Your compression pump has been doing its job and your arm or leg is smaller. That's great news, and it leads to a common question: when should you get measured for a new custom garment? Getting the timing right matters, because a made-to-measure garment is knitted to the exact size of your limb on the day you're measured.
Why timing matters
If you're measured while your limb is still going down, the garment will be made for a bigger limb than the one you end up with. Within a few weeks it can feel loose, slide down or stop holding the swelling back. That's frustrating, and it can mean waiting for a replacement. The goal is to be measured when your limb is at its smallest, steady size.
Signs you're ready to be measured
Your lymphedema therapist or provider makes the final call, but these are the signs we look for:
Your measurements have stopped changing. When the tape measure gives about the same numbers at your weekly check two weeks in a row, the limb has usually reached a plateau.
Your current garment fits differently. If your old garment now feels loose, bunches or slides down, your limb has changed and it's time to recheck.
The skin feels softer. Tissue that was firm or hard often softens as swelling comes down.
You've been using your pump as prescribed and the reduction has slowed down rather than continuing week to week.
What to wear while your limb is still going down
You still need compression between pump sessions, but this is not the time for a new custom garment. Ask your therapist about:
Adjustable wraps. These use hook-and-loop straps you tighten as the limb gets smaller, so they keep fitting while you change. Examples include Juzo Compression Wraps, Sigvaris Compreflex, L&R ReadyWrap and JOBST FarrowWrap.
Bandaging, if your therapist is wrapping your limb as part of treatment.
A night garment, such as a padded foam sleeve, if your swelling tends to come back overnight.
To learn more about the order of these steps, read Compression Pump or Compression Garments: Which Do You Need?
Matching your needs to a garment
Once you're ready, these are the garments we usually start with for common needs. Your therapist and our fitter will confirm what's right for you.
Your limb is still going down: an adjustable wrap. Juzo Compression Wraps cover the whole leg in pieces; Sigvaris Compreflex and L&R ReadyWrap are easy to adjust; JOBST FarrowWrap Lite is the easiest FarrowWrap to handle.
Firm or hard tissue, skin folds, or swelling that comes back fast: a firmer made-to-measure garment such as JOBST Elvarex, mediven 550, Sigvaris OPTIFORM HOLD or Juzo made-to-measure Dynamic.
Sensitive skin, or weak grip that makes firm garments hard to pull on: a softer made-to-measure garment such as JOBST Elvarex Soft, mediven cosy 450, Sigvaris OPTIFORM FLEX or Juzo made-to-measure Soft.
Your toes or fingers swell: add toe caps or a glove (gauntlet) to the order. mediven 550 offers toe caps.
You need it quickly: Juzo made-to-measure Express ships in about 72 hours.
Your swelling is mild and your limb shape is fairly even: a firm ready-to-wear garment may be enough, such as L&R ExoStrong, Juzo Dynamic, Sigvaris Secure 550 or mediven plus.
Swelling comes back overnight: a night garment such as CircAid Profile, JOBST JoViPak or L&R TributeNight.
You can't pull on any garment: many people stay in an adjustable wrap for both day and night.
On measuring day
Book a morning appointment, when swelling is lowest. If you can, use your pump that morning before you come in, or come right after a therapy session.
Wear or bring your compression so the limb doesn't swell on the drive over.
Bring your old garment. It helps us see what worked and what didn't.
Tell us about any trouble spots: places that dig in, toes or fingers that swell, or skin that gets irritated.
After your new garment arrives
Keep using your pump as your provider prescribed. The garment holds the reduction the pump helps you get.
Put your garment on first thing in the morning, or right after a pump session.
Call us if it feels too loose or too tight in the first couple of weeks. Most fit issues can be fixed.
Plan to be remeasured when the garment wears out, usually around every six months, or sooner if your size changes.
We'll help you time it
If you're not sure whether you're ready, call us at 800-883-1549. We can work with your therapist to schedule your measuring for the right time. You may also find Why Custom Compression Garments? and Using Your Compression Pump at Home helpful.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow your provider's and therapist's instructions for your pump and compression.
