Velcro Compression Wraps: Lymphedema Wraps and Compression Wraps For Legs

A Guide To Adjustable Velcro Compression Wraps For Lymphedema And Venous Disease

Adjustable compression wraps, also known as Velcro compression wraps, feature built-in, adjustable straps that allow you to easily adjust the pressure provided by the compression wrap to meet your particular needs. Designed with Velcro, compression wraps are an excellent, user-friendly alternative to traditional multi-layer bandages for providing needed compression to treat a variety of health conditions. The adjustable straps on these compression wraps allow you to easily self-adjust the tightness of the wrap throughout the day as your swelling fluctuates.

Compression wraps provide external pressure to promote fluid circulation, manage edema (swelling), minimize varicose veins, and heal wounds such as venous ulcers. The pressure provided by these compression wraps gently squeezes tissues thereby, promoting fluid movement, preventing fluids from pooling, supporting venous return, and limiting the ability of veins to expand.

The primary roles of using compression wraps include:

swelling (edema) reduction: compressing skin tissue to prevent blood and lymphatic fluid buildup
promote circulation: forcing blood in the vein system upward, aiding venous return to the heart
support tissue: stabilizes and supports leg veins, preventing the progression of vein damage into a more severe condition

In medical and therapeutic applications Velcro compression wraps are primarily used for lymphedema management and treating venous disease.

Lymphedema Management

The use of compression wraps have become the gold standard for treating lymphedema in legs and arms. When worn as lymphedema wraps, a compression wrap will provide adjustable gradient pressure for treating and managing swelling (edema) caused by lymphedema.

Venous Disease

Designed to provide gradient pressure to your legs and feet, leg compression wraps have become the foundational treatment for venous disease. Compression wraps for legs reduce leg swelling (edema), help alleviate pain, and promote blood flow (venous return) back to the heart. Additionally, compression leg wraps are critical for helping to heal chronic wounds such as venous stasis ulcers.

Lymphedema

What Is Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or compromised, resulting in the disruption of the lymphatic flow (of lymph fluid) moving through the body. When this disruption occurs, there is a build-up of the lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin that causes edema (swelling), which is referred to as lymphedema.

In addition to edema, the accumulated excess lymph fluid can cause your skin to become thickened or hardened, and creates a breeding ground for bacteria that makes the affected area susceptible to skin infections (cellulitis). If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to the bloodstream and create potentially life-threatening conditions. The skin in the affected area may also become compromised, resulting in leakage of the lymph fluid, especially in cases where the skin has become extremely swollen.

Venous Disease

What Is Venous Disease

Although generally not life-threatening, venous disease affects over 40 million people in the United States. Venous disease is a term that is broadly used to describe a health condition characterized by the inability of the body's venous system to properly pump blood through the veins, back to the heart. Venous disease is a common result of valve dysfunction, that occurs when veins in your legs are damaged, are too weak to do their job, or don’t function properly.

Normally, valves in your leg veins keep the blood flowing back up to your heart, but with the onset of venous disease these veins can’t manage the blood flow as well as they should, and it’s harder for the blood in your legs to return to your heart. The inability of your veins to properly pump the blood back to the heart through the venous system is referred to as venous insufficiency. In more severe forms, venous insufficiency can progress into chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

When venous insufficiency develops, the result is that the blood begins to pool in your leg veins, leading to high pressure in the veins which causes pain and swelling, may lead to changes in skin color, and finally the development of varicose veins. In more severe cases as venous insufficiency progresses into chronic venous insufficiency, the potential increases for blood clots to form (deep vein thrombosis) and venous leg ulcers to develop on your legs.

The Role Of Compression Wraps For Treating Lymphedema And Venous Disease

What Is Compression Therapy For Treating Lympedema And Venous Disease

Compression therapy refers to the use of compression garments to apply external pressure to anatomical structures of your body, such as arms and hands, and your feet and legs. The external pressure applied by the compression garments helps:

promote circulation of blood and movement of lymphatic fluid
prevent pooling or accumulation of blood and lymphatic fluid
reduce swelling and inflammation
prevent formation of blood clots
alleviate pain or discomfort
support vein health
reduce muscle fatigue

Compression therapy is the primary method of treating a variety of health conditions including lymphedema and venous disease.

What Medical Compression Products Are Used For Compression Therapy

There are a variety of different products that are used to provide compression therapy:

short stretch compression bandages: primarily used in compression bandaging for lymphedema applications
compression stockings: available in knee-high, thigh-high and pantyhose styles, compression stockings are the most common type of compression garment
compression wraps: easy to apply and adjust, a compression wrap offers an alternative to traditional compression stockings and arm sleeves, especially for those who may not be able to put on or wear traditional compression garments

What Are Compression Wraps

A compression wrap is a "compression alternative" which provides a wider range of compression than other traditional compression garments. Easy to put on and use, a compression wrap provides steady and comfortable resting compression as well as higher working compression when you are active.

A compression wrap can be described as a snugly fitting, elastic garment that is worn to provide external compression through controlled, graduated pressure which is beneficial for a variety of applications. Compression wraps are primarily used to prevent and reduce swelling, improve blood and lymphatic flow, and to help push excess fluid out of injured or congested areas. Designed with adjustable bands with Velcro closures, compression wraps are easily adjusted to accommodate changes in swelling and meet individual needs.

See the wide variety of compression wraps that we offer.

What Are Compression Wraps Used For

Velcro compression wraps have a variety of health and medical treatment applications. By providing adjustable, controlled pressure, a compression wrap is indicated for use in treating:

chronic swelling and lymphedema: when used as lymphedema wraps, a compression wrap will be used to manage lymphatic fluid buildup and prevent severe swelling (edema)
venous disease: compression wraps for legs provide support to weak vein walls and help promote blood flow upward to the heart through the venous system, preventing the pooling of blood in your feet and legs
chronic wound and venous ulceration healing: compression leg wraps help improve blood circulation and blood flow, pushing surface blood back into the deep vein system, helping to aid the healing of venous leg ulcers

How Do Compression Wraps Work

By providing adjustable, controlled pressure, compression wraps limit the ability of veins to expand, forcing blood to pump more efficiently back to the heart instead of pooling in your legs and feet. Compression wraps typically provide dynamic pressure - meaning that they tighten when your muscles move and then ease up when you are resting. This dynamic pressure creates a form of “pumping action” that helps to move deoxygenated blood and accumulated lymph fluid out of your legs, while allowing nutrient rich oxygenated blood to flow back into your legs. The controlled pressure provided by compression wraps also helps manage swelling by preventing fluid from returning to the tissues once it has been pushed out.

What Does Graduated Compression Mean With Compression Wraps

Velcro compression wraps are designed to provide adjustable graduated pressure, which means that the compression wrap is tighter at the wrist or ankle and becomes gradually looser toward the upper arm or leg. These Velcro compression wraps are able to provide different levels of adjustable pressure, with each level determining how much pressure the compression wrap will provide. In simple terms, the higher level of compression, the tighter the compression wrap will be.

The compression applied by the compression wrap is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), which is the same measurement that is used for measuring blood pressure. The four levels of pressure in U.S. manufactured compression wraps are:

class 0 compression wrap (exerts 15 mmHg to 20 mmHg of pressure)
class 1 compression wrap (exerts 20 mmHg to 30 mmHg of pressure)
class 2 compression wrap (exerts 30 mmHg to 40 mmHg of pressure)
class 3 compression wrap (exerts 40 mmHg to 50 mmHg of pressure)

What Level Of Compression Should I Choose For My Compression Wrap

Although compression wraps are able to provide different levels of adjustable pressure, the available compression wraps are generally designed to provide a range of compression based on their intended use. When choosing a compression wrap it is very important to make sure that the individual compression wrap that you are considering will be able to provide you with the level of pressure that you need. Generally, milder cases of lymphedema and venous disease will require compression wraps that are able to provide class 1 or 2 compression, while more severe cases of lymphedema will require compression wraps that can provide class 3 compression. Compression wraps that exert as little as 15 mmHg to 20 mmHg are suited for very mild cases of lymphedema or venous disease, or those who are at risk of developing lymphedema or venous disease.

The following are the different compression classes that compression wraps can provide, and what they are typically recommended for:

Compression Class 0: 15 - 20 mmHg – for those at risk for lymphedema, treating spider veins and mild venous conditions
Compression Class 1: 20 - 30 mmHg – for those at risk for lymphedema or for mild lymphedema, for treating visible varicose veins, achy legs and moderate venous conditions
Compression Class 2: 30 - 40 mmHg – for those with moderate or severe lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and treating venous ulcers
Compression Class 3: 40 - 50 mmHg – for those with severe or hard to control lymphedema and advanced venous disease

You should always speak with your healthcare provider regarding the best compression level for you and your individual health condition.

The Role Of Compression Wraps In Lymphedema Prevention

If you have had lymph node removal or are recovering from cancer treatment, you are more at-risk for developing lymphedema. Lymphedema cannot be cured, but there are a number of steps that you can take to help prevent lymphedema if you are in the high risk category for lymphedema developing:

Diet and exercise to maintain body weight
Avoid vigorous or excessive exercise
Maintain skin health and protect your skin from injury or infection
Avoid extreme temperatures or sun exposure
Avoid construction or pressure on your arms or legs
Elevate your arms or legs
Wear light compression during air travel and long periods of inactivity

While wearing compression wraps as lymphedema wraps is a common treatment for lymphedema, a compression wrap can also be proscribed as a preventative treatment against the development of lymphedema. Studies have shown that wearing compression can help prevent the development of lymphedema, reduce symptom severity, or stop progression of lymphedema into a more severe stage, helping you avoid chronic lymphedema.

The Role Of Compression Wraps In Venous Disease Prevention

By focusing on vein health to prevent circulatory problems, you can help ensure proper blood circulation, promote overall leg health and reduce the chances of developing circulatory-related vein disease. Generally speaking, a healthy circulatory system also supports physical activity, mental sharpness, and a general sense of well-being which directly impacts your overall quality of life. Healthy veins help ensure:

that your circulatory system functions properly
optimal organ and muscle function
a strong body immune response to fight infection
faster wound healing if it should occur

Vein disease is a progressive disease, and existing venous disease cannot be cured. If the signs and development of venous disease are ignored, left undiagnosed and untreated they will become worse and can lead to more serious health conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) where blood clots form in a deep vein, and the development of chronic wounds.

Bottom Line: Crucial Tips for Success For Wearing Compression Wraps For Lymphedema And Venous Disease

To ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your compression wraps for legs / lymphedema wraps, we recommend you consider the following steps:

Choose the proper compression: Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that you choose a compression wrap that provides you with the correct level of gradient compression for your particular needs.

Ensure you have a proper fit: This is one of the most important steps for effective compression therapy for lymphedema and venous disease. Wearing a poorly fitting compression wrap can actually make your condition worse. If your compression wrap is too tight, it can:

restrict circulation and lymphatic flow
increase swelling
damage soft skin tissue
cause tingling or numbness

When compression wraps are too loose, they can:

provide ineffective compression therapy
slide, causing skin irritation, rashes or abrasions

Actively wear your compression wrap: Generally, compression wraps should be worn during all waking hours, and especially during periods of activity.

Practice nighttime care: If your healthcare provider prescribes the need for nighttime compression, make sure that you loosen the adjustable bands of your compression wrap to manage swelling while you are asleep and while resting.

Keep your compression wrap clean: Proper care of compression wraps will help extend the life of the garment and provide you with a better compression therapy result. Frequent washing of your compression wrap will remove built-up sweat and body oils that cause the garment’s elastic fibers to break down. Machine drying your compression wrap, will tighten the fabric, enabling the wrap to bounce back to its original compression strength.

Replace your compression wrap regularly: The compressive elastic fabric in your compression wrap will stretch out and break down with daily use and washing. As your compression wrap stretches out, it will begin to lose effectiveness and must therefore be replaced every 4 to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Velcro Compression Wraps

Do compression wraps work for lymphedema?

Absolutely yes! Compression wraps (lymphedema wraps) are highly effective at providing gradient compression and are considered to be a cornerstone of lymphedema treatment for managing and reducing lymphedema swelling. By applying targeted pressure that gently squeezes the affected arm or leg, Velcro compression wraps help promote the movement of trapped lymphatic fluid out of the affected area, moving it upward and outward toward your body's core.

How do compression wraps work and why are they essential for managing lymphedema?

Wearing a lymphedema sleeve provides you with 3 essential benefits for treating arm lymphedema:

Fluid Movement: Compression wraps are designed to provide "gradient compression", which means that they will fit tightest at the wrist (arm compression wrap) or ankle (compression wraps for legs) and gradually get looser as they go up your arm or leg. The purpose of the gradient compression provided by a lymphedema compression wrap is to help move trapped lymphatic fluid up and out of your limb.
Tissue Health: By preventing lymphatic fluid from pooling, compression wraps help reduce the risk of skin tissue from hardening (fibrosis) , help lower the chance of infections such as cellulitis from developing.
Prevent Worsening Of Lymphedema: Consistent daily use of lymphedema wraps will help control swelling and can keep mild lymphedema from progressing into a more chronic, severe condition.

Can wearing a compression wrap prevent lymphedema?

In addition to helping treat and manage lymphedema, compression wraps may also help stop lymphedema from developing by promoting circulation and preventing lymph fluid from becoming trapped and pooling. You may want to consider wearing a compression wrap for lymphedema prevention if you are in the at-risk category for lymphedema developing.

Can compression wraps for legs treat venous disease?

By applying adjustable external pressure, compression wraps for legs are an excellent choice for treating venous disease such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and venous leg ulcers.

How do compression leg wraps help treat venous disease?

The external pressure provided by compression wraps for legs offers several key benefits for helping to treat venous disease:

improves blow flow: by helping to force blood upwards through the veins, compression leg wraps will enhance venous return of deoxygenated blood back to the heart and prevent the blood from pooling in your legs and feet
helps to reduce and control swelling: excess fluid will be forced back into capillaries and tissue, thereby helping to control edema (swelling) in your legs
relieves pain: providing support to leg veins and muscles, wearing compression wraps for legs will help to reduce muscle fatigue and relieve tired, heavy, achy, and painful feeling legs
aids in healing chronic wounds: improving blood circulation and blood flow, compression wraps push surface blood back into the deep vein system and promotes the return of nutrient-rich oxygenated blood to help heal venous stasis ulcers (chronic wounds) and prevent further skin breakdown

What are the advantages of wearing adjustable Velcro compression leg wraps over traditional compression stockings?

While both compression wraps for legs and compression stockings provide needed compression for treating lymphedema and venous disease, compression leg wraps offer certain advantages over traditional compression stockings. Compression leg wraps:

are easier to put on and take off, especially if you have mobility issues, are unable to bend over or lack the arm strength to pull on a compression stocking
are easily adjusted for the desired compression, and for accommodating fluctuations in swelling throughout the day
can be worn at nighttime or during periods of rest simply by loosening the adjustable Velcro bands on the compression wrap
are less likely to move or slip, and cause skin irritations

Are there other health benefits of wearing a compression wrap?

Treatment for cancer increases the risk for developing lymphedema, however wearing compression after surgery will help lower this risk, as well as providing additional post-surgical health benefits:

Wearing an arm compression wrap after axillary lymph node dissection as part of breast cancer surgery, can also help with post-surgical swelling and can help control arm edema (swelling) months after surgery
Removal of or damage to pelvic lymph nodes from prostate cancer surgery and radiation therapy may include disrupting the normal flow of lymph fluid which leads to swelling, typically in the legs (lymphedema of the legs), lower abdomen, groin, and scrotum (genital lymphedema). Wearing compression wraps for legs and feet will help lower the risk for the development of lymphedema, will help with post-surgical swelling and aid in post-surgical healing

In addition to helping with post-surgical swelling, wearing a compression wrap can provide other benefits by helping with certain quality-of-life measures, such as:

reducing fatigue
controlling pain
improve physical functioning
reducing the risk of lymphedema developing
managing symptoms and preventing lymphedema from getting worse

Should I wear a compression wrap for lymphedema?

If you have or are at risk of developing lymphedema, you should consider wearing a compression wrap. Compression wraps are highly effective at providing gradient compression and are considered to be a cornerstone of therapy aimed at managing and reducing lymphedema swelling. Determining whether you should wear a compression wrap may also depend on what stage of lymphedema you have:

stage 1 lymphedema: at this stage, your affected limb feels heavy and swollen, and pressing on it leaves a dent.
stage 2 lymphedema: in addition to the swelling, at this stage your skin has thickened and become hard – applying pressure to your skin does not leave a dent.
stage 3 lymphedema: at this point, your lymphedema has become significantly larger, your skin has hardened and may show scarring and wart-like growths.

Lymphedema wraps can help manage symptoms of stage 1 lymphedema, and typically you will wear a lymphedema wrap that offers either 15 - 20 mmHg or 20 - 30 mmHg adjustable compression. If your condition has progressed to stage 2 or stage 3 lymphedema, you will likely need to undergo lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) before wearing a compression wrap.

You should consult with your healthcare provider regarding your stage of lymphedema and whether you might benefit from wearing a compression wrap, based on your symptoms and their severity.

When should I wear a lymphedema wrap for swelling relief?

If you are at risk for developing lymphedema or are showing early signs of lymphedema development, you should wear a lymphedema wrap that provides light compression (usually 15 - 20 mmHg or 20 - 30 mmHg). Be sure to check with your healthcare provider for their recommendation regarding your individual condition.

If you have a more severe stage of lymphedema, you will likely need advanced lymphedema treatment protocols, such as lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) consists of 2 different phases, and wearing a lymphedema wrap is done during the secondary, or “maintenance” phase of lymphedema therapy when the main goal of lymphedema treatment is to manage the swelling that lymphedema causes.

Should I wear compression wraps for legs for venous disease?

Compression wraps are highly effective at providing gradient compression and are considered to be a cornerstone of therapy aimed at managing and reducing symptoms and conditions of venous disease. Determining whether you should wear a compression wrap may also depend the stage of venous disease that you have:

mild / early stage venous disease: at this stage, you will feel minor ankle swelling, tired and achy legs and spider veins may begin to appear.
moderate / established venous insufficiency: your symptoms of venous disease will worsen, varicose veins may develop and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) will set in.
severe / advanced stage venous disease: at this point, edema becomes severe and you will notice skin changes along with the development of venous statis ulcers.
extreme venous disease: extreme cases of venous disease can include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and post-thombotic syndrome.

Compression wraps can help manage symptoms of early stage venous disease, and typically you will wear a compression wrap that offers either 15 - 20 mmHg. With moderate venous disease, 20 - 30 mmHg adjustable compression will likely be the prescribed strength for wearing your compression wrap. If your condition has progressed to an advantage stage of venous disease, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe the use of 30 - 40 mmHg adjustable compression. With extreme cases, venous disease treatment may require 40 - 50 mmHg adjustable compression.

In all cases, you should consult with your healthcare provider regarding your stage of venous disease and whether you might benefit from wearing a compression wrap, based on your symptoms and their severity.

When not to wear a compression wrap?

Although the use of a compression wrap to provide gradient pressure is generally recommended for lymphedema treatment or management of venous disease, there are cases when wearing a compression wrap should be avoided. You should not wear a compression wrap designed for daytime use while sleeping or during extended periods of rest or inactivity unless you first loosen the adjustable Velcro bands as the wrap may restrict blood flow or circulation. You should also avoid wearing a compression wrap when you have:

a skin rash
active skin infections
dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
broken skin
open wounds (unless the compression wrap is specifically used for chronic wound treatment)
severe circulatory or heart conditions
neuropathy

How do I choose the right size of adjustable Velcro compression wrap?

To ensure that you get the correct size of compression wrap, you must take circumference measurements of your limb at specific points and the length of your arm or leg, using a flexible tape measure. The measurements that you take should be precise to ensure that the wrap fits snugly without being so tight that it restricts circulation.

When measuring for your compression wrap, it is recommended that you follow these simple guidelines:

consult the manufacturer's size chart for the compression wrap you are considering
use a flexible tape measure
measure the circumference of your limb at the points specified by the manufacturer
measure the length of your arm or leg
if unsure, consult a professional who can assist with sizing

How to measure for a lymphedema wrap / compression leg wrap?

Compression wraps can fit differently, so to get the best fit it is important to do accurate measuring by following these simple steps:

consult the manufacturer size chart for the particular compression wrap that you are considering
take your measurements first thing in the morning before swelling increases
use a soft, flexible measuring tape and measure against bare skin
place the measuring tape on the skin, ensuring the tape is snug but not digging into the skin
record you measurements on a piece of paper for easy reference

Compression garments use a uniform system of measuring points that refer to points where measurements should be taken. Not every measuring point will necessarily be used by manufacturers for their compression garments, but you should be aware of where each point lies. The measuring points for compression wraps for arms are as follows:

Point C (wrist): measure the circumference of your wrist at its narrowest point (just above the bony bump)
Point D (forearm): measure around the fullest part of your forearm (typically the widest point between wrist and elbow)
Point E (elbow): measure directly around the center of the elbow joint with your arm slightly bent
Point F (upper arm/bicep): measure the midpoint of your upper arm (halfway between the elbow and armpit)
Point G (axilla/armpit): measure around the very top of your upper arm (right below your armpit)

Arm length is measured along the inside of your arm, starting from your wrist point up to your armpit point (the length between Point C and Point G).

The measuring points for compression wraps for legs are as follows:

Point B (ankle): measure the circumference of your ankle at its narrowest point (just above the bony bump)
Point C (calf): measure around the fullest part of your calf (typically the widest point between ankle and knee)
Point D (knee): measure two finger widths below the crease of the knee joint with your knee slightly bent
Point E (lower thigh): measure above your knee cap (approximately 5 cm above the top of your knee cap)
Point G (groin): measure around the very top of your upper thigh (at the groin and below the buttock)

Leg length is measured along the inside of your leg. For calf compression wraps you will be starting from your ankle point up to your calf point (the length between Point B and Point C), and for thigh compression wraps you will be starting from your lower thigh up to your groin point (the length between Point E and Point G),.

Once you have all of your measurements, you can consult the manufacturer size chart to see which size category you fall into based on the measurements you have taken. Measuring is easily done by yourself, but if you are inexperienced or have any questions about measuring, it is highly recommended that you consult with a person who is familiar with the process.

What if I don’t fit into an off-the-shelf or ready-to-wear size of compression?

Compression wraps are available in a wide range of off-the-shelf (or ready-to-wear) size options. You will determine the proper size of the compression wrap by measuring your limb at specific points, as outlined on the manufacturer’s size chart. Your measurements may put you between two different sizes, or if your limb has irregular shapes or sizes, you may not properly fit into any of the off-the-shelf compression wrap size options.

In-Between Sizes

If your measurements put you between two different sizes, you may be able to apply these general guidelines:

choose the size which provides the best overall fit based on your measurements
size down if you need maximum, firm medical-grade compression
size up if you are using your compression sleeve for light recovery, extended all-day wear, or when edema is less severe

Be careful when choosing between two different between sizes as a compression sleeve that is too large or too loose can result in a compression wrap that doesn’t provide effective compression, while a compression wrap that is too small or too tight can restrict circulation and lead to other issues.

Irregular Shapes And Sizes

If your limb has irregular shapes or sizes which dramatically fall outside of the manufacturer’s size guidelines, you likely will not fit into a standard off-the-shelf compression wrap. In this case you should consider a custom-made compression wrap which will fit your exact individual measurements.

If you are unsure as to the correct sizing of compression wrap for your particular needs, it is extremely important to check with a trained professional who can help you with measuring your compression wrap to determine the proper size option.

How to put on an arm compression wrap or compression leg wrap?

Putting on an adjustable Velcro compression wrap shouldn’t be too difficult as they are specially designed for those who have issues donning traditional compression garments. For the easiest donning process, you should apply your compression wrap first thing in the morning when swelling is at the lowest.

If you follow some simple steps, you should be able to successfully don (put on) your lymphedema sleeve or compression leg wrap :

prep your limb: remove all jewelry and ensure your limb is completely dry (applying body powder can help)
don the under liner: pull on the under liner that will be worn directly on your skin
prepare your wrap: lie your compression wrap on your limb making sure the adjustable bands are free
position your wrap: the seam should be toward the back of your limb
tighten the adjustable Velcro bands: beginning at your wrist or ankle, tighten the bands, working your way up your limb
check the fit: make sure that there is no gapping (spaces between the bands) or that the top of the wrap doesn’t roll or fold over

How can I tell if my compression wrap is the correct size?

The most important consideration when looking for a compression wrap is having a proper fit. A properly fitted compression wrap should fit comfortably and will provide you with even, steady pressure. There are indications as to whether your compression wrap is a good fit or whether it is too tight or too loose:

Signs that your compression wrap is the perfect fit:

you feel a firm but gentle embrace around your muscles and have a full, unrestricted range of motion
your compression wrap stays up during normal activity without bunching, folding, or sliding down
after about 10 to 15 minutes of wearing your compression wrap, you almost forget it is on

Signs that your compression wrap is too tight:

you feel numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in your limbs
there are deep indentations or painful red marks on your skin after taking the compression wrap off
there is coldness or a change in color (bluish/pale) in your hand or feet while wearing your wrap
you feel sharp pain, pinching, or restricted blood flow in your limbs

Signs your compression wrap is too loose:

you can easily pull your compression wrap up or down without much effort or resistance
your lymphedema wrap frequently slips, folds, or slides on your skin
you begin to notice increased swelling in your affected limb

How tight should compression wraps for lymphedema or compression leg wraps for venous disease be?

Your compression wrap should provide you with a supportive, comfortable hug which provides you with sufficient compression with pressure that feels even throughout the wrap. Your compression wrap should be snug enough to stay in place without slipping, but not so tight that it restricts circulation, causes pain, or cause numbness.

How long should I wear a compression wrap for lymphedema or compression leg wraps for venous disease?

Generally, you will wear compression wraps for lymphedema and venous disease during the day when you are active and take it off at night or during periods of rest. It’s generally recommended to put your compression wrap on right after you wake up in the morning when your arms and legs are the least swollen.

RegardIess of when you put your compression wrap on in the morning, it is very important to wear your compression wrap when:

exercising
doing housework
performing daily activities that involves physical effort
traveling by airplane (due to air pressure changes)

Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding their specific recommendations for wearing your compression wrap.

Can I leave a compression wrap on all day?

Yes, you can safely wear your compression wrap all day to effectively manage lymphedema or venous disease. While you will typically be wearing your lymphedema sleeve 8 to 12 hours each day to provide compression and manage swelling, there are some best practice guidelines that should be followed for wearing your compression wrap:

Take breaks: Loosen or remove your compression wrap every few hours to let your skin breathe and avoid circulation issues
Loosen compression wraps while sleeping: Never sleep in your compression wrap unless you loosen the adjustable bands for sleeping or lying down and resting for extended periods
Listen to your body: If you experience numbness, tingling, skin discoloration, or pain, loosen or remove your compression wrap

Your healthcare provider can provide you with specific recommendations for wearing your compression wrap.

Can I sleep in a compression wrap for lymphedema?

You can wear a compression wrap while you sleep, but you should loosen the adjustable Velcro bands first. Wearing a compression wrap while lying down without loosening the bands can actually provide too much arm compression when it is not needed, which may restrict circulation and ultimately worsen your swelling.

What is the best compression wrap for lymphedema and venous disease?

There are a variety of high quality compression wraps for lymphedema and venous disease available to choose from. The "best" lymphedema wrap or compression wrap for venous disease is very subjective and it depends on which compression wrap best fits your individual wants and needs.

Are there specific brands or types of compression wraps recommended for lymphedema and venous disease?

The top brands of medical-grade compression wraps that are recommended for lymphedema management and treating venous disease include:

Does insurance pay for lymphedema wraps and compression leg wraps for venous disease?

Medicare Coverage

With the adoption of the Lymphedema Treatment Act on January 1, 2024, Medicare began to provide coverage for products used to treat and manage lymphedema. To be eligible, there are a number of specific steps for Medicare coverage that you will need to go through to obtain your lymphedema products and have Medicare pay for them.

Private Insurance Coverage

If you have a private health insurance plan, you may still be eligible for insurance coverage of your lymphedema products and compression wraps when used for treating venous disease, but the coverage and amount will depend on your particular insurance plan. Even with insurance coverage, you likely will:

have to cover a co-payment for each purchase and meet an out-of-pocket deductible
need a prescription from a health care provider
need to obtain insurance approval before getting your compression wrap
be limited as to the type or cost of compression wrap that will be covered
have to find an in-network provider who accepts your particular insurance
have to wait for the entire process to be completed before receiving your compression wrap

While obtaining your compression wraps through insurance may initially sound like the logical choice, there are many downsides and it is strongly recommended that you consider self-payment versus use of insurance for obtaining your compression wrap.

Can I use my FSA/HSA account to purchase my lymphedema sleeve / compression leg wraps?

If you are purchasing your compression wrap as a “medical necessary” item, then you can likely use your FSA or HSA account to purchase compression wraps. Learn how to save money by using your FSA or HSA account to purchase your compression wraps and other medical products with pre-tax dollars!

How often should I wash my compression wrap?

For your compression wrap to be effective in treating lymphedema or venous disease, it needs to remain in good condition so that the wrap can provide the proper amount of pressure. Taking good care of your compression wraps, and replacing them at regular intervals, you can help ensure that your lymphedema treatment or venous disease therapy is effective. Frequent washing of compression wraps will help maintain elasticity and promote hygiene. Washing removes built-up sweat and body oils that break down elastic fibers in the compression wrap, while allowing the material to bounce back to its original compression strength.

Below are some tips for how to care for your compression wrap in order to extend it’s useful life:

always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing compression wraps
wash your compression wrap every 2-3 days, or more frequently in warmer weather
place your compression wrap in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snapping
fold the adjustable Velcro bands of your compression wrap in to prevent them from tangling
use a mild detergent or a detergent that is designed for compression garment care
don’t use Woolite, bleach or fabric softeners (these products relax the elastic fibers, which can weaken the compression)
don’t use a powdered laundry detergent (the soap can cling to the bandages and cause skin irritation)
air dry your wraps on a flat surface or a drying rack
if you use a machine, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting

For more guidelines on compression garment care and maintenance, read the Bandages Plus Guide on garment care.

How often should I replace a compression wrap?

Like any other form of clothing, after repeated use and care, your compression wrap will begin to wear out. To be effective for treating lymphedema or venous disease, your compression wrap needs to provide the proper amount of pressure. Compression wraps should be replaced every 3-6 months (because they eventually lose shape, elasticity and the ability to compress, which can change the pressure that the compression wrap is able to apply).

About Bandages Plus

Founded in 1992 by a lymphedema specialist to provide products to patients, therapists, and hospitals, Bandages Plus is now one of the nation's leading suppliers of lymphedema products, compression stockings for venous insufficiency, compression stockings for varicose veins and vein disease, and much more! Located in Miami, Florida, we ship products to hospitals, healthcare facilities and customers across the U.S. We are also a Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VSOB).

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