Compression GarmentsThere are many indications for needing compression garments; facilitating wound healing, preventing swelling when traveling, athletic recovery, and most commonly, lymphedema. Most people do not know what lymphedema is until they are diagnosed with it. Once diagnosed, they are shocked and concerned about what to do. There are several different options for the treatment of lymphedema, including various kinds of compression garments.

Many patients will be prescribed garments that will provide compression for an affected limb. The garments help to keep fluid from accumulating in the limb. These garments have specific amounts of pressure and can be worn on the legs, hands, feet, or arms. The garments are made of a tight stretchy fabric. An expert fitter must fit lymphedema garments (sleeves). Measurements are taken, and a patient must try on the sleeves to make certain that they have a comfortable fit.

Sometimes custom sleeves must be made, but most people are able to find a pre-made sleeve in a suitable size. The sleeves prevent the accumulation of more fluid in a limb; they do not pump fluid out of the limb. The garments are usually used in combination with therapy or as a preventative or maintenance measure. Lymphedema sleeves and treatment can change the size of the affect-ed limb, as can various activities. Sometimes the patient needs more than one sleeve during this process becuase of the changing size of the limb. There has been a tendency for patients to think that their sleeve has been fit improperly. Sometimes it has been, but more often than not, the limb has changed in size.

Please note: These sleeves wear out with continued daily use, and must be refit and replaced on a regular basis (approx. every 3-6 months). Over time with washing and wearing, they lose their compression. Different levels of compres-sion are used for prevention versus maintenance.

Care of your compression garmentYour compression garment is manufactured from the highest quality materials, and can be washed in warm water with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. After washing, lay your garment on a thick towel, roll it up and squeeze any excess water. Then, lay your garment out to dry. Do not dry in a dryer or in direct sunlight. Note: Some materials are dryer-safe; please check with your therapist/fitter.

It is recommended that the garment be washed out daily. Do not exceed 2-3 days without proper cleaning. Do not cut any loose threads or snares, as this may result in holes or runs in the garment. This may ruin your garment.

359 Minot Avenue, Auburn ME 04210 www.BedardMedical.com

Depending on how much you use the garment and how well you care for your garment will depend on how often you will have to replace them. At the maximum, your garment should be replaced every six months. If you have an increase or decrease of five or more pounds, this can alter the fit of your garment.

Contact your Bedard certified fitter if you need to reorder your garment. Remember, if you require a custom fit garment, it may take 2-3 weeks to get your garment - so don’t wait!

Helpful tips for applying your garmentUse rubber glovesUsing common household rubber gloves simplifies the procedure of applying your garment. Rubber gloves allow you to smooth out the fabric with a mini-mum effort and grip the material. Rubber gloves also protect the fabric from runs/snags caused by fingernails. If you wish to purchase rubber gloves designed for this purpose, ask your fitter at Bedard.

Use Slip-on AidsSometimes, compression garments can be difficult to put on. There are sock donning aids available to help get the garment on easily in the right position. See your fitter at Bedard for the aid that works best with your type of garment.

Proper Fit and Garment DistributionIt is important to notice that the fabric is woven in straight lines, after application of the garment, make sure seams and stitches run vertically. If this is not the case, use your rubber gloves to straighten the fabric. It is a common mistake to over-stretch the garment while applying it. This leads to a loss of support (compression) in your garment. If the garment is constantly bunching up behind the knee, it is most likely over-stretched. To correct this, simply work the fabric downward towards the calf.

Use Adhesive LotionSometimes garments slide down the arm or leg. Sliding or rolling of the fabric can reduce the effectiveness of the compression garment and be bothersome to you. This problem can be eliminated with the use of adhesive lotion. If this is a problem with you, talk to your fitter. To use adhesive lotion, put the garment on and turn the top of the border over and apply the adhesive lotion to the area where the garment ends. Allow 3-4 minutes for the lotion to become tacky. Then turn the garment border back over. If you’re interested in purchasing lotion for this purpose, talk to your fitter at Bedard.

359 Minot Avenue, Auburn ME 04210 www.BedardMedical.com