No one plans on a broken arm or wrist, and the strict rules about proper cast care can add insult to the injury. A good-quality cast cover for bathing can make your recovery time a little easier, allowing you to bathe without the fear of getting your cast wet.

There are many better options out there than the empty bread bag taped around your arm that you may remember from your childhood. One practically foolproof option is the UpGoing Adult Waterproof Protector, which forms a seal around your arm for waterproofing but is still designed to be comfortable.

Depending on type and severity, a broken arm can take weeks or even months to heal. It is worth investing in a cast cover designed specifically for bathing, rather than assuming you can keep it dry by clever contortions.

Keeping the cast dry is important because a wet cast can lead to infection. You may not even realize there is an infection deep under the cast for weeks, and it can do a lot of damage in that time. It is best to avoid getting the cast wet if at all possible.

The two main types of cast are fiberglass and plaster. Plaster is made of hardened-white powder that can break down if it gets too wet. Fiberglass is a type of plastic that generally lasts longer and is waterproof. But even with fiberglass casts, the soft layer against your skin is not waterproof. Therefore, both types of cast need to be kept dry.

The sizing has to be perfect or very close, in order to get a tight seal on your arm. An imperfect fit means effectiveness is reduced, much like when you pick out a compression sleeve. Measure the circumference of your arm and your arm length and pay attention to the manufacturer's information on sizing.

The opening in your arm cast cover is often called the diaphragm. The material used for the diaphragm is always stretchy in order to go over the cast and then snap back into place around your arm, but it is still important to get the circumference measurement as accurate as possible.

There are a few style options available. Many products are basically shapeless sleeves, which will look more or less like a bag around your hand. If your hand is mostly out of commission anyway this will work just fine. You can also get mitten-shaped sleeves that will allow you to use your thumb more easily. There are also covers with diaphragms at both ends so that your hand is completely free. This would only work if your cast does not extend to your hand, of course.

Shower-arm cast covers are generally made of polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic polyurethane, though some may be made with latex components. Be sure to research materials carefully if you have allergies.

There is a pretty wide variety of prices for cast covers if you include the full range. For about $15 you can find a very basic cover for showering. You can find one strong enough for swimming if you go up to roughly $40. There are also many options in between.

A. Yes. Each manufacturer will list care instructions to make the cover last. You may even be able to survive with just one if you are very careful the whole time you have your cast. Many covers come in packs of two or more because it is pretty easy to wear them out.

A. No. Do not swim with your shower cover unless you bought a cover specifically designed for swimming. Most manufacturers warn against swimming with standard covers.

UpGoing Adult Waterproof Protector: available at Amazon

Our take: This one is crafted of high-quality materials that are made to last through your entire rehabilitation process.

What we like: The PVC used to construct this sleeve is durable, and it won't irritate your skin. The seal it creates is so tight there are warnings about keeping it on too long due to potential interruptions to your circulation.

What we dislike: You only get one in the package so if you damage it, you may pay more in the long run.

Mighty-X Adult Cast Covers : available at Amazon

Our take: This is a well-regarded product for a very reasonable price and you get a package of three, which will easily last through your recuperation.

What we like: It removes the bulky-plastic diaphragm from the equation so the design is very simple and there is no restriction to your movements. You just slide it on for a tight seal.

What we dislike: Some users reported this one is too short for some adult arms.

Brownmed Seal-Tight Cast and Bandage Protector: available at Amazon

Our take: This is designed to create a very tight seal and the higher price reflects that.

What we like: This one comes in a very wide selection of sizes, including pediatric sizes, which is great for getting the fit just right and watertight.

What we dislike: Some users reported that the seal was so tight it was hard to get on and off without help.

Angie Parkinson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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