How to wash and care for compression garments, the best products
There is a certain list of rules that determine how to wash compression underwear so that it has a longer healing effect. They must be strictly observed when maintaining compression stockings products.
What is
For the production of compression stockings, high-quality natural and synthetic fibers are used: cotton, elastdoden, nylon. Elastane is added to achieve the required strength and elasticity.
Appointment
Apply pressure to specific parts of the body to improve blood circulation, prevent swelling or reduce swelling. It is for these purposes that compression stockings are worn. The need for application arises for various reasons:
- disease;
- active sports;
- pregnancy;
- recovery after natural childbirth or caesarean section.
Features
In the manufacture of compression underwear, a special technology of weaving threads is used, hypoallergenic materials are used. There are no seams on the products, they let air through well.The dosed pressure on different parts of the body is the main feature of medical knitwear.
For example, stockings and knee-highs offer 100% compression at the ankle. Due to the different elasticity of the product, the pressure on the leg tissues will gradually decrease. In the thighs, it is not more than 50%.
Kinds
For treatment and wearing for preventive purposes, several types of compression stockings are produced. The product indicates the pressure (compression) that the elastic tissue exerts on the body.
The unit of measurement for compression is millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Down
The product ends at the top of the thigh. It is used for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, thrombosis; it is worn during pregnancy, in case of excess weight, in prolonged standing, in the postoperative period. As raw materials, manufacturers use:
- microfiber;
- spandex;
- latex.
Preventive compression stockings are selected according to the compression class, there are four of them.
| To classify | Pressure (mmHg) | Appointment |
| I | 20 | Pregnancy, prevention of varicose veins |
| II | 32 | After operation |
| III | 34-46 | Thrombophlebitis, thrombosis |
| IV | 50 | Congenital anomalies of the veins of the lower limbs |
Socks
The product is worn by both men and women with leg swelling. They are beneficial for lower leg varicose veins. Class I compression stockings are worn for the prevention of varicose veins in the following cases:
- hard physical labor;
- if most of the day a person is standing (stands up, walks).
Sleeves
Compression fabric sleeves should not be purchased in pairs, they are sold individually. The models are available in different cuts:
- elongate;
- on an elastic band;
- with a glove.
The product is worn after breast surgery. It is indicated in case of impaired lymphatic flow in one or both hands.
Tights
Product for men with varicose veins. Tights have an opaque structure, anatomical shape, a certain class of compression. It is worn under casual and business attire.
Tights
It is difficult to distinguish models in compression stockings from ordinary pantyhose. They look alike. To prevent the product from slipping while walking, the elastic is always located at the waist. Tights are more difficult to put on than stockings. They are selected exactly in size so that the pressure along the entire length of the leg is correctly distributed; when choosing, the compression class (I-IV) is taken into account.
Bandages
It is an elastic belt, with its help the abdominal wall and internal organs are supported. The product reduces stress on the spine, relieves back pain.
| See | Appointment |
| Postoperative | Reduces pain in the chest, peritoneum |
| Prenatal | For pregnant women, prevents premature abdominal prolapse |
| Knee | With joint injury |
| Hernia | Prevents internal organ prolapse |
| Postpartum | For recovery after childbirth |
Dressing forms:
- ribbon;
- belt;
- Grace;
- combination;
- underpants.
Rules of care
Cleaning is often necessary because compression garments are used 10 to 12 hours a day. The elastic fabric gets dirty quickly with daily use. Street dust, dead skin cells, hair get into the fibers. Foreign particles will reduce the effectiveness of the product.
Hand wash daily in cold water (30°C) only using mild detergent.
In order not to damage the structure of the fabric, all rings and bracelets must be removed. Even a sharp fingernail can be tight.Do not wring the compression garment after rinsing.
How to wash properly
Proper washing prolongs the wearing time of the medicated jersey. Its quality depends on the right choice of detergent, the selected program, drying and ironing.
Choice of funds
Use non-aggressive household chemicals. The detergent must be chlorine-free. Cannot use:
- bleaching agents;
- rinse;
- conditioners.
Liquid soap
Laundry soap cannot be used. It contains fatty acids, which reduce the elasticity of the material. For daily care, you need to use not lumpy, but liquid hand soap. It rinses better, gently removes dirt, does not leave white marks.
Shampoo
Any quality shampoo is fine. It should be colorless.
Powder or gel for baby clothes
Detergents for washing children's clothes do not contain any harmful components. Gels and powders are hypoallergenic, so they can be used to care for medicated knitwear. Learn more about baby powders here.
Chlorine-free powder or gel for delicate fabrics
Gel is better than any powder. Compression knits can be washed with every day without fear that they will lose their medicinal properties. Liquid products work well in cold water. Gel Ofa Clean, containing anionic surfactants, diol, bromine, receives positive reviews.
Hand washing
Hand washing is gentle, it does not reduce the compression effect. The thing is soaked for 10 minutes in warm water with foaming detergent, gently washed, do not rub too much, do not wring. Rinse several times.
In the washing machine
Learn the shortcut.If there is no sign prohibiting machine washing, put it in the drum. Set the program “Hand wash” or its equivalent “Delicate wash”. They control the maximum temperature of water heating (no more than 40 ° C), disable the "Spin" function.
How to Dry Knitwear
Dried on a horizontal surface in natural conditions (not in the sun), without using heating devices:
- lay out a rolled up terry towel in 2 layers;
- lay straightened compression underwear over it;
- the wet towel is replaced by a dry one.
Ironing rules
Do not iron compression stockings. The hot iron will stretch the product gimp. Deformed fibers will stop squeezing the limbs.To make the laundry smooth, it is not wrung out after washing, it is dried in a smoothed form.
How to extend the life
The duration of service depends on competent care, product quality, compliance with operating rules.
Rigorous selection
They examine the appearance, evaluate the composition, the compression class, the guaranteed wearing period. They read reviews, compare prices.
Maker
Before buying a product of a certain brand, clarify the information about the manufacturer. It will be recognized on the official website. A detailed description of models of compression underwear and all the necessary information is presented on the resource:
- the size;
- compound;
- compression class;
- wear resistance;
- the price;
- payment method and delivery options.
Famous brands: Ofa Bamberg, Medi Bayreuth, Intex, Bauerfeind.
Purchase in specialized fairs
The medical jersey is purchased in special orthopedic salons. Preventive underwear is purchased at city pharmacies.
Consultation with a doctor
The phlebologist will advise you on what kind of underwear will have the maximum therapeutic effect. Will give an accurate recommendation for the compression class.
How to choose the right size
The effect of wearing a compression garment depends on the accuracy of the chosen size. For the selection of any model, the necessary measurements are taken in the morning. Time matters. It is important to measure the circumference of the thigh in the correct places below the knee and above the ankle in the morning, when there is no swelling.
Buy more than one pair
It is advisable to buy 2 pairs of identical golfs, stockings. There is always a replacement. While the first pair dries after the next wash, slip on the second. Products last longer because they are washed less often. From 2 pairs, you can always put together one that works.
How to take care of silicone
Compression stockings come with silicone elastics. They stick to the skin, fixing the product. With frequent contact with water, detergents, silicone loses its elasticity, swells and ceases to perform its supporting function.
To maintain operational properties, compression garments with silicone parts are washed according to special rules:
- take a lace, pull the product with 2 cm from the silicone (below);
- the lower part of the product is lowered into water and washed by hand;
- the narrowing does not allow water to enter the upper part of the bottom (golf);
- wipe the silicone with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, remove traces of sebum and other contaminants;
- rinse the thing, remove excess water with a terry towel.
Usage tips
It is difficult to put on postoperative products with a high compression class. Gloves are used to put on golf socks. Their use eliminates the appearance of puffs.In specialized salons you can find devices for putting on compression underwear, this is especially true for women before childbirth.
Products made from elastic materials should not be pulled and stretched during dressing. Careful care of the skin of the legs and nails is necessary so that there are no puffs on stockings, socks, tights. Dry calluses, cracked heels and poorly maintained nails can damage the fabric.
Lingerie from a well-known manufacturer, selected in size, if all the rules for washing and socks are observed, it will serve regularly for 6-9 months.