Many people experience discomfort in their lower extremities. Most often, those who, due to their profession, are forced to rarely change body position, stand for long periods of time, carry heavy loads or temporarily experience stress are susceptible to leg diseases. Unpleasant sensations are the consequences of varicose veins and associated swelling, spider veins and other vascular problems. To prevent these negative factors, doctors advise wearing special underwear.
Find out how to properly use and care for compression stockings - wash and dry them, as well as how to extend the service life of the products - from our article with video.
This is interesting: in correctly selected stockings, the upper edge of the elastic band is 10-15 cm above the problem vein.
What are compression stockings
Underwear made of shapewear material is prescribed for obvious and beginning problems with the blood vessels of the legs, for the prevention of such problems in pregnant women and athletes. It is made seamless, from elastic fibers based on cotton, nylon, microfiber and lycra. The fabric is very pleasant to the body and hygroscopic.
The degree of compression of linen is measured in millimeters of mercury and differs according to the classes into which therapeutic knitwear is divided:
- preventive (15-18 mm Hg);
- class 1 (18-22 mm Hg);
- class 2 (23-32 mm Hg);
- class 3 (34-46 mm Hg);
- Class 4 (more than 49 mm Hg).
The compression class is selected depending on externally visible problems with the veins and limbs.
The principle of action is based on different pressures on different parts of the leg and thigh, thanks to which blood flow is normalized and the load on the heart is reduced.
According to the intended purpose, knitwear can be:
- for varicose veins - Venotek, Orto;
- for sports - Reebok, Nike, Medi, Bauerfeind;
- for weight loss - Otto, Aurafix;
- postpartum - Relaxan, Mediven Medi, Sigvarius.
Compression stockings are prescribed if:
- pregnancy has occurred;
- thrombosis prevention is required;
- there is a risk of excessive swelling;
- you need to reduce fatigue, pain and stress on the veins;
- you lead a sedentary lifestyle and rarely change position;
- You are currently going through the postoperative period.
Tip: for constant wear, purchase several pairs of underwear at once. This will make it easier for you to care for him.
First compression level
Knitwear for hospitalization
This special medical underwear is used only during operations or childbirth. It must be removed immediately upon completion. Prescribed only by a doctor and not recommended for daily use. Compression hosiery is needed to prevent varicose veins. There are several types that are divided into levels.
No more than 23 mmHg. Used to prevent the development of diseases. Main functions:
- Prevention of varicose veins in pregnant women.
- Thrombosis prophylaxis.
- Preventing swelling.
- The first stage of varicose veins.
From 23 to 32 mmHg. Used in the treatment of vascular diseases in the following cases:
- Bright protruding veins, venous insufficiency.
- Vascular network.
- Excessive swelling of the legs, which increases towards the end of the day.
- For rehabilitation after phlebosclerosis and phlebectomy.
From 34 to 40 mmHg. Used:
- When venous ulcers appear.
- In the treatment of chronic thrombophlebitis.
- For venous insufficiency.
How often should you wash compression stockings?
Compression stockings, socks, tights or knee socks are items of everyday use, so they require regular, ideally daily, care. With proper handling, the linen retains its performance at a decent level longer, and its service life is extended to 8 months.
This happens because detergents contain various caring components that gently envelop the fibers, maintaining their elasticity and strength. In addition, the material gets rid of microscopic dust particles that imperceptibly settle on the threads, which literally wipe them during use.
Is it possible?
When worn, compression stockings come into direct contact with the skin, so dead, keratinized particles, as well as dust and small specks, accumulate on them .
They gradually clog and burst the cells between the fibers, they become deformed, and the stretching properties of the knitwear deteriorate.
The lower part is worn on the foot, on which there are a large number of sweat glands and profuse sweating occurs.
To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, stockings can and should be washed periodically. Many manufacturers prohibit machine washing of their products , as indicated on the packaging.
If there is no such data, then machine washing is allowed, but subject to strict adherence to the rules. When washing by hand, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances, which will be discussed in more detail in the article.
Features of material care
Since the fabric comes into contact with the body every day, it tends to absorb sweat and fat, which means it needs to be cleaned regularly (every day or every 1-2 days, depending on the degree of contamination). Please try to comply with the following conditions:
- choose the right temperature (no more than 30-40 degrees);
- use a gentle cleaning product without chemical additives: shampoos or liquid soaps for children with a neutral or slightly alkaline PH;
- It is preferable to wash delicately by hand.
Selecting a detergent
When caring for medical devices, it is prohibited to use substances containing aggressive components. They are not bleached with chlorine-containing preparations and are not washed with ordinary powders. The latter contain particles that are difficult to wash out of the fibers. Because of this, the therapeutic effect of the products is reduced.
You can wash compression garments using the following methods:
• gel-like detergents for delicate fabrics;
• shampoos;
• liquid soap with a neutral pH level;
• special substances intended for the care of medical linen.
When rinsing medical products, do not use fabric softeners or fabric softeners. They also contain substances that reduce the therapeutic effect of wearing compression garments.
How to properly wash compression socks, socks and stockings
Compression jersey is washed using minimal mechanical force. Since it is used constantly, it becomes clogged with dust particles, which negatively affect the healing function. We will find out further how to wash compression stockings, knee socks, socks or tights correctly, and which method is better.
Handwash
Manufacturers advise cleaning delicate knitwear exclusively by hand. The sequence of the process is as follows:
- Water is filled into the container and a special product based on safe components for compression garments is added. If necessary, replace it with baby shampoo or soap.
- For obvious contamination, pre-soak for 15 minutes.
- If the items are externally clean, they are carefully rinsed, without squeezing or twisting.
- The water is replaced with clean water, rinsed and the procedure is repeated three to four times until the drained liquid becomes completely transparent.
Tip: When removing items from the water, hold the whole item to prevent it from being pulled out.
Approved detergents
Most often, when purchasing a product, specialists will advise you on the necessary products to care for it. But even if this did not happen, you can find worthy analogues:
- liquid soap for children;
- soap product based on organic foaming agents;
- gel for washing delicate materials;
- shampoo for babies.
Do not use strong chemicals, solvents or bleaches to clean the material. Regular powder for delicate washing is also not suitable, since its small grains can disrupt the structure of the fabric. Fatty acids are added to laundry soap, which have a detrimental effect on compression fabrics, so it is also useless here.
An ideal detergent should be:
- Safe for fabric.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Made from organic matter.
- Prevent the formation of static electricity.
Silicone rubber bands
To ensure that the underwear stays well on the leg, many stocking models are equipped with silicone strips. Remember that they need more careful care. Products with them should be washed only by hand, without using soap. After all, an incorrectly selected product can destroy the silicone and lead to loss of elasticity, cracks and creases on the adhesive part. Because of this, the stockings stop holding on and constantly slip off, leaving microcracks and scratches on the skin.
Silicone retainers must be regularly treated with medical alcohol to remove any remaining sebum and sweat. During the process, alcohol is applied to a piece of cotton wool or a cotton pad, and the silicone is thoroughly wiped with it. It is recommended to carry out manipulations at least twice a week.
In order to prevent moisture from getting on the stripes, you need to carefully tie the upper part of the stockings with thread 3-5 cm below the elastic band. And only then carefully wash the stockings without wetting the upper part.
Machine washable
This process is considered uneconomical and energy-consuming, because the laundry is washed separately from other items and sorted by color. As a result, the machine runs idle due to low load.
If the tag indicates that the item cannot be machine washed, do not experiment. Otherwise you will ruin it hopelessly. However, there is still a way to carefully wash compression garments in the machine. To do this, you must strictly adhere to the following conditions:
- Washing mode: “Hand” or “Delicate”.
- Choose the right liquid product for delicate or compression fabrics based on natural ingredients.
- Low temperature (30-40 degrees).
- No spin, no drying.
- Before loading, you can put the laundry in a special mesh laundry bag or sew one yourself from a piece of gauze.
- It is prohibited to use aggressive stain removers and compounds containing chlorine.
- At the end of washing, the laundry is allowed to “rest” in the drum for 10-15 minutes.
Tip: to reduce the intensity of contamination during wear, wear thin socks over your underwear.
Approved detergents
Since therapeutic underwear requires specialized care, the means for this must be chosen with special care. They contain gentle components aimed at preserving the compression function. The following brands have proven themselves well:
- ERGOFORMA is a detergent that was specially developed for compression garments. Extends its service life, does not contain allergens, improves softness and elasticity, acts against static electricity. 3-4 tablespoons of the product are stirred in 4-5 liters of water (depending on the degree of contamination). Price from 190 rub.
- Burti Liquid is a substance for washing by hand and in a machine. Easily copes with various contaminants; is gentle on fibers and does not contain conditioners or phosphates; economical; prevents the appearance of pellets for a long time. For hand washing, add 60 milliliters of product to 10 liters of water. The price is about 400 rubles.
- Ofa Bamberg contains surfactants, bromine, nitropropane and deol. Recommended for any type of washing. The consumption rate for manual use is one teaspoon per 2 liters of water; with a machine - 2 caps in the powder compartment. Economical to use, does not contain irritating fragrances. From 450 rub.
- Lint is a product for delicate fabrics without chlorine and aggressive substances. Safe for fibers, effective against dirt, the action is aimed at maintaining the softness of the fabric. Product consumption is average (1-2 caps per 10 liters). From 120 rubles.
- Luomma Idealista “IDEALISTA” - made from organic ingredients. Effectively removes various types of contaminants, prevents static electricity, and maintains compression. When washing by hand, half a cap of the product is dissolved in water, and only then the stockings are placed in it. Price from 340 rub.
- Perwoll Advanced Sport - contains non-aggressive surfactants and is suitable for delicate fabrics. Consumption depends on water hardness and is indicated on the label. Price from 460 rubles.
- Heitmann Spezial-Waschpflege for sportswear - also used for compression care. Non-aggressive components and lanolin, which has a beneficial effect on elastic fabrics. For hand washing, 1-2 caps are diluted in a bucket of water. Costs from 350 rubles.
Using the machine
Machine washing is possible only if it is permitted by the manufacturer. You need to choose the most gentle mode and low water temperature. It should also be taken into account that if the underwear contains silicone inserts, then if there is a silicone insert, the stockings will fail much faster. Regular mechanical cleaning quickly wears out the silicone and the compression material itself.
Author:
Anastasia Kukushkina
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