Compression garments are snug by design, so putting them on takes practice. The right technique and a few simple tools make it much easier, and they help your garment last longer.
Before you start
Put garments on first thing in the morning, before swelling builds up.
Make sure your skin is dry. Apply lotion at night instead, or let it soak in fully.
Remove rings and bracelets and keep fingernails smooth to avoid snags.
Sit down in a sturdy chair when putting on stockings.
Putting on a stocking
Put on rubber donning gloves. They give you grip and protect the fabric from your nails.
Reach inside the stocking and grab the heel. Turn the stocking inside out down to the heel, so the foot part is inside a "pocket."
Slide your foot into the pocket and line up the heel.
Gently work the stocking up your leg a little at a time, using the palms of your gloved hands. Don't pull from the top band.
Smooth out wrinkles. The fabric should lie flat with the heel in place and the top band below the knee crease or at the thigh.
Putting on an arm sleeve
Turn the sleeve inside out down to the wrist.
Slide your hand through and position the wrist end.
Work the sleeve up your arm with gloved palms, smoothing as you go.
Check that the top doesn't roll or dig into your armpit.
Taking garments off
Peel the garment down from the top, turning it inside out as you go. Gloves help here too. Don't yank from the toe or wrist, which strains the fabric.
Helpful donning aids
Donning gloves for grip
Slip sleeves or foot slips, slippery fabric that helps the garment glide over your heel
Frame-style donners, which hold the stocking open so you can step in, helpful if you have trouble bending
Doffing aids that help roll garments off
If you still can't get your garment on, tell us. A different style, a zipper option or layering two lighter garments may work better.
How Midwest Compression can help
We'll show you how to put on your garment at your fitting and help you choose the right donning aids. Email us at customersupport@midwestcompression.com or call 800-883-1549.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.
