A few things to keep in mind when considering what compression is right for you:

1) As in most other health care decisions, we suggest that you speak with your physician or health care provider prior to selecting a compression class, or making a change in your physician prescribed treatment.

2) The higher the compression the more difficult it is to apply the stockings. For most people this is not an important consideration. However, if you or the person who will be wearing the stockings has limited or little hand / finger strength or dexterity, you may find applying a higher compression stocking too difficult. Please consider the purchase of a stocking applicator devise (stocking accessories) and view our helpful hints at “Tips on Applying and Removing Stockings” section.

Light Compression: 10 - 20 mmHg

Commonly used for these symptoms or reasons: Tired legs; mild ankle, leg and foot swelling; mild spider veins; mild varicose veins during pregnancy.

Light to Moderate: 15 – 25 mmHg

This bridges the gap between light and moderate.

Moderate Compression: 20 - 30 mmHg (European class CCL I)

Commonly used for these symptoms or reasons: Tired, aching legs; moderate varicose veins; moderate varicose veins during pregnancy; post surgery support; moderate leg swelling; inflammation of a surface vein due to a blood clot; prevent recurrence of venous leg sores.

Strong Compression: 30 - 40 mmHg (European class CCL 2)

Commonly used for these symptoms or reasons: Severe varicose veins; severe leg swelling; post sclerotherapy and other vein surgery; active venous sores; deep vein insufficiencies.

mmHg is the International standard for classifying the strength of therapeutic compression stockings. “Hg” is the chemical symbol for mercury; “mm” is for millimeters. The higher the number, the stronger the compression will be. All compression strengths are measured at the ankle and generally speaking are + - 5% accuracy.