Which Compression Level is Right for You?

Are you considering wearing compression but don’t know which level to choose? This is a common question that many people have when they consider wearing compression for the first time.

First and foremost, you should always consult with your doctor for advice on wearing compression and what level of compression to wear. However, you can use the general information below to learn about each compression level and who might best benefit from those.

Before we dive into the compression levels, we should explain how they are measured. Compression socks and stockings are measured by millimeters of mercury, abbreviated as mmHg. Since true gradient compression is greatest at the ankle and decreases further up the leg, the first number of the range indicates the amount of pressure at the top of the stocking. The second number indicates the amount of pressure at the bottom.

Gradient compression shouldn’t be confused with uniform compression, which is when an equal amount of pressure, or millimeters of mercury, is present throughout the garment. A feature absent in uniform compression, the gradual decrease in pressure in true gradient compression counteracts gravity encouraging the blood to move back to the heart improving circulation.

Light compression helps improve blood flow, control swelling, and relieves tired, achy legs and feet. Most people who choose light compression probably do not have any specific medical conditions, but like the feel and comfort provided by low compression levels. When wearing light compression, their legs will feel energized. They are a great option for people who spend a lot of time on their feet and often feel their legs becoming heavy and achy after a long day.

Light Compression

✓ Improves circulation
✓ Helps to prevent swelling
✓ Energizes legs and feet

Mild compression is the ideal compression level for daily wear, travel, and sports. They improve circulation without feeling too tight or providing medical-grade compression. Someone may choose to wear mild compression if they experience minor leg or ankle swelling, if they have mild vein conditions like varicose veins, or if they frequently travel long distance and are at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

MILD Compression

✓ Relieves heavy, tired, achy legs
✓ Prevents or improves mild varicose veins
✓ Improves poor blood circulation
✓ Relieves leg discomfort
✓ Prevents and relieves mild to moderate swelling or edema
✓ Prevents DVT in travelers
✓ Improves varicosities and swelling during pregnancy
✓ Helps to prevent thrombosi

Someone who wears moderate compression often will be prescribed this level by a physician. Moderate compression is ideal for people who experience varicose veins, spider veins, or swelling or edema after surgery. However, some people choose to wear moderate compression because they want to experience more support than what is offered with mild compression. Athletes may choose moderate compression for the increase in performance and endurance during athletic activity.

MODERATE Compression

✓ Relieves heavy, tired, achy legs
✓ Improves moderate varicose veins
✓ Improves venous insufficiency
✓ Relieves moderate swelling
✓ Improves mild edema or lymphedema
✓ Prevents and manages DVT
✓ Improves varicosities and swelling during pregnancy
✓ Improves superficial thrombophlebitis
✓ Improves arterial insufficiency
✓ Ideal for post-op sclerotherapy or vein ligation
✓ Ideal for post venous ulceration

Someone who wears firm compression will have received a medical prescription from a physician. This strong level of compression is recommended for someone who is experiencing blood clots, lymphedema, severe swelling, severe varicose veins, or has just undergone vein surgery.

FIRM Compression

✓ Relieves heavy, tired, achy legs
✓ Treatment of advanced varicose veins
✓ Improves severe chronic venous insufficiency
✓ Improves moderate swelling
✓ Improves moderate edema or lymphedema
✓ Prevents, manages, or treats DVT
✓ Ideal for post-thrombotic syndrome
✓ Ideal for post-phlebitis syndrome
✓ Ideal for post vein stripping or sclerotherapy
✓ Ideal for wearing after moderate ulcerations have healed

Anti-Embolism Compression stockings are not gradient compression like the other compression levels. These stockings offer the same amount of compression—18mmHg—throughout the entire stocking. They are intended for patients whose health conditions have rendered them immobile.

ANTI-EMBOLISM SUPPORT

✓ Ideal for patients that are subject to immobility and predisposed to developing deep
vein thrombosis, edema or leg discomfort

For more information on compression levels offered by our brands, please visit our Compression Level Guide.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Compression products should not be worn and are contraindicated if you have any of the following conditions: Severe arterial insufficiency, cutaneous infections, acute dermatitis, wet dermatosis, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, skin irritations, allergies to dyes.

This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments.