One such manufacturer is Mediven. Mediven compression stockings – particularly the Sheer & Soft line – have been laboratory proven to outperform traditional compression pantyhose. Here’s a look at the benefits of Medi compression hose:

Comfort. Finding compression pantyhose that are soft and gentle enough to remain comfortable all day can be challenging. In a survey, more than 85 percent of compression hose wearers said they prefer Mediven compression stockings for softness.

Moisture. Adequate moisture regulation in compression pantyhose has been difficult to come by. Independent laboratory tests found that Medi compression stockings transported moisture far faster than leading competitors.

Fashion. Most women who wear compression pantyhose want to look stylish and avoid calling attention to their medical condition. Stocking wearers found Mediven Sheer & Soft  to be the most fashionable compression pantyhose available, and suitable for day or evening wear.

Durability. There is nothing more frustrating than snagging or damaging compression stockings the first time you put them on. In an independent laboratory test, Mediven compression stockings were found to be 38 percent more durable than other compression pantyhose. If you want even more protection from snags and damage while putting on your compression pantyhose, try using donning gloves.

Independent laboratory tests and stocking wearers agree that Medi compression pantyhose provide all the qualities you look for in traditional pantyhose: comfort, style and durability.

In general, compression support stockings work by applying graduated pressure along the legs. (In other words, compression stockings are tighter at the ankle and decrease in pressure as you move up the leg.) This pressure improves blood circulation, as compression of the surface arteries, veins and muscles in the lower legs helps propel blood back up toward the heart.

This increased blood circulation can help relieve many different medical conditions and is the key benefit people receive when wearing compression support stockings from brands such as Sigvaris. Compression socks can help alleviate various medical conditions, including the following chronic diseases:

Edema

Edema is a general medical term that simply refers to swelling in the body. In this sense, edema can be used to describe anything from the swelling around the eyes that occurs first thing in the morning to the swelling around the brain that naturally occurs at high altitudes.

Juzo, Mediven and Sigvaris compression socks are made to treat a specific type of edema that occurs in the lower legs. Called peripheral edema, this lower-leg swelling manifests as shiny, stretched skin and swelling around the ankle and calf. When peripheral edema occurs, liquid becomes trapped in the interstitial areas of the body, outside of the blood vessels. Swelling naturally occurs in the lower areas of the body as gravity pulls liquids down into the legs. Walking may be painful for those with peripheral edema.

In general, there are two types of edema: pitting and non-pitting edema. Pitting edema may be identified by applying pressure to the swollen area. If an indentation remains after you remove the pressure, you are looking at a case of pitting edema. Skin around non-pitting edema will bounce right back after you relieve the pressure.

Compression stockings are useful for treating non-pitting edema. They help by forcing blood to flow into new areas, as mentioned above. Pitting edema is a more serious condition and should be shared with your medical professional, as it is often linked with heart, liver and kidney conditions.

Phlebitis and Thrombosis

Phlebitis and thrombosis occur when veins become inflamed. Phlebitis occurs in superficial veins closer to the skin’s surface; thrombosis manifests in larger blood vessels, usually in the legs.

Phlebitis may be identified by swelling of the extremities, a slight fever, hard veins that are sensitive to pressure, and nearby areas of redness and sensitivity to touch. Typically, the concern with phlebitis is that it may cause a blood clot to form. Blood clots may then travel to the lungs, heart or brain, where they may become caught and cause strokes or heart attacks. Wearing compression stockings helps improve circulation and thereby lessens the chance that clots will become deadly.

Phlebitis symptoms are often worse when the leg is lowered, such as when first getting out of bed in the morning. Healthy people may experience phlebitis after being trapped in a certain position for a long period of time. (This explains one of the disease’s nicknames, “economy-class syndrome.”) Long flights and car rides restrict movement and blood circulation in the legs. Varicose veins are a common form of phlebitis.

Compression stockings help offset phlebitis by squeezing the veins and thereby reducing the amount of excessive liquid that builds up in the legs.

Thrombosis happens when a blood clot completely or partially blocks a blood vessel. Blood clots are not uncommon following surgery, injury, pregnancy or extended bed rest. Irritation, swelling, redness and warmth may accompany thrombosis. However, thrombosis does not always present symptoms, making it more challenging to treat.

Compression support stockings are useful for both reducing the symptoms of thrombosis and preventing deep-vein thrombosis from occurring. Again, compression socks help by forcing blood to flow through different vessels. If you are experiencing the symptoms of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) for the first time, you should immediately consult with your doctor. DVT is considered a medical emergency because it could quickly transition into a moving blood clot that could become lodged in the heart, lungs or brain. If swelling limbs are new to you, you should contact your doctor just to be safe.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the body’s lymph system is compromised. It appears as fluid retention and tissue swelling, often in the legs. Extreme fatigue, heavy swollen limbs, skin discoloration and even deformation can accompany lymphedema. Poorly developed lymph nodes, parasitic infections and the aftereffects of cancer surgery are known to be causes of this disease.

The first stage of treatment for lymphedema involves manually draining the body of excessive liquid, followed by skin care, compressive bandaging and physical therapy. After this stage, the patient should be fitted with compression stockings, which will help maintain the effects of the first stage of treatment.

Edema, phlebitis, thrombosis and lymphedema are only a few of the conditions that compression support stockings can treat.

If you experience any of the conditions described here, please talk to your doctor about whether or not compression stockings are right for you. Always talk to a medical professional about your health.

What many women don’t realize, however, is that today’s compression stocking is crafted with thoughtful details that will allow you to show off your fashion sense while still taking care of your leg health. With a variety of different styles to choose from, such as sassy and feminine thigh high compression stockings, you can wear them as a fashion accessory as well as a medical necessity.

Here are some tips for incorporating thigh high compression stockings:

Pair with a little black dress. Thigh high compression stockings can be worn under a basic dress to add a splash of sass or some added warmth. Try to keep the rest of your outfit classic and subdued, however, to avoid looking too risqué.

Wear with a skirt and Mary Janes. When it’s too warm for full-length pantyhose, wear black or navy thigh high compression stockings with a colorful skirt and cute shoes, such as Mary Janes or Oxford Heels, to add a blast of personality to your ensemble.

Slip on under your boots. Another trendy way to wear your thigh high compression stockings is under a pair of tall boots. Ideally, you want the top of each compression stocking to just peek out of the top of each boot. If you’re wearing calf-high boots, get the same effect with knee high compression socks; women who want to pull of this look can even find stockings made with silicone bands around the tops so they won’t slip down or roll over.

Historic Sigvaris Logo

How Sigvaris Stockings Came to Be

Over 140 years ago, Moritz Ganzoni founded the company in Switzerland. Back then, the Ganzoni family were garment makers in a highly advanced textile region of Switzerland. In the late 1950′s the company collaborated with Dr. Karl Sig, a vascular surgeon, to make the first ready-to-wear compression stocking for patients with severe venous disorders. This collaboration is how Sigvaris got its name, by joining together the name of Dr. Sig with the Latin term for a torturous vessel: Sigvaris.

Advances in Compression Stockings

Sigvaris came to the United States in the 1990’s and brought with them over 100 years of garment making experience. The Ganzoni family, who still runs the modern day Sigvaris, has made significant strides towards developing a line of compression socks and stockings to help everyone with venous disease. Sigvaris compression stockings are made in Brazil, France, Switzerland and Peachtree Georgia, USA. Fashion and sports compression socks and stockings were introduced worldwide to give patients recovering from surgical procedures more options for ready-to-wear vascular garments and consumer support stockings.

Fashion Forward Designs

Early compression socks were bulky, uncomfortable and sometimes too warm to wear. It was not long before Sigvaris developed compression stockings to suit the needs of everyday wearers. The Sigvaris EverSheer and Soft Opaque compression stockings use the latest in fabric technology to offer lightweight socks made from stronger materials to provide effective compression with a fashionable finish. Sports compression socks help athletes maximize their performance and incorporate wicking materials to help keep them cool. Sigvaris stockings and socks are indistinguishable from their non-compression counterparts in terms of how they look.

In addition to men’s compression socks, you can also find women’s compression stockings in the form of pantyhose, which are available in toeless, knee high and thigh high varieties.

Who knew that such a dynamic collaboration 140 years ago could revolutionize the world of socks? Because of the advances in fabrics, men and women can now comfortably wear Sigvaris stockings every day.

What is a DVT?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that usually forms in the deep veins of the lower leg or calf which can block the flow of blood. Generally a DVT is caused by a combination of two or more underlying conditions including (1) slow or sluggish blood flow through a major vein; (2) a tendency for a person’s blood to clot quickly, (sometimes inherited) and (3) irritation or inflammation of the lining surface of the vein.

What increases your risk of a DVT?

Some of the risk factors include:
- Prolonged sitting or restricted mobility, such as long-distance travel
- Prolonged bed rest or immobility
- Surgery (especially orthopedic) or major injury which results in being in a cast
- Excessive weight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Age over 40
- Recent development of Varicose Veins
- High Estrogen states, such as pregnancy or when using birth control pills
- Certain cancers
- Some blood factors such as Factor V Leiden

What are the warning signs of a DVT?

A DVT may cause leg pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth and/or redness – but can also be present with no symptoms.

What are the complications of a DVT?

There are two. About one-third of patients with DVT, develop a long-term complication known as Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). This condition can show up as chronic pain, swelling, discoloration of the leg, as well as the development of an open ulcer. The likelihood of another clot forming is high once you have had an initial DVT.

Another complication is known as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) which is when the clot breaks loose and travels through the vessel to the arteries located in the lungs. A PE is a potentially fatal condition if it significantly blocks blood flow through the lungs.

Approximately 2 million patients suffer from a DVT and approximately 600,000 will be hospitalized each year. Some people have a DVT, but it is asymptomatic. Unfortunately, 200-300,000 people die each year due to this complication.

Are DVT’s common among young people?

Surprisingly so! Many people think of blood clots as a problem occurring in elderly people, but not in young and apparently healthy individuals. A DVT can happen to anyone regardless of age.

A pregnant woman, for example, is 5-6 times more likely to develop a DVT than a non-pregnant woman. This risk is enhanced due to changes in hormones and an increase in blood volume. Unfortunately, 50% of post-delivery maternal deaths are caused by Pulmonary Embolisms (PE).

Another high risk environment for younger people involves athletes. Athletes are at a greater risk for the development of a clot due to dehydration and a possible lower resting heart rate which results in slower blood flow throughout the body. Did you know that 85% of air travel thrombosis victims are athletic, usually endurance athletes?[1]

Of all air traveler, 3-5% of them will develop blood clots. Within the age group 20-44, air travel thrombosis is the number one cause of death. Doesn’t that surprise you?

And, recently an “extreme gamer” died of a pulmonary embolism after playing video games for up to 12 hours a day. He was 20 years old![2]

What can be done to reduce the risk of a DVT?

In most cases, Deep Vein Thrombosis is a preventable disease. People undergoing surgery and in the hospital for an extended period of time may be at risk for developing blood clots. Your health care provider will guide you on the best ways to minimize your risk of developing DVT in these situations.

If you are not hospitalized, you can still develop blood clots. Smoking cessation, weight loss and exercise can decrease your risk of developing a blood clot. When you travel for a long period of time (over 4 hours) you are at an increased risk which can be minimized by getting up and walking or doing foot flexes every 30 minutes. Wearing a low level (15-20 or 20-30 mmHg) of graduated compression will also decrease your risk of developing a clot and certainly eliminate the swelling associated with long distance travel.

Once I have a DVT what can I do about it?

There are several common treatment options considered once DVT is diagnosed. In general, blood clots in larger veins, especially behind the knee, in the thigh and pelvis are normally treated with drugs commonly referred to as blood thinners (usually an injectable low molecular weight heparin which is injected below the surface of the skin of the abdominal wall), whereas smaller clots close to the ankles might not have blood thinners prescribed. Some patients may need a small temporary filter placed into the Vena Cava. The best regimen for the patient will be decided by his/her healthcare professional. Always speak with your doctor if you have questions concerning your health!

Additionally, since the lack of mobility is a contributing factor to clot formation, most patients are encouraged to be active rather than being advised to keep still or initiate bed rest. Compression therapy is an important part of treatment as well for relief of swelling, and as part of the treatment to prevent the above described complication known as Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). PTS varies from mild swelling to incapacitating swelling with pain and ulceration. Up to 60% of patients with a history of DVT develop PTS, and about 10% of these people will have skin break down in the lower part of the leg, called a venous stasis ulcer.

What can we do to raise DVT awareness?

Although the diagnosis of DVT is serious, by recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention, Deep Vein Thrombosis can be treated and wearing graduated compression stockings will minimize the symptoms and complications. As long as people are aware of the risks associated with DVT, we can spread the word about proper prevention and treatment options. Knowledge is power and knowing the education behind DVT can prevent a lot of unnecessary deaths.

Links:

1. ^ Air Health.org – Danger! Athletes. May 5, 2006.

2. ^ BBC – Gamer’s death blamed on DVT. July 30, 2011.

What TED Hose Do

TED hose are made especially, and only, for non-ambulatory, non-mobile or bed-ridden individuals. The TED hose are also known as anti-embolism stockings and typically feature a very low compression level of 20 mmHg or below. TED hose are not intended to be used to help with lower body swelling or to improve circulation when you are sitting, standing or upright. Additionally, they are only meant to be worn for short periods of time. Remember: “TEDs are for Beds!”

What Compression Socks Do

On the other hand, compression socks or compression support stockings are intended for those who can at least sit, stand and walk around. The compression levels of compression socks can range from 12-16 mmHg all the way up to 50+ mmHg. Compression socks with a low compression level can be worn all day, every day, while you perform all of your regular daily activities. However, you should not wear compression support stockings overnight.

If your doctor recommends TED hose but you will either be ambulatory (stand up and move around) during the time you’re told to wear the TED hose, or if your doctor recommends a compression level 15-20 mmHg or above, you may need to buy compression support stockings instead.

The post is here for informational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions relating to your health.

LegSmart.com: What are the most common vein symptoms that women experience on their legs today?

Judith Brannan: Vein disease isn’t just a women’s issue. Statistics indicate that 50% of adults have some level of venous insufficiency which result in symptoms such as tired, achy legs; swollen ankles at the end of their day and some vessel activity such as spider or reticular veins and varicose veins. Over 40 million people have varicose veins and these are the most common of the vein issues.  Those with more chronic vein symptoms may have discoloration in their lower leg area near the ankle, or even an open wound known as a venous leg ulcer.  Most vein issues are found in the superficial veins which are closer to the surface of the skin, not the deep veins.

LGS: Are these symptoms genetic? Or can anyone experience them?

JB: While some have a generic component, such as varicose veins, the real reason is that “life” is causing the vein walls to weaken.  By life, I mean such things as aging, weight gain, pregnancy, disease or trauma, and certain professions which dictate prolonged standing or sitting.  When the vein walls weaken, valves that are found in veins (normally opening and closing to aid in the blood flow) are pulling apart.  This causes blood to reverse flow (known as reflux) which causes pressure to build in the vein.  Remember, venous flow is taking blood back to the lungs and heart for recirculation and venous flow is fighting the pull of gravity.  So when the valves become incompetent and blood flow reverses causing pressure, there is a cascade of damage from one set of valves to another.  The weakened walls start to bulge with the pressure and a varicose vein begins.

LGS: What should individuals talk to their doctors about when discussing vascular health?

JB: The vascular system is comprised of both arteries and veins.  Sometimes the pain or discomfort someone experiences could be peripheral arterial disease, or PAD.  PAD is an early warning of possibly more serious symptoms related to heart and stroke.  Other times leg discomfort is caused by venous insufficiency.  One should tell their doctor if they are experiencing leg pain.  He/She will then order diagnostic tests to determine whether it is arterial or venous related.  Many of the vein symptoms are visual as well.  Skin discoloration or vessel appearance and bulging being the most common of these symptoms.

LGS: What do doctors recommend for individuals with venous symptoms?

JB: Depending on the stage of insufficiency and also the cause, a doctor may prescribe graduated compression stockings, which provide a gentle squeeze to the outside of the leg, allowing the vein wall and valves to push together, moving the blood flow more normally which reduces the pressure build up within the vein.  If the stage of insufficency is greater, there are several in-office procedures which can be recommended.

LGS: What are the most common procedures for treating these symptoms?   Can you please describe these procedures for us?

JB: Procedures may vary depending on the size of the vessel and the cause of the insufficiency.  Most are minimally invasive and done in the doctor’s office.

Sclerotherapy, for example, is used most commonly for small veins known as telangiectasias, or more commonly, spider/reticular veins.  After identifying the vessel that is incompetent, the physician may decide to do sclerotherapy which is an injection of an FDA approved agent, foam or saline into the vein that causes the wall to inflame and collapse.  The body then dissolves the damaged vessel and carries it through its waste system.  Blood is rerouted into many other vessels.  There is little discomfort and you can be active immediately following the procedure.

For larger vessels, an endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) or radio-frequency ablation (RFA) may be done.  Many times, the saphenous vein suffers varicosities and these treatments would be used.  The physician finds the source of the incompentency by using ultrasound.  Then, because the vein is larger, he/she inserts a catheter, which holds a wire inside, into the vessel.  The wire tip is then heated by radio-frequency or by laser.  Drawing the catheter down the vessel causes the vessel wall to collapse and become dysfunctional.  The blood then re-routes through other healthier vessels.

Other types of procedures are known as plebectomy or stripping.  However, sclerotherapy, RFA and EVLT are the most common and least invasive.

LGS: What kinds of compression stockings do doctors normally recommend for patients after their vein procedure?

JB: Graduated compression is used following procedures to aid in the healing process.  They reduce swelling and discomfort, as well as aid in the re-routing of blood flow.  Following sclerotherapy, normally a 20-30mmHg thigh-high or pantyhose would be used.  For the larger vessel procedures, such as EVLT or RFA, a 30-40mmHg would be prescribed.

Patients will be advised to wear the stockings for 24, 48 or as much as 72 hours following the procedure.  Then, they should wear them daily for up to three weeks.  For patients whose lifestyle or risk factors are high, wearing compression daily may help prevent additional damage to fragile veins.

If the procedure is covered by insurance, the insurance company may require a patient to wear graduated compression prior to authorizing the procedure.

LGS: What premium SIGVARIS compression stocking would you recommend for patients after their vein procedure?

JB: Well, I love all of SIGVARIS products!  For those patients who have sensitive skin or allergies, our Cotton Series is a great solution.  This product has 25% Supima® Cotton, of which 100% is against the skin.  For a more fashion conscious woman, I highly recommend the EverSheer.  You would never know by looking at it that it is a compression stocking as it is so sheer and soft!  My other favorite is our Soft Opaque product.  I find it easy to put on and remove and it is incredibly durable.  SIGVARIS offers stockings, hosiery and socks that would please anyone’s style taste.

Special thanks to Judith Brannan and Sigvaris for allowing LegSmart.com share these great leg health resources with our readers.

About Judith Brannan:
Judith Brannan is the Education/Medical Affairs Manager for SIGVARIS, Inc.  With over 18 years experience as education manager for a major ultrasound company (ATL/Phillips) and then with Bristol Myers Squibb, Medical Imaging, she brings a wealth of experience in her role with SIGVARIS, Inc.   She has developed and implemented numerous accredited educational programs for physicians, sonographers, nurses and participated in direct sales training for company sales representatives and dealers/distributors.   Additionally, Judith is responsible for managing the medical efficacy studies for SIGVARIS.  Judith attended the University of Minnesota at Mankato.

(From left to right, the Mediven Motion Sport 16-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg.)

Features

The Motion Sport is a very forward thinking compression sock. Effectively utilizing synthetic materials and fibers, the Motion Sport is able to manage heat and moisture better than most other cotton sport socks or nylon dress socks. Clima-Comfort fiber technology is used to draw perspiration away from the skin and the soft, plush material on the leg and padded sole gives a luxurious feeling. There is also a ribbed texture on the sock, which stretches out when worn on the leg, providing a cooling effect to relieve excess heat and moisture. The Motion Sport is available in both the 16-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg levels of compression and comes in five sizes so almost anyone can enjoy the benefits the Motion Sport has to offer.

Durability

Mediven’s Motion Sport compression socks are very durable. Made of mostly Polamid and Elasthan, Motion Sport isn’t as fragile as other synthetic dress socks therefore, with its thicker more plush construction, the Motion Sport holds up better to washing and wearing than other dress socks. So you’re covered when you’re playing a sport or walking long distances in airports.

Wearability

The plushy material and cushioned sole wears great on any leg and the cool and comfortable material wicks away moisture, feeling like cotton during sport, travel and daily wear. The Motion Sport is extremely easy to wear, care for and it’s comfortable on your legs and feet no matter what you’re doing. Mediven has made an incredible compression sock.

The Verdict

4.5 Stars – Awesome!

Superb – The Mediven Motion Sport utilizes the Clima-Comfort fibers to ensure cool and comfy feet and legs.

Luxurious – The plush, ribbed design looks great on the leg and feels even better for the person wearing it.

Versatile – Not only is the Motion Sport good for sports, it’s also often worn as a dress sock.

Pregnancy and Vein Health

Veins are responsible of transporting deoxygenated blood back to the heart and other organs so it can be cleaned and replenished with oxygen. With all the changes in the body during pregnancy, the veins and the leg muscles must work extra hard in order to successfully transport the blood back to the heart and vital organs.

When blood is not transported back up the leg, it can pool in the veins. Varicose veins may develop and legs may feel heavy, tired and achy. Pregnant mothers can also experience problems of tiredness, restlessness, heaviness, tension in the legs, tingling sensation, muscle cramps, and swollen feet.

Of women who gave birth, approximately 30% of first time pregnancies and 55% of women with previous pregnancies develop varicose veins. (Swiss Medical Weekly 2001: 131: 659-662).

Blood that pools in veins has a risk of becoming blood clots, and if these blood clots break off, it can have severe health consequences. Other conditions that can emerge include dizziness, palpitation or even a breakdown of the venous valves.

Many factors can contribute to the veins to become unhealthy during pregnancy such as:

1. History of venous disease in your family
2. Existing venous condition previous to your pregnancy
3. Multiple pregnancies
4. Long hours standing or sitting

Tips for Healthier Veins during Pregnancy

Elevate the legs above the level of your heart while you rest. This will also give your veins a rest as gravity will assist the return of the blood to the heart.

1. Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Take breaks and do some Healthy Leg Exercises.
2. Tight-fitting undergarments should be avoided as it can impede the flow of the blood in the body.
3. Avoid exposure to hot temperatures (hot baths, saunas, sunbathing).
4. Refresh your legs with a cooling shower.
5. Pregnant Mothers should wear Compression Stockings.

Compression stockings provide gradient compression therapy that can alleviate some of the venous pressure from your legs. The increased circulation will help prevent blood from pooling in the veins.

Benefit of Compression Stockings during Pregnancy

Compression stockings (also known as support hose) are specially designed socks and stockings to assist the veins in your legs to transport the blood back to the heart.

Wearing maternity compression socks and stockings is an easy way to promote leg health. More women are discovering the benefits of wearing compression socks during pregnancy. Many people are making compression socks and stockings a part of their daily life and wearing them to work, for sports and travel. No more tired, heavy, achy legs and swollen feet. Compression socks and stockings come in lots of different styles, materials and colors, so it looks like you’re wearing a regular sock. They match your entire wardrobe and they make your legs and feet feel better.

If you have any questions about your health, please consult your doctor.

Have questions? Email us at support@legsmart.com.

The Sigvaris Select Comfort 860 Series is the flagship Sigvaris compression stocking for Men and Women. The Select Comfort embodies the technology, expertise and tradition of quality that the Sigvaris brand has brought to consumers.

Features

The Select Comfort 860 Series features double covered yarns that make the material softer and smoother, so it’s easier to put on and take off. Sigvaris says that their knit construction is easier to put on, so it’s ideal for patients with arthritis of a limited range of motion. The Select Comfort comes in the full range of styles and colors and is available in the 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg levels of compression. Knee high and thigh high models are available for both Men and Women. For women, pantyhose and maternity pantyhose are also available. This opaque material covers up blemishes on the skin for a smooth and even look. For men, two dressy ribbed colors are available. Men’s black and men’s khaki have thin ribbing for a professional dress sock look. The Select Comfort 860 Series is also conveniently available in both open toe and closed toe variants. Sigvaris utilizes their Precise Fitting System (PFS) so Select Comfort models come in 16 different sizes for knee high compression stockings and 12 sizes for thigh, pantyhose and maternity pantyhose compression stockings.

Durability

Select Comfort 860 Series compression stockings have good durability and lifespan. The material is not too thick and not too thin. So while you don’t have a sheer fabric, the opaque material covers up blemishes on the skin and spider veins and contains protruding varicose veins. The opaque material is better at containing swelling than fashion compression stockings. With the Select Comfort 860 Series, you’re not as likely to see holes or snags as sheer compression stockings. However, because the material is a soft material, you can still tear a hole or snag the material if you pull to hard. Sharp toe nails can wear a hole in the toes and rough heels or shoes can rub small holes in the heel. The Select Comfort 860 Series is not indestructible, but for what it’s used for, the durability is better than most. Always use proper technique when putting on compression stockings. Also, using Donning Gloves by Sigvaris will protect the compression stocking while making it easier for you to put on.

Wearability

Soft and smooth, the Select Comfort is easy to wear for long periods of time. Because of its durable construction and soft materials, the 860 Series compression stockings are ideal for wear during post surgery, travel or pregnancy. The Select Comfort used for many applications, which makes it comfortable for most people with different skin types and sizes of legs. The most appealing aspect of the Select Comfort is its daily wearability. Many people rely on this model for a variety of uses and thus it’s worn everyday and for long periods of time by many people. There is no latex in the Select Comfort 860 Series so it is safe for individuals with latex/rubber allergies.

The Verdict

4.5 Stars – Great!

Versatile – The Select Comfort 860 Series comes in many different styles, colors and sizes and is used for many different applications.

Durable – The moderate, opaque material make this model easy to put on and take off.

Comfortable – Soft and smooth on the skin, the Select Comfort is appropriate for most leg sizes and skin types.