Compression Stockings: Wear & Care

Wearing compression for the first time

The first few times you wear your compression garment you will notice a “squeezing” sensation. It is OK to begin wearing your stockings gradually. Try wearing them for a few hours the first day and then increase the number of hours each day, until you can wear them comfortably.
Check your stockings periodically to smooth out any wrinkles as the fabric may move during the day.
Always remove Stockings before bed.
If you find that compression stockings are difficult to put on, We have donning aids available for purchase, which prove to be very helpful.

How do I put on my Compression Socks?

Step 1: Start with the heel of the sock facing upwards. Slide your hand into your sock so that the palm of your hand is against the sole and your fingertips touch the toe box of the sock.

Step 2: Slowly roll the sock inside out until the heel of the sock matches up with the heel of your hand.

Step 3: Carefully remove your hand from the sock (keeping the sock partially tuned inside out).

Step 4: Turn sock over, making sure the sole of the sock is facing the ground, place your foot inside. Roll the sock slowly and carefully up your leg, making sure the fabric doesn't wrinkle or bunch in the process. Use palms of hands to remove wrinkling in an upward leg motion to avoid ripping the socks with your finger nails.

Care

Hand washing is recommended, but you may machine wash on the gentle cycle with the garment turned inside out.
Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. (We suggest Sigvaris Washing Solution.)
To protect the garment, we recommend turning the garment inside out before washing.
When possible, place your stockings in a mesh laundry bag to help protect them during the wash cycle.
No chloride bleach or fabric softeners.
Hang/ Air Dry.
Dryer is NOT recommended. (Avoid tumble drying.)

Special Care for Thigh-High Style Hosiery

The use of skin care products such as skin creams, body lotions or powder may prevent the silicone band from keeping the thigh high in place. Dry skin or excessive hair growth can also make the adhesive less effective.

To improve the performance of the silicone band under the above conditions, we recommend the following steps:

Turn thigh high stockings inside out before washing.
Before the main wash, thoroughly hand-wash the silicone band using a delicate fabric detergent.
Follow the “Application and Care Instructions” included in the package.

Replacing Your Garment

The elastic fibres of your compression garment stockings will eventually break down with wear. Proper care will increase the lifespan of your stockings, but you will need to replace your stockings approximately every 6 months depending on how often you are wearing them and how you are caring for your garments. As a general rule, if your garment becomes easy to put on, it probably needs to be replaced.