Selecting compression garments for treating chronic oedema

Abstract

Compression garments have been widely used in the management of lymphoedema and form part of the maintenance phase of treatment. Maintenance therapy usually consists of skincare, exercise, self lymphatic drainage

Haddenham easywrap as part of self-management in lymphoedema and lipoedema: The patient perspective

“…However, it was stated that although there was no evidence published to show that the use of wraps would increase expenditure and although the initial cost is significant, after 12 weeks of use, cost savings can be demonstrated. Lee and Wigg (2012) state that patients with lymphatic and venous disease are advised to wear compression therapy to ease the burden of symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing. This is further highlighted in the Lymphoedema Framework (2012), which categorises compression into forms, ranging from bandages used in the initial phase of treatment, to compression garments generally used in the maintenance and prevention phase of treatment.…”

“…This is further highlighted in the Lymphoedema Framework (2012), which categorises compression into forms, ranging from bandages used in the initial phase of treatment, to compression garments generally used in the maintenance and prevention phase of treatment. According to Lee and Wigg (2012), due to budget and time constraints clinicians are now moving towards using velcro wrapping devices as first-line treatment. Damstra and Partsch (2013) describe velcro wraps as compression wrapping systems that have been used previously in the management of lymphoedema during the maintenance phase of treatment.…”

Haddenham easywrap: the latest innovation in the management of lymphoedema

“…However, there are many other treatments that will form part of a patient's management, which are determined on individual need (Wigg and Lee, 2014). Patients with lymphatic and venous disease are advised to wear compression therapy daily and on most occasions for life, to ease the burden of symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing (Lee and Wigg, 2012). Compression is available in many forms, ranging from bandages that are used to reduce limb volume and aid wound healing, to compression garments that are usually used in the maintenance and prevention phase of treatment (International Lymphoedema Framework, 2012).…”

Getting the right fit: Made-to-measure garments for lymphoedema management

“…Compression garments from Haddenham Healthcare are standardised using the Reichsausschuss Fur Lieferbedingungen (RAL) classification, which is the organisation responsible for quality and technical standards in Germany (Figure 1). When considering which products to use this should be taken into consideration as not all companies provide compression according to RAL, for example a garment that is class 1 British Standard will provide less compression at the ankle than those of RAL standard (Lee and Wigg, 2012). In contrast when using compression garments the stiffness factor should also be considered, which can make the garment perform similar to that of short stretch bandages by being very effective in improving lymphatic function and reducing oedema (Williams, 2002).…”

“…The earlier the intervention with compression garments the better the outcome for patients, as the need for compression bandaging is reduced (Linnitt, 2012). This can present a challenge for clinicians due to the different garments available on drug tariff, highlighting the importance of clinicians having an increased knowledge in an attempt to minimise the implementation of compression bandaging and the resources used (Lee and Wigg, 2012). In contrast, compression garments are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), skin care and exercise to help reduce and maintain limb volume (Lymphoedema Framework, 2006).…”