Compression stockings

Compression stockings for thrombosis prevention during immobilization and after surgical procedures

The compression stockings in this product line are specifically designed for physical thrombosis prevention: They support the return of venous blood in patients who are immobilized due to surgery, illness, or prolonged bed rest, and are intended to help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. They thus differ from traditional medical compression stockings used for the long-term treatment of venous disorders, even though both product groups apply pressure to the leg. Within the category of compression and support garments, this line specifically addresses the needs of patients with limited mobility in hospital, rehabilitation, and home care settings.

Depending on the product, the compression level, length, and packaging unit vary significantly—ranging from standard thigh-length stockings to individual stockings with stronger compression.

Features and Benefits of Compression Stockings for Thrombosis Prevention

The stockings in this range are seamless, circular-knit, and anatomically contoured so that the compression pressure decreases evenly from the ankle toward the thigh. Compression level, material, and package size vary depending on the product.

Typical features:

• anatomically shaped, with a pressure profile that decreases from distal to proximal
• Depending on the model, compression pressure in the ankle area is approximately 18, 23, or 35 mmHg
• For several models, according to product specifications, reusable up to 10 times without compromising the pressure profile
• Sewn-in label with size printed in wash-resistant ink; some models also feature a barcode and washing instructions
• Not made with natural rubber latex
• Available in thigh-length and knee-length versions, as well as individually or in pairs

Which of these features apply in each individual case depends on the specific product. For general thrombosis prophylaxis, the standard compression level is often sufficient, while a higher compression level may be prescribed in cases of increased risk or following certain procedures.

Which compression stockings are suitable for which application?

The Comprinet pro, a medical thrombosis prophylaxis stocking, is suitable for general thrombosis prophylaxis in patients who have undergone surgery or have been immobilized for an extended period. According to the product specifications, it provides approximately 18 mmHg of compression at the ankle and can be reprocessed up to ten times.

For cases requiring greater support for venous function, the Comprinet forte 35 compression stocking is suitable. With 35 mmHg, it offers the higher of the two available compression levels, according to the product information, and is supplied individually in a poly bag.

The Comprinet forte Liner, a fixation stocking, is suitable for securing wound dressing materials following surgical procedures. According to the product information, it does not provide compression but holds the dressing in place on the leg without the need for additional adhesive tape or bandages.

What should you look for when buying compression stockings?

The primary factor is the reason for the prescription: For pure thrombosis prophylaxis after surgery or during immobilization, the lower compression level is usually used, while stronger compression may be prescribed in cases of increased risk or following certain venous surgical procedures. The exact compression level and class are always specified by the treating healthcare professional.

Length is also a factor: Thigh-high stockings cover the entire leg, while knee-high styles are chosen if the thigh-high version is not tolerated or if the patient is expected to put the stocking on themselves.

When considering the packaging unit, it’s worth checking whether a single-leg or double-leg solution is needed: Some models are supplied individually in a poly bag, while others come as a pair. When it comes to compression and support bandages, it’s also worth looking into supplementary bandages in case a bandage is needed in addition to the stockings.

18, 23, or 35 mmHg—which compression level is right?

Comprinet pro provides approximately 18 mmHg of compression in the ankle area, thereby covering general thrombosis prophylaxis for immobilized patients, such as after surgery or during prolonged bed rest.

Comprinet forte 23 provides slightly higher compression at 23 mmHg and, according to the product information, is used, among other things, for edema and thrombosis prevention following surgical procedures as well as after sclerotherapy.

Comprinet forte 35, with 35 mmHg, is the strongest level in the product line and is used when venous function requires particularly strong support. The prescribing healthcare professional determines which level is appropriate in each individual case based on the patient’s specific risk—none of the three levels is universally the right choice for every patient.

Usage and Instructions for Compression Stockings

According to the product information, compression stockings for thrombosis prevention are worn as prescribed by a physician and, depending on the indication, are worn for several days and nights up to several weeks.

For reusable models, the manufacturer’s specific washing instructions must be followed to ensure that the compression profile is maintained over the intended number of washing cycles; a grid or label for washing documentation helps track the number of washes to date.

If skin changes, pain, or discomfort occur while wearing the stockings, the treating healthcare professional should be informed immediately, rather than removing or changing the stockings on your own.

Complementary Accessories for Compression Stockings

• Idealbinden
• Adhesive bandages
• Wound care

Idealbinden can be used as elastic wrap bandages to supplement or serve as an alternative to compression stockings, for example, when individually adjustable compression is required. Adhesive bandages offer a self-adhesive alternative for securing dressings, while wound care products are frequently used in conjunction with thrombosis prophylaxis—for example, in the care of fresh surgical wounds. Together with the rest of the range of compression and support bandages, this allows you to put together the right equipment for postoperative care.