A vacuum assisted suspension device for a limb prosthesis or orthosis comprising an air impermeable outer wall member 8 shaped to receive a limb portion 2, the wall member 8 having a peripheral edge. An evacuation port 10, and a non-return valve 20 associated with the evacuation port 10 and arranged to maintain a vacuum between the wall member 8 and the limb portion 2 when the latter is received by the wall member. A resilient cushioning layer 4 shaped and dimensioned to be located between an inner surface of the wall member 8 and the limb portion 2, the cushioning layer 4 having an inner surface 20 and an outer surface 22. A porous distribution layer 6 located between an inner surface of the wall member 8 and the limb portion 2 when the latter is received by the wall member 8, and adapted to allow transmission of the air and moisture transversely through the distribution layer 6, the distribution layer extending over the outer surface 22 of the cushioning layer 4 and having a part which is in registry with the evacuation port. Means for forming a seal between the wall member 8 and the limb portion 2 in the region of the peripheral edge 4. Wherein the cushioning layer is made of an air impermeable material at least of which has perforations 18 which extend through the layer 4 from the inner surface 20 to the outer surface thereof, the apertures present to the limb portion 2 being less than 2mm across. In another aspect a cushioning member 4 with voids in communication with the non return valve 20 is described.
