Compression Sleeves

Compression clothing is not sized the same as regular clothing, as everyone has different bodies that affect the amount of pressure the garment will apply to your body. Any error in these measurements can even result in the opposite effect to the desired one.

For specific garments such as knee braces, calf sleeves, thigh sleeves, elbow braces or wrist braces, you should measure the circumference of the joint and compare these measurements with those provided by the manufacturer in order to choose the correct size. Remember that this type of garment should fit snugly to the body but without cutting off blood circulation or causing pain. This determines whether the user should choose a size S, M, L or XL.

Compression clothing is usually classified according to the amount of pressure in units of mmHg (millimetres of Mercury) they apply to the wearer's body.

In that sense we can find garments of the following pressure levels:

• Soft compression: These are garments that apply between 8 to 15 mmHg, which are used to prevent circulatory problems, for reticular varicose veins and to treat tired legs.
• Medium or therapeutic compression: The pressure ranges from 20 to 40 mmHg and are beneficial for slightly swollen legs, small varicose veins or leg discomfort during pregnancy.
• Medical Grade Compression: These garments apply between 20 to 40 mmHg, in some cases up to 50 mmHg and are used in cases where better blood circulation is desired while standing or sitting for long periods of time, to treat muscle and joint pain and for sports.
• High Compression: These are garments that generate pressure between 40 and 60 mmHg and are used to treat conditions such as primary lymphoedema, post decongestive therapy or severe post thrombotic syndrome.

Materials such as Spandex or neoprene are more delicate than other types of textile, so to avoid damaging their fibres and your garments losing their compressive properties , it is recommended that you follow these instructions:

• Wash in cold water in delicate programmes
• Hand wash preferably
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not iron
• Do not use soap with fabric softener
• Do not bleach

While compression clothing is safe in most cases, it is recommended that it be avoided by people who have any of the following special conditions:

• Advanced arterial insufficiency
• Severe cardiac disorders
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Disabled persons who are unable to remove the garment on their own
• Pulmonary oedema
• Heart failure
• Severe nerve disorders in arms and legs
• In case of open or infected wounds