Choosing the Right Compression Level: A Comprehensive Guide

Alexander Green

June 20, 2023

Choosing the Right Compression Level: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Compression garments have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their various health benefits and performance-enhancing properties. These garments, made from elastic materials, exert controlled pressure on specific body parts, aiding in blood circulation, muscle support, and recovery. However, not all compression garments are created equal, as they come in different compression levels to cater to individual needs and activities. In this article, we will explore the different compression levels available and when to use each for optimal results.

Understanding Compression Levels

Compression garments are classified into different compression levels, typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This measurement indicates the amount of pressure the garment applies to the body part it covers. The higher the mmHg value, the firmer the compression.

1. Mild Compression: 15-20 mmHg

Medium compression garments offer moderate pressure and are a popular choice for various purposes. They are commonly used by athletes during workouts to reduce muscle fatigue and enhance performance. Additionally, medium compression is beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate varicose veins or those prone to swelling and edema.

When to use:

  • Athletic activities to enhance performance and reduce muscle fatigue.
  • Improve circulation.
  • Traveling.
  • Mild to moderate varicose veins.
  • Mild swelling and edema.

2. Firm Compression: 20-30 mmHg

Firm compression garments provide higher pressure and are suitable for more severe medical conditions. They are often recommended for individuals with moderate to severe varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and post-surgery recovery. Athletes recovering from intense workouts or injuries may also benefit from the enhanced support provided by firm compression wear.

When to use:

  • Moderate to severe varicose veins and venous disorders.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention and management.
  • Post-surgery recovery and rehabilitation.
  • Athletes during recovery from injuries.
  • Mild to moderate edema or lymphedema

3. Extra Firm Compression: 30-40 mmHg

Extra firm compression garments exert the highest level of pressure and are typically prescribed for serious medical conditions. They are effective in managing severe edema, chronic venous insufficiency, and preventing the recurrence of ulcers. It's essential to use extra firm compression garments under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to their potent effects.

When to use:

  • Severe edema and lymphedema management.
  • Chronic venous insufficiency.
  • Prevention of ulcer recurrence.

Choosing the Right Compression Level

Selecting the appropriate compression level is crucial to ensure the garment's effectiveness and prevent any adverse effects. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right compression level:

1. Activity Level

Consider your activity level and purpose for using compression garments. For everyday preventive wear or mild discomfort during travel, low to medium compression levels are suitable. However, for intense physical activities or post-surgery recovery, firmer compression levels may be more beneficial.

2. Size and Fit

A well-fitted compression garment is essential for its effectiveness. Ensure you measure yourself correctly and follow the manufacturer's sizing guidelines to find the perfect fit.

3. Medical Conditions

If you have specific medical conditions, you should consult with a healthcare professional before choosing a compression garment. They can recommend the appropriate compression level based on your needs.

Conclusion

Compression garments are a valuable addition to promoting better blood circulation, supporting muscles, and aiding in various medical conditions. Understanding the different compression levels and when to use each is vital to ensure you reap the maximum benefits from these garments.

Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance performance or someone with venous disorders seeking relief, there is a compression level tailored to your specific needs. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if you have any medical concerns or conditions, and always choose a well-fitted, high-quality compression garment to experience the best results.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the compression level you need or what garment is best for you, reach out to us at support@medityhealth.com or give us a call at (866) 945-4766.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Enter your email and receive 10% off your first order.

Thank you!

Read more →

Find Out If Insurance Covers Your Compression Garments

Alexander Green

October 27th, 2022

Will Insurance Cover Your Compression Stockings? How to Find Out

"Will Insurance Cover My Compression Garments?"

This is a question that we get all the time here at Medity Health, and the good news is that for most insurance companies, compression garments are covered! This includes compression stockings, compression sleeves, and compression wraps as well.

Luckily, at Medity Health, we're one of the few locations where you can quickly and easily get your benefits checked online. And, once we've checked your benefits, we can also go ahead and bill your insurance and ship your garments to you!

How Do I Check if Insurance Covers My Compression Garments?

There's two ways that you can check your insurance benefits at Medity Health.

  1. Give Us a Call: First, you can simply give us a call at (866) 945-4766 and any of our representatives will be able to assist you with getting your benefits checked!
  2. Fill Out Our Insurance Form: Second, you can fill out our online insurance form, and one of our representatives will reach out to you and go over your benefits.

Both of these options offer quick and easy ways to make sure your garments are covered by insurance and to see how much your insurance will pay.

How Much of My Compression Stockings Will My Insurance Cover?

Great question! There are a few different things which factor into how much your insurance company will cover:

  1. Is It Covered: First, we'll need to make sure compression garments are covered by your insurance.
  2. Deductible: Then, we'll see whether you've hit your out-of-network deductible for the year. This will affect whether your insurance will begin covering your expenses
  3. Coinsurance: Once your deductible has been hit, then we'll look at your coinsurance. Your coinsurance is the percentage of your expenses that you pay once your deductible has been met.

After checking all three items, we'll be able to accurately determine how many garments and what percentage of the total cost that insurance will cover.

Can I Use My Remaining FSA/HSA Money to Buy Compression Garments?

Yes, absolutely! Your FSA/HSA money can be used towards purchasing compression garments as part of your medical expenses for the year. Also, Medity Health is set up to process FSA/HSA cards, so you can use them at our store to get your compression garments.

Also, your FSA/HSA money will reset at the end of the year, so don't forget to the use the rest of your hard-earned before benefits reset at the end of the year.

How Long Does It Take to Check My Benefits?

In short, it takes only a few minutes to get your benefits checked!

Either give us a call or fill out our insurance form online, and a representative will reach out to you to collect a few details and verify your benefits.

In some instances, we may need to reach out to your insurance company to get further details about your policy, but this should only take a few minutes!

What Compression Garments Do You Offer?

Here at Medity Health, we have basically any type of compression garments that you would need. This includes:

  • Socks
  • Stockings
  • Pantyhose
  • Armsleeves
  • Wraps
  • Gauntlets
  • And Gloves

Basically, we're a one-stop shop for the compression supplies and accessories that our customers use. If you're having a problem finding the products that you're looking for, reach out to one of our representatives, and they would be more than happy to help!

What Brand of Compression Garments Do You Offer?

We focus only on premium compression stockings that we feel confident recommending to patients. For that reason, we work with a select few manufacturers that we know will give our customers effective compression therapy.

The brands that we work with include:

  • Juzo
  • Sigvaris
  • Marena
  • Jobst
  • BioCompression

If you have any questions about which brand is best for you, you can give us a call at (866) 945-4766 or reach out to us at customersupport@medityhealth.com

What If I Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions, we would be more than happy to help! You can reach out to us between 10am - 9pm EST by phone at (866) 945-4766 or by email at customersupport@medityhealth.com.

One of our representatives would be more than happy to help you with any questions that you may have!

Written by Medity Health

Read more →

Your Insurance Benefits Reset Soon

Alexander Green

Will Insurance Cover Your Compression Garments?

Fill Out the Form to Have Your Benefits Checked

We'll Reach Out Shortly!

Will Insurance Cover Your Compression Garments?

Fill Out the Form to Have Your Benefits Checked

Value is required
Value is required
This field is required
Thank you!

September 29th, 2022

Don't Miss Out! Replace Your Garments Before Your Insurance Benefits Reset

Your Benefits Reset at the End of the Year, Take Advantage Before They Do

It's that time of the year again! No, I'm not talking about the holiday season. Instead, it's time for most insurance benefits to reset.

When this happens, many people who have hit their deductible or have money remaining on their FSA/HSA cards will miss out on benefits that they can take advantage of.

Before that happens, we highly recommend that you take advantage of your coverage and replace your compression garments. Here's a few different ways that you can do so before the end of the year!

1. Take Advantage of Your Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money that you must spend before your insurance coverage will kick in. At this point in the year, many people have hit their deductible meaning that insurance will cover most, if not all, of the bill for medical purchases.

Because of this, it's a perfect time to replace your compression garments, so you can take advantage of these benefits before your deductible resets. Click the link below to check your insurance coverage and see how much your insurance will cover for a new compression garments.

2. Spend Unused FSA/HSA Money

Similar to your deductible, your FSA/HSA money will also be reset at the end of the year. So, any of your hard-earned money that's still in your account will be gone if it's unspent before your benefits reset.

Because of that, now is the perfect time to use that money to replace your old compression garments and get a new pair before the end of the year.

3. Claim Your Covered Replacement Garments

Insurance companies have a set number of replacement items that they will cover throughout the year. For compression garments, insurance companies will typically cover 4 replacement garments (or pairs of garments for stockings) each year.

If you haven't already taken advantage of this benefit, fill out the form below, so we can check your benefits and help you claim your replacement stockings before your benefits are reset!

Written by Medity Health

Read more →

How to Wash Compression Socks | The Ultimate Guide

Alexander Green

Whether you just got a pair of compression stockings or have been using them for years, taking care of your compression garments is of the utmost importance. Not only do you have to keep your socks clean, but you also have to ensure they’re keeping their elasticity to get the therapy that you need.

In this article, we're going to go over two different methods that you can use to keep your compression stockings clean. So, let's get started!

Overview

There are two different ways that you can choose to wash your compression socks:

- Washing them By Hand
- Using a Washing Machine

We’ll be going over both options to give you more flexibility in deciding how to take care of them!

But, before we go over either option, here are some things to avoid when cleaning your compression stockings:

1. Avoid wringing out the compression garment since this can damage the stocking
2. Avoid pulling on or stretching the socks during the washing process since this can affect their fit
3. Avoid placing them near excessive heat since this can damage the elastic and hurt the therapy the socks provide

Method 1: Washing by Hand

Washing by Hand

First, we’ll be going over how to hand wash compression socks. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Get a small tub of cool water and add a mild detergent/soap (the manufacturer’s solution is a great option)
2. Place the stockings in the water and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes
3. Then, gently rub the socks to remove any spots or dirt on them
4. Next, gently squeeze and rinse the compression socks to remove any soap
5. Dry the compression stockings by laying them out in a dry place (avoid sources of excessive heat)

Method 2: Machine Washing

Machine Washing

Although you can wash compression socks by hand, we typically recommend that you machine wash stockings since it’s an easier process. Here’s what you’ll need to do for machine washing:

1. If there are any dirt spots (particularly in the silicone bands), hand wash these areas first
2. Set your washing machine to either cold or warm cycle, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Place the socks in the washer and add a mild soap or detergent (the manufacturer’s detergent is a great option)
4. After the wash completes, remove the socks and gently squeeze or press any excess water from them
5. Dry them by laying them flat in a dry location away from excessive heat

Also, if you’re machine washing your compression stockings, make sure to wash them with similar colored items! And, for extra protection, it’s also recommended to put them in a mesh bag when washing to prevent snags and cuts from occurring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Wash My Compression Socks?

Unless the manufacturer states otherwise, it’s recommended that you clean compression socks after each use.

This is recommended for two reasons. First, it helps keep your stockings free of bacteria and odor, ensuring they’re fresh for each use.

Second, they ensure the garments remain effective by allowing the stockings to regain their elasticity. By doing this, you’ll ensure you get the proper therapy for each use.

Can I Tumble Dry My Compression Socks?

Whether you can tumble dry your stockings depends on the manufacturer! Please check in with the cleaning instructions from them.

If you would like more information about this, you can also email us at customersupport@medityhealth.com or chat in!

Where Can I Buy New Compression Socks When Mine Are Worn Out?

Great question! If you’re looking for new compression stockings, you can shop right here at MedityHealth!

We offer knee-high socks, thigh-high stockings, and pantyhose from some of the top brands, including: Juzo, Jobst, and Sigvaris.

Why Should I Shop at MedityHealth?

Another great question! Customers continue to choose MedityHealth because we offer free shipping, great pricing, and up to a 90-day return policy to ensure you get the fit you need.

What If I Have More Questions?

If you still have questions, please reach out to us any time and we’d be more than happy to help!

You can call us at (866) 945-4766, chat with us on our website (MedityHealth.com), or email us at customersupport@medityhealth.com.

Read more →

Measuring for Compression Stockings and Socks: The Ultimate Guide

Alexander Green
Looking to Get Your Measurements for the Perfect Socks or Stockings? Start With Our Ultimate Guide to Socks and Stockings Measurements!

Read more →