Sizing For Compression Wraps and Garments For Lymphedema
Sizing For Compression Wraps and Garments For Lymphedema
When it comes to selecting the best compression wrap or garment for the treatment and maintenance of lymphedema it’s important to choose the correct size.
Compression wraps and garments should cover the area of your body that’s swollen, without leaving any baggy or loose areas. They also should provide firm support (without being too tight), so that you feel comfortable and are able to move normally.
For most compression wraps and garments, you’ll need to take multiple measurements (on different parts of your body) and consult the manufacturer’s size chart to ensure the best fit.
Below are tips and general guidelines for taking measurements for compression wraps and compression garments.
How To Take Measurements For Compression Wraps And Garments
In order to get the most accurate measurements for proper sizing of compression wraps and garments:
- Take measurements when your swelling is at its lowest (which is typically shortly after you’ve woken up).
- Take measurements against bare skin, not over clothing.
- Use a sewing measuring tape or tailor’s tape (not a construction measuring tape).
- Pull the measuring tape snugly around the area of your body that you’re measuring.
Sizing For Compression Socks / Knee-High Compression Stockings
In order to ensure the proper fit for compression socks and knee-high compression stockings, you’ll need to measure:
- the circumference of your ankle
- the circumference of your calf at its widest part
- the length of your calf (from a seated position, with your foot on the ground and your knee bent, measure from the bottom of your heel to your knee)
Sizing For Thigh-High Compression Stockings And Compression Leggings
In order to ensure the proper fit for thigh-high compression stockings and compression leggings, you’ll need to measure:
- the circumference of your ankle
- the circumference of your calf at its widest part
- the circumference of your thigh at the groin area
- the length of your leg (from a standing position, measure from the bottom of your heel to the top of your leg)
Sizing For Compression Shorts / Biker Shorts
In order to ensure the proper fit for compression shorts and biker shorts, you’ll need to measure:
- the circumference of your leg, at the mid-thigh point
- the circumference of your leg, at the top of your thigh
- the circumference of your leg, at your groin area
- the circumference of your stomach, at the bottom of your stomach
- the length between your mid-thigh point and the bottom of your stomach
Sizing For Compression Arm Sleeves
In order to ensure the proper fit for compression arm sleeves, you’ll need to measure:
- the circumference of your wrist at its narrowest part
- the circumference of your elbow at its widest part
- the circumference of your arm (just below the armpit)
- the length of your arm (from your wrist to just below your armpit)
Sizing For Compression Gloves
In order to ensure the proper fit for compression gloves, you’ll need to measure:
- the length of each of your fingers and your thumb
- the width of each finger and your thumb
- the length of your hand, from your wrist to the top of your palm (along the joints)
Sizing For Compression Gauntlets
In order to ensure the proper fit for compression gauntlets, you’ll need to measure:
- the circumference of your wrist, just above the wrist bone
- the width of the palm of your hand, at the top of your palm (along the joints)
Compression Levels For Compression Garments
It’s important to note that with compression garments, you’ll also need to choose the correct level of compression. Below are the compression levels, and what they’re generally recommended for:
- Compression Class 0: 15 - 20 mmHg – for those at risk for lymphedema
- Compression Class I: 20 - 30 mmHg – for those at risk for lymphedema or for mild lymphedema
- Compression Class II: 30 - 40 mmHg – for those with moderate or severe lymphedema
- Compression Class III: 40 - 50 mmHg – for those with severe or hard to control lymphedema
If you have any questions about sizing for compression wraps and garments, please call (800) 770-1032, or e-mail info@bandagesplus.com.
See these related topics:
Levels Of Compression For Compression Garments
Care And Replacement Of Compression Garments And Bandages
Types Of Compression Garments For Lymphedema