Compression Garments
Garment selection is a very personal choice. There are many different types, knits, textiles, designs, colours and accessories to choose from.
Your therapist will have their favourite companies they have close relationships with and others that are the most popular brands. My list below is of all my favourites I like to wear, but there are many more I am yet to try. See Sal’s selections in the drop downs below…..
Finding the right ones can be a task, and if you’re doing it alone, it can get quite costly, especially if measurements are wrong, or after wearing them, you find they are not working as you thought. You’re best to speak to a lymphoedema therapist that is properly trained to do your measurements.
Remember, we also need to consider possible reductions in limb size in the process.
Why do we need compression?
Compression garments are an essential part of treating most oedemas. They are instrumental in maintaining the decongested tissues in lymphoedema, giving support to painful legs and swell hell in lipoedema, and the gold standard for treating venous blood re-circulation issues for chronic venous insufficiency, including most wounds and much more. Keep in mind that for each of these conditions, there is a specific garment type and knit that is suitable.
The compression acts as a second skin, holding tissue in allowing for action / reaction forces on the vessel walls, maximising blood and lymphatic return. Without the compression or normal skin elasticity, your tissues will have too much room to expand, and accumulate more fluid.
Compression garments may also be recommended by your medical specialist/s for reasons including varicose veins, post deep vein thrombosis (DVT) lymphoedema, wound/ ulcer care, arthritis, or following injury.
Sal works closely with a wide range of garment suppliers, including Medi Australia, Essity (Jobst), OPC (Juzo & Jobst), Thuasne (Mobiderm), Haddenham, SSA (Lipoelastic) & LSA (Bioflect), offering a wide selection to find your perfect fit.
Finding the correct fit is the most important element of garment selection. Whilst Sal does her best to find the most affordable options, with standard sizes straight off the shelf, there can be reason and more complex cases that require a specific fit and/or knit, therefore necessary to prescribe custom made garments.
Whether buying off the shelf or custom-made garments, it’s quite an investment, so it pays to see a qualified lymphoedema therapist.
Made to Measure Garments
In order, for your compression to work, there needs to be a cone effect of pressure gradient on the skin, with the tightest pressure required from the bottom releasing off gradually, as it goes up the limb.
If for whatever reason, (mostly due to ill-fitting garments) a pressure measures higher in the middle of the limb then below towards foot e.g., it will force the fluid back to the feet or fingers for example. This is why it’s important to be decongested first as well, to find your baseline measurement before ordering your compression. Remember, it’s not a one case or treatment regime fits all.
Made to measure not only offers the same styles as the off the shelf brands, but they also provide additional accessories and stronger compression classes for the more difficult or unusual cases.
Please Note – Made to measure garments are sent to supplier to quote after measurements are taken, and then communicated to client for payment before they can be ordered.
Wrap Compression systems
are also a fantastic solution where applying a garment proves difficult, adjustable stretch, adjustable velcro straps facilitate application with ease. Accommodating both fit and size, as your tissues decongest.
A consult is needed to discuss all options.
Sal's Garment Recommendations
Finding the right garment is a process. There’s no point buying anything so uncomfortable you won’t wear it, so it may be ideal for you to work your way up to a compression class in stages.
Lipoedema Garments
Early stage 1-2 (Circular Knit, off the shelf standard sizes – if compression is required)
Lipoelastic – Active Leggings CCL 1-2 (Black, Navy, Hot Pink)
Lipoeleastic – TB Leggings (Lace ankle) CCL 1-2
Lipoelastic – TBfLg – graduated compression open toe (available in both standard sizes & made to measure garments)
Juzo Sensations – CCL 1
Medi – Rejuva Leggings & Knee High Socks CCL 1
Haddenham – ETO Grace, Pertex Light
There are many other styles available. It’s about finding the ones to suit your body type, material preference and the perfect fit to achieve the result you need.
There is also Bioflect & CzSalus type leggings, that are popular. Not my favourites but some clients prefer these for the better fit (shape variances from hips to ankles) and a more affordable option.
Stage 2
Circular knit may not be suitable at this stage, especially if the limbs are distorted in shape, as they will create a torniquet affect in high pressure areas, or if not donned properly. Lipoelastic is a good brand that supports additional folds but I would steer clear of any stocking type compression at this stage.
In these cases a flat knit off the shelf is a great option
Medi – Espirit (Arms), Mondi (light), Cosy (firm) & 550 (strong) range (All RTW is in the caramel colour, other colours available as MTM only)
Haddenham – Pertex & Goldpunkt
Stages 3+
For this stage it would depend on other co-morbidities, so please consult with your therapist for recommendations. It’s likely, custom made flat knit be recommended at this stage. Stockings or low grade/class is not suitable.
Lymphoedema Garments
First, don’t waste your time searching the internet for the best buy. Your particular situation needs to be looked at first.
Sal will always search through all the off the shelf options to help you find the best fit for your budget. Don’t waste your money trying to find the perfect fit yourself. It will end up being more costly, and potentially the wrong fit.
Flat Knit (Made to Measure) Recommendations
additional features available for extra comfort and ease of use, zips, hooks & eyes, comfort padding zones, lateral seams, ankle Y etc….
Mediven Cosy – CCL 1 – 3
Jobst Confidence – CCL 1 – 3 (contour fit) Mild to Moderate
Jobst Elvarex & Elvarex Soft – CCL 1 – 4
Jobst Jovipak Head & Chest Garments
Mobiderm Mobilising – Arms – Standard Sizes (if good fit)
Mobiderm Mobilising – Made to Measure
Haddenham – Pertex, Goldpunkt
Haddenham – ETO Head & Neck
Made to measure could be the best choice, however, if you find it too difficult to apply, a wrap compression may be a good alternative for you.
Night Garments
Comfiwave
Wrap Compression Recommendations
Jobst FarrowWrap
Juzo Wrap
Mobiderm Autofit
Other Accessories
Mobiderm – patches and rolls
Jobst – Fibrosis Pads & Inserts for garments
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Garments
Please keep in mind – your co-morbidities need to be considered here.
Mediven – knee high, thigh high, single leg, full panty, maternity sheer stockings & socks – CCL 1-2
Jobst – knee high, thigh high, single leg, full panty, maternity sheer stockings & socks – CCL 1-2
Juzo – knee high, thigh high, single leg, full panty, maternity sheer stockings & socks – CCL 1-2
Phleboedema Garments
This is a late stage for CVI
After assessing and determining skin changes and wounds as a first priority, then we move to decongestion with bandaging. Once this is sorted it becomes either CVI or lymphoedema type of compression.
Post Cosmetic Surgery Garments
This one can get tricky. The type of compression required first comes down to what your surgeon has requested.
A full evaluation needs to be done to assess your potential for future lymphatic issues, any predisposition and the type of surgery you are getting done.
Some may fit well into products readily available in standard sizes, but others may need to consider flat knit, custom made garments. Ultimately, we want you to have the best chance at a speedy recovery.
Keep in mind – you have invested all that time and money into this surgery to look your best, your post-surgical garment is just as important, as is your post-surgery lymphatic treatment and care.
There is post surgical garments in all the brands listed above specifically for surgical procedures without any lymphatic conditions. Which include, bras, trunk vests, abdomen, upper legs, shorts, etc….
Brands Lipoelastic & Haddenham ETO