The
compression product category is getting increasingly crowded. Many products
claim to offer certain ranges of mmHg but do not follow the same strict
standards Juzo does. Our Product Manager Greg explains true “graduated”
compression and how to ensure your garment is effective for managing your
medical condition.
Juzo delivers clinically
trusted medical compression garments engineered for effective therapy, precise
fit, lasting comfort and confident movement. With more than a century of
compression expertise, Juzo offers ready-to-wear and made-to-measure solutions
that help people manage venous disease, lymphedema, lipedema and related
swelling—without compromising everyday life.
Why
Medical Garment's Design Matters
Compression stockings
offer different ranges of compression (mmHg), typically 15-20, 20–30 and 30-40
mmHG. It’s important to understand that not all stockings that claim the same
mmHg number actually deliver it correctly on your limb. Getting the right amount
of squeeze in the right place—true “graduated” compression, tightest at the
ankle and gradually looser going up—takes precise engineering, not just
stretchy fabric.
• Your limb's shape affects the pressure it
actually receives. The pressure a compression stocking delivers
depends on the fabric's tension and the curve of your limb at that point. A
narrow ankle and a wider calf need different amounts of fabric tension. Juzo
sizes (and often knits) our medical-grade compression garments to closely match
the shape of your specific leg or arm—not just its overall size.
• True medical-grade stockings adhere to strict
standards. Reputable manufacturers like Juzo take multiple measurements of
your limb (i.e., ankle, calf, thigh and length) and offer many size
options—sometimes dozens—plus custom-made options for legs that don't fit a
standard size. We test finished garments at multiple points using specialized
test equipment to confirm they actually deliver the pressure printed on the
label.
• Don’t settle for “one or two-size-fits-most”
stockings. Inexpensive compression socks sold online are often available in
only two or three generic sizes because they are designed for an average leg
shape. If your limb doesn't closely match that average, the stocking can
under-deliver pressure where you need it most (like the ankle), over-deliver it
elsewhere (which can act like a tight band and restrict circulation) or roll
and bunch, creating a dangerous constriction point.
• Why this matters medically. For
everyday tired legs, an imprecise fit is mostly a comfort issue. For medical
conditions like venous disease, lipedema or lymphedema, an inaccurate dose of
compression can hinder treatment and in some cases make swelling or circulation
worse. This is why firm and extra-firm compression garments typically require a
prescription and a professional fitting, rather than picking a generic size off
a shelf.
Simply put, the mmHg
number on the package is only accurate if the garment was actually designed and
fitted to your limb. A well-made, properly fitted stocking delivers the dose
your body needs. A generic, mass-market one may not, even if the label says the
same number.
Juzo offers a range for
compression socks, stockings, arm sleeves, gauntlets, gloves and wraps to help
manage swelling and support lymph fluid drainage and improve venous
circulation. Our “Why Compression Therapy” article
includes a helpful chart you can reference to determine which product is best
for your medical condition and lifestyle.
Learn about the different types of Juzo
compression products on juzousa.com. Follow us on Instagram, @JuzoCompression and Facebook for more educational content about compression.