#10-5. Compression Therapy

Medical Compression Stockings

1. What is Denier?

Denier is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers and is a term used in relation to textile products such as stockings or underwear, etc. If the weight of a single thread of 9,000m (9km) in length is 140g, the thread is said to be 140Denier and if the weight is 280g it is said to be 280Denier. Typical fashion stockings use 15~60Denier strands and functional stockings (compression stockings) generally use 140Denier strands. Higher denier somewhat corresponds to higher thickness and pressure but denier is not directly proportional to the thickness and pressure of stockings.

The intensity of compression from stockings increases with higher denier as well as use of elastic threads (Elastan, Lycra). However, the function of medical stockings cannot be evaluated only by denier. Regular stockings without graduated compression cannot provide the same sensation of relief.

The denier of threads used in medical stockings starts from 70 and goes up in multiples of 70 as in 140, 280, and 560Denier, etc. Denier is used to describe the degree of compression of thin stockings used in preventive therapy or early stages of the disease. However, medical compression stockings (above 20~30mmhg of compression) are described using the pressure unit of mmHg and Class (1, 2, 3, and 4).

2. Conditions of medical compression stocking

a. Medical compression stockings should have graduated compression (graduated medical compression stockings means pressure at the ankle is highest with a progressive decrease toward the thigh).

b. Stockings should be highly elastic and elasticity should be maintained long-term (High degree of elasticity – so that it can slide over the heel & instep of the foot, yet retains compressive strength at the ankle).

c. Comparison to anti-embolism stockings: anti-embolism stockings are designed specifically for bed bound(non-ambulatory) patients to help prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the leg. Pooling of blood in the veins of the leg may contribute to blood clots forming in the veins. anti-embolism stockings are generally made for short duration of wear during a hospitalization. Anti-embolism stockings deliver gradient compression and, depending on the manufacturer, the compression delivered to the ankle is in the range of 12~20mmHg. These stockings are normally only available in white and have an opening on the underside of the toes which can be uncomfortable while walking.