrasound-device manufacturer’s instructions, and applicable facility infection-control procedures. Polysonic’s current IFU restricts use to appropriate intact, unbroken skin applications and warns against use in patients with known paraben sensitivity; Aquasonic 100’s current IFU warns against use in patients with known propylene-glycol sensitivity.
