Clinical Summary: Medical-grade graduated compression stockings deliver calibrated external pressure — greatest at the ankle and diminishing proximally — to reduce venous and lymphatic insufficiency, prevent deep vein thrombosis, and manage post-surgical oedema. EMIS+ stocks SIGVARIS compression garments in Classes 1 and 2, in calf-length and thigh-high configurations, including arm sleeves for lymphedema management. All garments are manufactured to RAL-GZ 387 quality standards and CE Marked under EU Medical Device Regulation MDR 2017/745.
What Are Medical Compression Stockings?
Medical compression stockings are graduated pressure garments prescribed for the clinical management of venous and lymphatic disorders of the lower and upper limbs. Unlike general-purpose support hosiery, medical-grade compression stockings are manufactured to certified pressure tolerances measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and classified by compression intensity. Graduated compression — applying the highest pressure at the distal extremity and reducing it progressively toward the proximal limb — drives venous blood return toward the heart, reduces interstitial fluid accumulation, and attenuates the risk of thrombus formation.
Compression Classes: Choosing the Right Pressure Level
Class 1 (15–21 mmHg): Indicated for mild chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), prevention of DVT during prolonged immobility (long-haul travel, post-operative bed rest), mild varicose veins, and prophylaxis in patients with a family history of venous disease. Suitable for first-time compression users and patients requiring daily wear for occupational standing.
Class 2 (23–32 mmHg): The clinical standard for moderate-to-severe venous and lymphatic pathology. Prescribed for moderate varicose veins, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), healed venous leg ulceration, primary lymphedema, lipoedema, and post-surgical oedema management following lower-limb orthopaedic procedures. Requires fitting by a trained healthcare professional for correct sizing.
Garment Configuration: Key Purchasing Decisions
Calf-length vs. thigh-high: Below-knee stockings are sufficient for the majority of venous insufficiency presentations confined to the calf and ankle. Thigh-high stockings are indicated when pathology extends to the femoral vein, in post-surgical DVT prophylaxis protocols, or where the clinician determines proximal compression is required. Compliance rates are measurably lower with thigh-high garments due to the greater donning effort — the SIGVARIS SIM-SLIDE donning aid is recommended for patients with limited dexterity.
Open-toe vs. closed-toe: Open-toe configurations allow use of regular footwear and enable direct skin inspection of the toes for circulatory assessment. Closed-toe garments provide full-foot compression and are preferred in patients with forefoot oedema or those who do not require foot access for clinical monitoring.
Arm sleeves: SIGVARIS arm sleeves (with and without mitten extension) are indicated for upper-limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment, axillary node dissection, and post-traumatic arm oedema. Class 2 pressure is standard for established lymphedema; a mitten extension is added when hand oedema is present.
Why SIGVARIS?
SIGVARIS GROUP is a Swiss manufacturer with over 160 years in medical compression. All SIGVARIS garments sold through EMIS+ are authentic, sourced directly from authorised distributors, and comply with the RAL-GZ 387 quality standard for medical compression hosiery — the most stringent independent certification for compression accuracy and durability. Products are CE Marked under EU MDR 2017/745 and manufactured under an ISO 13485-certified quality management system.
Sizing and Fitting
Correct sizing is essential for both clinical efficacy and patient safety. Poorly fitted compression garments may cause pressure injuries in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or fragile skin. For Class 2 garments, ankle circumference, calf circumference, and leg length measurements are required. An ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) assessment is recommended before initiating Class 2 compression therapy in patients with suspected arterial insufficiency. Contact the EMIS+ clinical nursing team for remote sizing guidance.
