How to choose compression hosiery
The most important things to consider while choosing compression stockings are compression level, model and size.
Compression is measured in mmHg and is indicated for each product. You will always find two figures (eg. 15/18 mmHg) – whereas the higher figure indicates compression of lower part of the products and lower – at the upper part of the product. Such gradually decreasing compression ensures smooth leg vein blood circulation, helps to pump blood from bottom to top. According to European Union standards UNI ENV 12718, compression products are divided into classes according to compression level. Below in this article you will find a table, which will help you to evaluate what compression level you need. By the way, compression stockings with compression level up to 18/21 mmHg (140 den) are recommended to wear for preventive purposes, even if you don‘t have any vein problems. This is particularly important for those who's jobs are related with long standing or sitting, especially with long flights or car trips. More about venous diseases and compression therapy.
Model. The offer is really wide - tights, leggings, hold ups, socks; opaque and transparent, classic and patterned; open and closed fingers ... Main Solidea products structured according to the model and the level of compression you will find in the table below, we hope that it will help you to make a choice.
Size. Usually it is recommended to chose the size according to weight and height ratio table (for tights, leggings and hold ups) or shoe size for socks. Size charts are listed under each item, but here are some general tips:
• If the height and weight ratio is borderline between two sizes, it is recommended to choose smaller size.
• Pregnant women are recommended to choose according their the height and weight before pregnancy.
• Patients with diabetes are recommended to choose a model with open toes
• In all cases, especially if you have a non-standard figure or your legs are especially swollen, it is recommended to doublecheck with the circumferences table. It is recommended to make measurements in the morning, when your legs are not swollen yet.
If you have any questions about the size, model or compression, we will be always happy to advise you by phone +370 686 17010, or e-mail info@silueta.lt
Preventive and therapeutic stockings, tights and supports are classified, regarding compression, in compliance with Experimental European Standard UNI ENV 12718.
WHEN NOT TO USE GRADUATED COMPRESSION
Graduated compression should not be used in the presence of the following pathologies:
- Arterial pathology: compression of small size arteries would further reduce blood passage, creating pain and reduced blood supply
- Diabetes with neuropathy (pain of peripheral nerves following alteration of glucose metabolism)
- Moist dermatosis (reddened skin, abraded surface, secretion of serous fluid)
- Ongoing skin ulcer( not caused by venous insufficiency)
- Crural eczema
- Disorders of arterial circulation
- Raynaud’s disease (arterial pathology with damage to the artery wall)
COMPRESSION LEVELS AND INDICATIONS
| Class | mmHg | Den (only Solidea) | Indications |
| A (preventive) | 10–14 |
30 den – 8/11 mmHg 70 den - 12/15 mmHg |
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| CLASS I Light | 15–17 | 100 den – 15/18 mmHg |
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| CLASS I Hight | 18–21 | 140 den – 18/21 mmHg |
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| CLASS II | 23–32 | 25/32 mmHg |
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| CLASS III | 34-36 | 34-36 mmHg |
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Main Solidea models according to compression level
| Compression level | Preventive | Preventive | Therapeutic Ccl.1 (light) |
Therapeutic Ccl.1 |
Therapeutic Ccl.2 | Therapeutic Ccl.3 |
| Compression mmHg | 8/11 mmHg | 12/15 mmHg | 15/18 mmHg |
Strong 18/21 mmHg |
25/32 mmHg | 34-36 mmHg |
| Den | 30 den | 70 den | 100 den | 140 den | ||
| Tights | ||||||
| Wonder model (with shaping panties) | Wonder model 30, sheer | Wonder model 70, sheer | Wonder model 140, opaque | Wonder model CCl2, opaque*,** | ||
| Naomi (with foot sole pampers feet) | Naomi 30, sheer | Naomi 70, sheer | Naomi 100, sheer | Naomi 140, sheer | ||
| Micromassage magic (with micromassage panties) | Magic 30, sheer | Magic 70, sheer | Magic 140, sheer | |||
| Red wellness (with infrared rays effect) | Red wellness 70, opaque | Red wellness 140, opaque | ||||
| Microrete (fishnet imitation fabric) | Microrete 70, fishnet imitation fabric | |||||
| Chantal, Rachel (fashion) | Chantal 70, Rachel 70 | |||||
| Rosella (sheer, raindrop pattern) | Rosella 70, sheer | |||||
| Marlene pois (opaque, polka-dot pattern) | Marlene pois 70, opaque | |||||
| Maternity |
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| Wonder model maman (with comfort waistband) | WM Maman 70, sheer | WM Maman 140 sheer, WM Maman 140 opaque | ||||
| Magic maman (with micromassage panties) | Magic Maman 70, sheer | |||||
| Leggings |
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| Red wellness (with infrared rays effect) | Red Wellness leggings 70, opaque | |||||
| Leggings Maman | Leggings Maman 70 den, opaque | |||||
| Thigh highs | ||||||
| Marilyn (with stretch silicone band) | Marilyn 30, sheer | Marilyn 70, sheer, Marilyn 70, opaque |
Marilyn 140, sheer |
Marilyn CCl2, opaque*,** | Marilyn CCl3, opaque*,** | |
| Brigitte microrete (fishnet imitation pattern) | Brigitte micro rete 70 den | |||||
| Knee-highs | ||||||
| Miss relax (swith foot sole pampers feet) | Miss relax 70, sheer | Miss relax 100, sheer | ||||
| Relax unisex (both for men and women, with foot sole pampers feet) | Relax unisex 70, opaque | Relax unisex 140, opaque | Relax unisex CCl2, opaque*,** | Relax unisex CCl3, opaque*,** | ||
| Miss relax microrete (fishnet imitation pattern) | Miss relax microrete 70 |