The Structure and Compression of Medical Compression Stockings

Abstract

This paper lays out standards of compression stockings and their classification into classes. The analysis of knitted fabric structure parameters, elongation and compression of moderate- and high-compression stockings was conducted. Stocking compression on specific parts of the stocking leg was measured on three sizes of a wooden leg model. For moderate-compression stockings, compression above the ankle was 32 hPa. For high-compression stockings, compression above the ankle was 60 hPa. Both groups of the analyzed compression stockings were made on modern one-cylinder hosiery automats. The legs of the stockings were made in single inlaid jersey 1 + 1. Both yarns were elastane covered. The finer yarn formed loops and its knitting into a course was significantly larger than in the other yarn, which was much coarser and does not form loops but “lay the weft in a bent way”. The smallest elongation of knitted fabric was above the ankle, where the highest compression was achieved, while the largest elongation was under the crotch, where the stocking leg exerted the smallest compression on the surface. The leg of the compression stocking acted as a casing that imposed compression on the leg and often reinforced it to be able to sustain compression loads.

Classification, Structure and Construction of Functional Orthopaedic Compression Knits for Medical Application: A Review

“…The differences between compression groups' valuations in different countries are presented in Table 3. Different scientific papers and standards refer to the different recommended values of compression at the ankle [32][33][34][35][36] (compression measurement at the ankle describes the compression class of compression socks, it ranges from 10 mmHg (according to the French standard ASQUAL [37]) to 21 mmHg (according to the German standard RAL-GZ 387/1: 2008 [38])). However, it is recommended that the compression should not exceed 40-50 mmHg.…”

The Investigation of the geometry changes of body legs with compression stocking in static position

“…From the textile point of view, the main developments are new products of different compression classes [16,17] with graduated pressure [18] and improved comfort properties [19,20]. Important aspects are the prediction the compression value [21] and its mathematical modeling [22].…”

Impact of the Elastane Percentage on the Elastic Properties of Knitted Fabrics under Cyclic Loading

“…They are usually made with two yarns interlooped into a horizontal row of the knitted fabric. The first yarn is a ground yarn, mainly made of natural fibers, and the second yarn is elastane [ 2 ]. For most fabrics, it is very difficult to achieve a stretch of 10–50% and avoid deformations due to stress recovery.…”