How To

CARE FOR COMPRESSION WEAR

Get the most out of your compression wear with the proper care. Follow these simple steps to increase the lifespan of your compression garments and keep them working effectively!

While Using Your Compression Garments:

• Use rubber gloves. This makes it easier to wear and take off your compression stocking. Gloves also help in distributing the stocking material evenly over your legs.
• Do not apply lotion or moisturizer before wearing your stockings. This will make it harder to put them on and can also destroy the fibres of your stocking. It is, however, recommended that you moisturize your legs after you’ve taken the stockings off for the day.
• Do not wear any jewellery. Rings, bracelets, toe rings, watches and anklets can get caught in your stockings and cause rips and tears. Make sure to remove these while donning, doffing and adjusting your compression stockings
• Cut and file your fingernails and toenails when using compression stockings. Long, sharp and uneven nails can sometimes cause tears in your garment. Cut them or file them down to a smooth curve to avoid any damage.
• Do not alter your compression wear. Cutting the label and pulling loose threads could damage the elastic fibre that delivers graduated compression.
• Do not use nail polish or any other liquid to fix a run in your stockings. This can damage them or change the compression.

Washing And Drying

Wearing compression stockings daily for maximum benefit means that they also need to be washed after every use. Washing helps return compression garments to their original shape, extending their life and usability.

When washing your compression stockings:

• Opt for hand washing in lukewarm water if you can. This lets you clean gently, extending the life of your compression garment
• If opting to machine wash, make sure you do so on the gentle or delicate cycle, with the garment turned inside out
• Use a mild detergent to avoid the fabric breaking down
• Do not use fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals

When drying your compression stockings:

• Get the excess water out of your compression garment by balling it up and squeezing gently. Do not twist
• To maintain the quality of the fabric, lay flat to air-dry. Do not hang the garment
• Do not dry directly in the sun or in the dryer
• Do not iron

It is recommended that you replace your compression garment every 6 months to get the most out of them. Treat your compression garments with care and they’ll love you right back!