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GETTING THOSE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS ON AND OFF!
GETTING THOSE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS ON AND OFF!Donning your gradient compression stockings can be a real challenge. The number one reason we receive returns at The Compression Closet is that people cannot don their compression stockings. It’s not that the stockings don’t work or that they are of poor quality, or that they are not what the people expected. It’s simply that they cannot get the garment on or sometimes get it off.
Unfortunately, many of these people live alone or have little or no assistance with these compression garments, which would make a world of difference. However, some tricks of the trade and some gadgets can help with the donning and doffing of compression garments. Let me share some of these with you today.
DONNING GLOVES FOR COMPRESSION
When it comes to compression stockings, I believe the number one most beneficial product to help with donning is the donning compression gloves. Every major manufacturer of compression garments makes a donning glove, and they all work the same. The benefit of these gloves is that it makes it easy to grab hold of the fabric and lift it off the leg to pull it up. It also works well to help smooth out wrinkles in the stockings and push them back down if they have been pulled up too high. Another benefit of donning gloves is protecting the stocking against holes and runs from nails or jewelry. Donning gloves is inexpensive, but you could use rubber kitchen gloves in a pinch.
JUZO SLIPPIE GATOR
Juzo Slippie Gator is one of my favorite products for donning compression stockings. With the purchase of a Juzo open-toe stocking, you will receive a Tyvex slipper that helps slide your stocking over the heel. This is the most difficult area to get past. If you still have challenges getting that stocking on, use the Juzo Easy Pad. This Pad acts as a resistance to the stocking. When you push against it, the stocking will move past the heel and up the leg.
The Easy Pad can also be purchased with the slippie gator, which serves the same purpose as the Tyvex slipper, except it also has handles. So if you have difficulty bending down to grab the stocking, you can use these handles to help pull the stocking up. Juzo provides a wonderful short video demonstrating this unique and effective tool.
BUTLERS
Having trouble bending down to reach that stocking? The Butler may be the answer for you. There are several different models of the Butler, and most of the major manufacturers of compression stockings make a butler. One of the most popular butlers is the Medi “BIG” Butler. What’s nice about this product is that it has very long handles (18″) and a large diameter (6″), which allows for a wider calf. It is a bit more expensive than the average Butler, but if you need extra space and reach, it provides it. Check out this video on how effective this device can be.
Medi also makes a butler for the arm, which hooks onto a tabletop for security. You no longer need to struggle to get that arm sleeve up your arm with the Medi Arm Butler. Check out how easy this Butler is to use without the strain and struggle.
EASY SLIDE
The idea behind the Easy Slide is that it is much more effortless to slide a garment over this slick surface than over your skin. The Easy Slide comes in a version for the arm and leg. It is also available in several different sizes.
OTHER DEVICES?
Some other devices that you might want to check out are the Sigvaris Melany or the Sigvaris Doff N’ Donner. The Melany is unique because it gives you the same advantages as the Butler. However, it can be quickly taken apart to stow away or used for travel. The Doff N’ Donner is an easy and effective way to get your compression stockings on or off. This device does require you to bend down far enough to get it over your foot. This product is especially beneficial for caregivers.
DONNING THOSE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS?
Gradient compression stockings can be challenging, but with some help from our 
donning and doffing friends, not impossible. If none of these gadgets appeal to you, or you do not think they would work for you, a Velcro Wrap compression garment is still available. The FarrowWrap Classic is one of our best sellers for more challenging lymphedema. Juzo Compression Wrap or Sigvaris CompreFlex might be a good choice for milder cases. These garments are a very effective alternative for those unable to get compression stockings on or off.
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.
Mary E Jackson says:
Hello Theresa I have had nothing but discomfort from my stocking. I only wear one and it’s excessive pressure under my knee, which I must take off because it hurts. The items you describe to help with putting on stockings don’t think will work for me. This is second pair I’ve purchase from you, the first pair work good.. Thanks
Theresa says:
Hi Mary! Looking back at your record I see that the first garment you purchased from me was a Juzo Compression Wrap garment and that may be the best option for you. I’m sorry that the compression stocking you purchased from me is uncomfortable for you. I wish you would have consulted me when it first gave you problems. I do have a 30 day return policy. It sounds like the stocking is not the right size for you, possibly too long. A knee high stocking should not go up behind your knee. It should stop two fingers bellow the knee crease. I also wonder if you are pulling it up to high. This is also an advantage the donning gloves have as you can use them to smooth the stocking back down if they are pulled to high. Compression should never be painful, snug and comfortable, but never painful. If it is – take it off and consult your lymphedema therapist. My suggestion to you would be to stick with the Juzo Compression Wrap garment at this time until you can consult with your lymphedema therapist again. If you would like to discuss this further please give me a call.