{"id":671,"date":"2019-09-19T15:10:44","date_gmt":"2019-09-19T15:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lymphedemaproducts.com\/blog\/?p=671"},"modified":"2021-06-18T13:11:06","modified_gmt":"2021-06-18T13:11:06","slug":"ready-made-vs-custom-compression-garments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lymphedemaproducts.com\/blog\/ready-made-vs-custom-compression-garments\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready-Made vs. Custom Compression Garments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ready-Made vs. Custom Compression Garments<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to choosing the compression wear that\u2019s most appropriate for you, there are several factors to consider. Of course, you will want to follow your medical professional\u2019s advice for the most effective treatment to address your lymphedema. Your healthcare provider will recommend a specific class of compression, but you will have options between ready-made or custom compression garments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may discover that you face an almost bewildering array of choices. There are three primary factors to consider when choosing compression garments<\/a>: compression, compliance, and cost. In general, custom-made items will cost more. They are also likely to feature slightly different manufacturing methods. Is custom-made always superior? Not necessarily. But in some instances, yes. Conversely, in some cases, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t go with ready-made wear, provided it adequately suits your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Off-the-Rack (ready-made) items typically feature compression class ratings<\/a>. These run the gamut from Class I (20-30 mmHg) to Class II (30-40 mmHg) and to Class III (40-50 mmHg). These items are manufactured using a circular-knit process. This method results in no seams. Custom wear typically employs the flat-weave technique, and thus includes a seam. There is no evidence that one method is superior to the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sample<\/a>
Sample Compression Garment Sizing Chart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Compression class ratings are not regulated by the FDA, but they are intended to provide guidance regarding the compression that will be exerted. As always, maximum compression will be experienced farthest from the heart; minimal compression will be exerted closest to the heart<\/a>. Therefore, an arm compression sleeve<\/a> would exert its maximum compression at the wrist, and squeeze tissues gradually less the farther up the arm the sleeve extends. This is designed to help coax fluids back up the arm, towards the heart, so it can be recirculated.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be noted that sizing is crucial in order to obtain an optimal compression gradient along the length of a given limb. People with especially small wrists, for example, would not receive the full amount of expected compression if they were to wear a sleeve slightly too large for them. Conversely, someone with an especially large wrist and\/or lower arm might experience compression that is uncomfortably restrictive. Sizing matters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best advice is to work with your healthcare provider or sales guide to arrive at the item that is most appropriate for your body and your needs. One size does not<\/em> fit all in this instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Various manufacturers offer an array of fabrics, designs, patterns and features for their compression garments<\/a>. An attractive print may appeal to you, but keep in mind that microbial resistance, softness, and other features will count for nothing if the garment is not comfortable enough that you will be willing to wear it as directed. That\u2019s compliance: the degree to which you comply with your doctor\u2019s orders to wear the item as directed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n