Compression Garments

Compression Garments
There are many indications for needing compression garments; facilitating
wound healing, preventing swelling when traveling, athletic recovery, and most
commonly, lymphedema. Most people do not know what lymphedema is until
they are diagnosed with it. Once diagnosed, they are shocked and concerned
about what to do. There are several different options for the treatment of
lymphedema, including various kinds of compression garments.
Many patients will be prescribed garments that will provide compression for an
affected limb. The garments help to keep fluid from accumulating in the limb.
These garments have specific amounts of pressure and can be worn on the legs,
hands, feet, or arms. The garments are made of a tight stretchy fabric. An expert
fitter must fit lymphedema garments (sleeves). Measurements are taken, and a
patient must try on the sleeves to make certain that they have a comfortable fit.
Sometimes custom sleeves must be made, but most people are able to find
a pre-made sleeve in a suitable size. The sleeves prevent the accumulation of
more fluid in a limb; they do not pump fluid out of the limb. The garments are
usually used in combination with therapy or as a preventative or maintenance
measure. Lymphedema sleeves and treatment can change the size of the affected limb, as can various activities. Sometimes the patient needs more than one
sleeve during this process becuase of the changing size of the limb. There has
been a tendency for patients to think that their sleeve has been fit improperly.
Sometimes it has been, but more often than not, the limb has changed in size.
Please note: These sleeves wear out with continued daily use, and must be
refit and replaced on a regular basis (approx. every 3-6 months). Over time with
washing and wearing, they lose their compression. Different levels of compression are used for prevention versus maintenance.
Care of your compression garment
Your compression garment is manufactured from the highest quality materials,
and can be washed in warm water with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric
softener or bleach. After washing, lay your garment on a thick towel, roll it up
and squeeze any excess water. Then, lay your garment out to dry. Do not dry in
a dryer or in direct sunlight. Note: Some materials are dryer-safe; please check
with your therapist/fitter.
It is recommended that the garment be washed out daily. Do not exceed 2-3
days without proper cleaning. Do not cut any loose threads or snares, as this
may result in holes or runs in the garment. This may ruin your garment.
359 Minot Avenue, Auburn ME 04210
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Depending on how much you use the garment and how well you care for your
garment will depend on how often you will have to replace them. At the maximum,
your garment should be replaced every six months. If you have an increase or
decrease of five or more pounds, this can alter the fit of your garment.
Contact your Bedard certified fitter if you need to reorder your garment.
Remember, if you require a custom fit garment, it may take 2-3 weeks to get
your garment - so don’t wait!
Helpful tips for applying your garment
Use rubber gloves
Using common household rubber gloves simplifies the procedure of applying
your garment. Rubber gloves allow you to smooth out the fabric with a minimum effort and grip the material. Rubber gloves also protect the fabric from
runs/snags caused by fingernails. If you wish to purchase rubber gloves
designed for this purpose, ask your fitter at Bedard.
Use Slip-on Aids
Sometimes, compression garments can be difficult to put on. There are sock
donning aids available to help get the garment on easily in the right position.
See your fitter at Bedard for the aid that works best with your type of garment.
Proper Fit and Garment Distribution
It is important to notice that the fabric is woven in straight lines, after application
of the garment, make sure seams and stitches run vertically. If this is not the
case, use your rubber gloves to straighten the fabric. It is a common mistake
to over-stretch the garment while applying it. This leads to a loss of support
(compression) in your garment. If the garment is constantly bunching up
behind the knee, it is most likely over-stretched. To correct this, simply work
the fabric downward towards the calf.
Use Adhesive Lotion
Sometimes garments slide down the arm or leg. Sliding or rolling of the fabric
can reduce the effectiveness of the compression garment and be bothersome
to you. This problem can be eliminated with the use of adhesive lotion. If this
is a problem with you, talk to your fitter. To use adhesive lotion, put the
garment on and turn the top of the border over and apply the adhesive lotion
to the area where the garment ends. Allow 3-4 minutes for the lotion to
become tacky. Then turn the garment border back over. If you’re interested
in purchasing lotion for this purpose, talk to your fitter at Bedard.
359 Minot Avenue, Auburn ME 04210
www.BedardMedical.com