A Comfortable & Inexpensive Compression Solution

I CAN’T TOLERATE MY COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

Do you have patients who cannot tolerate compression stockings? Or perhaps you, yourself, cannot handle standard gradient compression stockings. Do the stockings make you feel claustrophobic or trapped? Or do you have skin that may be too sensitive to tolerate a standard compression stocking? Those compression stockings may be too hot and uncomfortable during summer. Perhaps your compression garment is driving you a bit crazy! Have you ever had this experience? Has your patient ever complained to you about their compression in this way? If so, I might have a comfortable and inexpensive compression solution for you and your patients. EdemaWear: a mild compression stockinette with a unique weave called “fuzzy wales” and compression levels ranging from 15-20 mmHg.

EDEMAWEAR

This innovative product is a comfortable solution to swelling. It is a soft, safe, and effective treatment for Edema of all types, including lymphedema. This product uses an innovative compression system with fuzzy wales, unlike traditional compression. This Fuzzy Wales Compression (FWC) technology was developed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “Fuzzy Wales” technology is designed to move fluid out of subcutaneous fat and heal venous leg ulcers. Edema Wear was also proven more effective in the Paradise Valley AZ Wound Clinic and Lymphedema Center studies than Tubigrip.

FUZZY WALES

Composed of fuzzy longitudinal wales ( a wale is a fuzzy part of knitted corduroy cloth). These wales are connected by Lycra spandex elastic yarn. As a result, the “fuzzy wales” create a unique compression stockinette that compresses just 20% of the skin surface. The non-compressed skin between the wales allows fluid to evaporate and heat to radiate from 80% of the skin surface. In addition, the non-compressed subcutaneous fat between wales helps open veins and lymphatics to return edema fluid to the heart.

Fluid moves into the veins and lymphatics accompanying the arteries supplying the skin. These vessels pass through the fascia of the muscles. Skin gets its blood from and returns venous blood and lymphatic fluid from the adjacent muscle. EdemaWear is engineered to move fluid through the perforating vessels to the deep limb muscle veins and lymphatics. Although Edema Wear is not for everyone, it can be an excellent alternative to standard compression. Some advantages to this product are ~ 

ADVANTAGES OF EDEMAWEAR

• Easy to don and doff
• Cool in hot weather because the spaces between the fuzzy wales allow for sweat to evaporate
• Affordable
• Latex free
• Higher compliance by patients because it is comfortable to wear
• Enhances lymphatic function, leading to a decreased inflammatory sensation at the skin level
• Reduces swelling

USING EDEMAWEAR

Edema Wear is very versatile. Cut it to length as needed, for it will not unravel. Additionally, you can fold EdemaWear down on top of itself to create a double layer. This fold can help hold the garment in place, preventing it from slipping. Edema Wear can be used anywhere swelling occurs. Use the larger sizes for abdominal swelling or chest wall swelling. 

Many therapists like to use Edema Wear in combination with other products, such as the Juzo Compression Wrap garment on the lower leg and Edema Wear on the thigh. Cut a hole for a thumb of your Edema Wear arm piece, and now you have a gauntlet and an arm sleeve. This garment is also widely used as a liner under wrap garments, like the CircAid Reduction kit.

This product can be used for swelling, venous insufficiency, and lymphedema, as well as to protect at-risk skin from bruising and shear injury. It is a very versatile garment, indeed! 

CARE OF EDEMAWEAR

Hand wash in cold water and hang to dry. Remove blood stains with hydrogen peroxide. If worn daily, EdemaWear’s approximate life is 4-6 months. Remove it daily for bathing and repositioning.

FABRIC CONTENT: Medical grade Lycra, Spandex, and Nylon. Latex free.

Disclaimer – This blog is for general information purposes only. Furthermore, the information contained in this blog is not a substitute for medical advice – always consult a licensed healthcare professional for advice on your specific condition.