Compression Garment Training

Video Resources

Donning and Doffing Playlist

Measuring for Stocking - Calf Length

Measure for Stockings - Thigh High and Pantyhose

Measure for Compression Tights

Additional Resources

How often should I wash my compression stockings?

Please wash your stockings every evening after taking them off. On the one hand, for hygienic reasons, so that odour and bacteria get no foothold. On the other hand, to ensure that the material remains effective: After washing and drying, the stockings regain their original elasticity and thus their compression.

What do I have to consider when washing my compression stockings?

Wash your compression stockings separately or with garments of the same colour in the washing machine at a temperature of 30 or 40 degrees. Please wash them on a gentle wash cycle. Use a simple colour detergent without brighteners. Never use fabric softeners. Spin your stockings at a maximum of 1,200 revolutions per minute.

Can I tumble-dry compression stockings?

medi compression stockings are suitable for tumble-drying. Please also use only a gentle cycle or low setting. You can also let your stockings air-dry. Do not leave your stockings in the sun to dry, and under no circumstances on a radiator or heater.

Why is it so important to wear compression stockings especially in hot weather?

Consistent compression therapy important in summer. The summer heat causes vascular dilation that, without compression stockings, can lead to an increased tendency to swelling (=oedema formation). Patients with venous disease, lipoedemas or lymphoedemas then have more complaints, such as thick and heavy legs or even pain. Vein patients who have pronounced varicose veins or have already had a thrombosis should wear their medical compression stockings consistently even in summer.

Should I leave my medical compression stockings on for swimming?

Water has a compressive effect – the deeper you go in the water, the higher the pressure on your legs. The water pressure and muscle activity generated by movement in the water have a positive effect on venous circulation and promote lymph drainage. Please consult your doctor about this.

Does swimming in compression stockings damage them?

Swimming with compression stockings sounds unusual. But it’s possible! If you don't want to take off your medical compression stockings to go in the swimming pool or in the sea, you can wear them in the water. However, you still need to take your support on and off: it is important to rinse the stockings with clear tap water immediately after swimming. This ensures that no chlorine or salt-water residue remains in the fabric.

How long can I leave my compression stockings off after swimming?

As soon as you leave the water, you should put on your medical compression stockings again – at the very latest, when your swimming trip is over. However, patients suffering from venous oedema, lipoedema or lymphoedema are advised against going a full summer's day without wearing medical compression stockings: Heat dilates the vessels, increasing the tendency to swell. Therefore, wearing medical compression stockings is even more important on warm days.

Can I leave my compression stockings to dry in the sun?

Although it might seem sensible to put wet compression stockings in the sun after swimming: don’t do it! Heat and UV rays can damage the material. Take a dry hand towel, place the stockings inside and press out the water into the hand towel. Then your compression stockings will dry quickly, even in the shade.

Can I shower with medical compression stockings?

In principle, you can leave your medical compression stockings on when you shower. For example, when you take a cool shower in the summer. Nevertheless, it is advisable to remove the stockings beforehand to clean the skin thoroughly.

How long should I wear my compression stockings during the day and how often?

For the best therapy success, please wear and wash your medical compression stockings daily. Patients withvenous ailments and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) wear their medical compression stockings from morning to the evening for their entire lives. This also applies to patients with lymphoedema andlipoedema.Compression therapy should also be initiated for acute symptoms, such as venous inflammation, or after venous surgery (varicose vein removal, varicose vein sclerotherapy). The duration of therapy is determined by your attending doctor.

Should I also wear my medical compression stockings overnight in bed?

Please remove your medical compression stockings when you go to sleep. Your venous and lymphatic system does not work against gravity when you lie down. This facilitates the drainage of blood and lymph. In addition, skin regenerates overnight – you can support this process with the skincare product medi night.
Exceptions: After surgery in the hospital, thrombosis prophylaxis with medical thrombosis prophylaxis stockings must not be interrupted even overnight. During bed rest and while the calf muscle pump is not active, the risk is too great: A blot clot may form and can result in a lung embolism.

Do medical compression stockings lose their effect?

Medical compression stockings that are worn and washed daily maintain their effect for about six months. Afterwards, the compression effect of the material slowly falls. Therefore, if medically necessary, the patient is generally eligible for a new treatment after half a year.

FAQ information provided by: