QUALITY HOSIERY COMPRESSION MEDICAL - BrightLife Direct

Selecting the Right Size and How to Measure
1. Compression Level
A basic guide to compression levels is
on page 7. Finding your correct support
level is an important step that should be
discussed with your doctor in order to
maximize the benefits of compression
therapy. Underlying medical conditions
may prevent the use of a particular compression
range. For example, it is generally
understood that people with diabetes
should not use compression higher
than 30mmHg. Higher compression garments
can be difficult to put on and may
not be appropriate for people with severe
arthritis or immobility. (We have donning
aids on page 93 that can help.)
2. Style and Brand
FOR HOSIERY: Next, you decide on the
style of hosiery: knee-high, thigh-high,
pantyhose, leotard, or sock. Then select
the brand.
FOR LYMPHEDEMA ARMSLEEVES,
GAUNTLETS, AND GLOVES: Lymphedema
products have several style options:
armsleeve, gauntlet, glove, or a
combination. Decide on a brand after
reviewing the lymphedema section,
starting on page 66.
Depending on the brand, armsleeves are
made with a regular elastic or silicone
top band. If you have a large upper arm,
you may need an armsleeve with the silicone
top band since it provides additional
assistance in helping the armband to
stay in place. Gauntlets cover part of the
hand and thumb but not the other four
fingers. Gloves cover the hand and part
of all five fingers but not the fingertips.
Affordable Relief for Your Legs and Feet
3. Take Your Measurements
Since each brand measures and assigns
sizes in different ways, it’s important
that you measure based on the size
chart for the brand you have selected.
Each product listing will refer to a
size chart nearby or at the end of that
brand’s section. The chart will explain
what part to measure and where to
measure. Be sure to write this down as
you measure. (Note: You’ll need to measure
both limbs if they are visibly different
sizes. This is particularly important
when wearing thigh-high stockings.)
4. When to Measure
Measure when swelling is at a minimum—usually
in the morning.
5. Use the Correct Size Chart
Each hosiery brand has unique size
charts and size-measuring instructions.
Use the correct chart for the product,
style and brand you have selected. Don’t
guess! If you wear a small or a large in
other types of garments, don’t assume
you’ll wear the same size in compression
hosiery. This is a medical garment
and you want it to fit well and perform
as required.
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