I've tried lots of things to keep my dry, itchy back moistened - a folded washcloth with a stripe of lotion on it, a purchased, long handled tool with revolving balls on the end (you put the lotion inside, the balls supposedly rotate, thus applying the cream. The washcloth works, but isn't always able to apply a consistent amount everywhere, plus you're left with a "lotioned-up" washcloth! The long-handled, revolving ball cream applicator's screw on lid to hold the lotion broke twice (I ordered the product twice, dumb me!), and the little rotating balls did a horrible job of applying lotion, unless it was VERY thin lotion, and then it was just messy, plus, between applications, the lotion inside would dry out, rendering it useless. Then you'd have to clean the whole thing, and start again.
The Vive Lotion Applicator is worth every penny! First of all, it comes with several applicator heads, so if one wears out, you have extras (but these won't wear out real fast - they're quite firm). Secondly, the handle is wooden (I think? anyway, it's also very firm), and won't break easily. It also comes with a little case for the head, probably so that if you travel, you can cover the head with the case, in the event that there's any lotion residue on the head. Actually though, when I'm finished using it, it's pretty simple to just rinse it off and dry it.
I definitely needed this product for when my hubby's not around to put cream on my back, because my back gets very itchy without lotion. Now I don't have to worry!