How to Care for Your Compression Garments
Good care keeps your garments working for their full life, which is about 6 months of daily wear. The elastic is what gives the pressure that controls swelling, and sweat, skin oils, heat and harsh soap all wear it down faster. A few simple habits make a real difference.
Washing
Wash after every wear, or at least every other day. Washing removes sweat and oils and helps the knit spring back to its original pressure.
Use lukewarm water (about 86–104°F) and a mild detergent. Hand washing is gentlest. If you use a machine, choose the delicate cycle and put the garment inside out in a mesh laundry bag.
Skip fabric softener, bleach, stain removers and dryer sheets. Never dry clean or iron a compression garment.
Silicone bands: wipe the grip band with a damp cloth so lotion and skin oils don't build up and make it lose its hold.
Drying
Don't wring it out. Roll the garment in a towel and press gently, then take it out of the towel.
Lay it flat to air dry, away from heaters and direct sun.
Some brands allow a dryer on low heat. Check your garment's label first; when in doubt, air dry.
Putting it on
Put garments on first thing in the morning, when swelling is lowest.
Use rubber donning gloves or a donning aid, and ease the garment up a little at a time rather than pulling on the top edge.
Smooth out every wrinkle; a fold can dig in and cause marks or swelling.
Apply lotion at night after you take the garment off, so it has time to soak in.
Keep two
Have at least two of each garment: one to wear while the other is washed and drying. That way you never skip a day of compression.
When to replace your garments
Even with perfect care, the elastic wears out with daily stretching and washing. Plan on new garments about every 6 months. Replace them sooner, and ask to be re-measured, if:
The garment feels looser, slides down or bunches
It feels tighter or leaves deep marks
You see thin spots, runs or stretched-out bands
Your limb size has changed
What insurance covers every 6 months
The federal Lymphedema Treatment Act made prescription compression garments a Medicare benefit starting January 1, 2024, and many other plans follow the same allowances:
Daytime garments: 3 per affected body part every 6 months
Nighttime garments: 2 per affected body part every 24 months
Plans can also cover replacements when a garment is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, or when your limb size changes. A new prescription is usually required for each order, and accessories such as donning aids can be covered when medically necessary. Your own plan's rules may differ, so we check your benefits in writing before anything is ordered.
Midwest Compression is not billing Medicare or Medicaid at this time.
Time for new garments?
We track when our patients are due and reach out when it's time to reorder. Call (800) 883-1549 or text (517) 657-5223 to schedule a re-measure in Richland, or see our Patient FAQ.
Helpful resources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the care label on your garment and your therapist's instructions.
Want to know if your insurance covers it?
Use our secure patient forms to send your information and documents. We'll check your benefits in writing at no cost before anything is ordered.
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