How to Put on Compression Stockings

How to Put on Compression Stockings

Compression hosiery are designed to be tight, and this can make getting them on challenging. Here are some of our best tips to help you get them on:

  • Do not sleep overnight with any type of support hosiery or compression stocking on
  • Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning
  • Don't use the bathroom and return to bed to put on the stocking, put the stock on before going to the bathroom
  • Do not dangle your legs over the bed to put them on
  • If you have been up for a while and decide to put on a stocking, lay with your feet elevated above heart level for at least 20 minutes prior to putting the stocking on

Here are some more tips to make wearing compression stockings comfortable and more effective.

  • Do not wear other socks or leggings under compression stocking, this will reduce its effectiveness
  • If the stockings irritate your skin, change washing detergents (or use shampoo or liquid dish washing detergent) and make sure to rinse thoroughly
  • Wash compression stocking by hand only - see our washing instructions
  • Watch carefully for folds, buckling and so on
  • Make sure the stockings do not roll up behind the knee, as this can act as a tourniquet, preventing blood from returning to the heart