How to Choose Your Sock Compression Level
Mar 2nd 2020
Compression socks are worn for a variety of reasons and conditions—from decreasing the risk of blood clots during travel to increasing athletic performance and recovery to serious medical conditions such as DVT and heart disease. If you’re curious about compression sock pressure levels, NuLife Medical can help you decipher the meaning behind the numbers. Learn more about the compression levels we offer and how they can benefit you.
1. 8-15 mmHg
As one of the lightest forms of compression socks, most people can wear this compression level.
Who Is It For?
The 8-15 mmHg socks are best for people who have diabetes or those who need compression but that can not don higher levels of compression socks. This compression sock pressure level is not considered medical grade compression, however it still does provide the benefits of wearing graduated compression.
Benefits
- Improved blood flow
- Varicose vein prevention
- Protection from minor injuries
- Energizing achy legs
- Control minor swelling
- Prevent soreness and fatigue
What to Expect
This level of compression socks is the most mild compression and aids with general, short-term issues. You can expect to find your size the same in this sock as it is for your street shoe. There are also different lengths available.
Donning Tips
Barely there pressure makes putting on these compression socks the easiest of all our products. Simply slide them on like regular socks or stockings and wear them all day.
2. 15-20 mmHg
As the next level up, this compression level can provide additional support for those that suffer from mild to moderate swelling.
Who Is It For?
We recommend the 15-20 mmHg compression sock or stocking for pregnant women experiencing minor varicosities, people with diabetes who can tolerate more than 8-15 mmHg, athletes who are looking for better athletic performance and recovery, and those with mild edema or people who spend a good deal of time on their feet every day. This compression level is also ideal for travelers who want to reduce the risk of blood clots, swelling and fatigue during commutes.
Benefits
- Varicose vein prevention
- Reduced risk of deep vein thrombosis
- Decreased risk of economy class syndrome
- Minimize discomfort during long periods of inactivity
What to Expect
A compression sock that is suitable for everyday use. The increased circulation effect is an appropriate outcome that anyone can benefit from.
Donning Tips
While this compression sock pressure level is slightly more intense than the 8-15 mmHg, they should still be pretty easy to put on. One of our “tips and tricks” to putting on compression socks is to imagine trying to pull open a stack of one hundred rubber bands all at once. It would be nearly impossible to do so!
However, if you tried pulling apart two or three rubber bands, you could manage to pull them open with relative ease. The same theory applies to compression socks. When putting on your socks, instead of gathering the socks up and then trying to slide them over your foot and heel, simply turn the sock inside out by half. From there, slide the sock over your foot and heel and then take the band and pull the sock the rest of the way up.
3. 20-30 mmHg
This is the most frequently prescribed sock compression level,used to treat a number of moderate conditions. You may also have seen this type of sock called Class I. While doctors do prescribe this level of compression for their patients, it is not necessary to have a prescription to purchase these stockings.
Who Is It For?
The 20-30 mmHg compression level is for people who have moderate to severe edema symptoms and swelling. These can be appropriate for patients recovering from surgery such as sclerotherapy or other medical procedures. This level of compression is used to help prevent recurrence of venous ulcerations and can be worn for moderate to severe varicosities during pregnancy. Many high intensity athletes, like gymnasts and football players, also like this compression sock pressure level for optimal athletic performance and quicker recovery.
Benefits
- Controls the progression of varicose veins
- Decreases the symptoms of lymphedema
- Minimizes the risk of thrombophlebitis and post-thrombotic syndrome
What to Expect
You can expect noticeable pressure from this compression level. If you experience any discomfort or pain, discuss your observations with your doctor.
Donning Tips
The rubber band analogy really applies at this compression level. It is much easier to put on these socks using the inside out method, and or using a pair of rubber gloves to help guide the stockings on..
4. 30-40 mmHg
This level of compression is generally worn under a doctor’s supervision. It is not necessary to have a prescription to purchase this level of compression stocking, however we do not recommend anyone self prescribing a 30-40 mmHg level compression sock for themselves.
If your doctor has recommended Class II support garments, some of the best brands to shop include Medi and Sigvaris.
Who Is It For?
High level compression is for people who have severe edema, severe varicose veins, lymphatic edema, orthostatic hypotension, the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome and for the treatment of and prevention of the recurrence of venous ulcerations.
Benefits
- Ulcer prevention post surgery
- Clot prevention post surgery
- Relief from edema, spider veins, and DVT
- Heal active venous stasis ulcers
What to Expect
You will feel moderate pressure on your feet, calves, and thighs at all times.
Donning Tips
The use of rubber gloves is crucial when donning this level of compression. For elderly patients, we recommend using a compression donning device to aid in putting on knee high socks. We recommend that patients have someone assist in the donning of thigh highs or pantyhose.
5. 40-50 mmHg & 50-60 mmHg
These are the highest compression levels available and are often referred to as Class III garments. This level of compression should only be worn under your physician’s guidance.
Who Is It For?
Always ask your doctor’s advice if you think you suffer from any circulatory conditions. Don’t self diagnose your need for these garments.
Benefits
- Treat chronic venous insufficiency
- Useful for post-thrombotic syndrome
- Can help in severe cases of lymphedema
- Assist with wound management
What to Expect
These compression garments can be detrimental to your health if used incorrectly, so you should let your doctor know if you’re experiencing any sort of difficulty walking, pain, or discomfort.
Donning Tips
If you’re struggling to put on high level compression socks, use a compression aid or ask for assistance from a nurse, friend, or family member.
Removing Your Compression Stockings
Furthering the analogy of the stack of rubber-bands, pushing your socks down all at once to the ankle and then trying to slide them over the heel may cause the gathered fabric to create a tourniquet effect. The best way to remove compression is to take the top band and pull all the way off the foot, similar to peeling a banana.
Caring for Compression Garments
Compression garments should be washed after every wear, because our skin’s natural oils break down the elastic that creates the compression. Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Instead, choose a mild detergent without stain-fighting agents and with no fabric softener. Do not use Woolite or or other lingerie-friendly wash, either.
Socks can be air dried or put in a dryer on low, permanent press cycles. Compression levels are most viable within six months of purchase, so long as you maintain proper care and daily washing. We suggest having multiple pairs so that they last longer.
NuLife Medical Can Help
To learn more about which compression garments are best for you, reach out to our team for additional advice and assistance.