BiaCare is a medical compression company based in Michigan. They were founded approximately 10 years ago with a mission to create high quality garments that are affordable. One way they achieve more affordability is by not having sales reps on staff. Because of that, they may not be as well-known as some of their competitors, but they still compete with their selection of lymphedema & wound/vascular compression as well as their own bandaging products. We’ll overview a few of their products in this blog.

LYMPHEDEMA PRODUCTS
1. ChipSleeve with OverSleeve: A non-compressive, channeled chipped-foam liner (which can also be used under bandaging) increases compression to an arm, full leg or foot to knee length with the added OverSleeve for a total of 15-20 mmHg compression. This is suited for mild edema & is a ready made item but they will sell a custom option in 2016.
2. CompreSleeve: A substitute for bandaging, this sleeve has Velcro closure with a removable loop at the top for easier donning & comes in lengths for a full arm & foot to knee length. Compression given is 20-30 mmHg.
3. MedaFit: A sleeve for the arm, full leg or foot to knee length, this is the most durable fabric & highest compression garment provided at 30-40 mmHg. As with the CompreSleeve, this is a Velcro-closure compression with a removable Velcro attachment at the top for easier donning. Another helpful feature to this garment is a removable foam liner (made of a moisture-wicking fabric) which can be taken out to be washed. This garment may be paired with the MedaHand or MedaGlove with an OverSleeve. They also have a unique Dorsal Pocket Glove which contains a pocket on the back of the hand for foam inserts to prevent fluid refilling or break up fibrosis (15-20 mmHg).

SPECIAL “NITCHE” PRODUCTS
1. Biker shorts & capris with an optional length extending into the trunk & abdomen. 10-15 mmHg. Sizing goes up to 5x or custom-shorts can be made.
2. ChipPads for head/face, neck, breast/chest & genital areas.
3. Cotton liners or liners made with anti-microbial silver (silver liners contain 10-15 mmHg).
4. TheraBra (comparable to the Bellisse post-mastectomy bra) which has a foam-insert pocket each side or a drain tube option. This front-closure bra also has Velcro shoulder straps for easy removal & wide, soft elastic band to prevent it from sliding up while also providing 20 mmHg compression.

WOUND CARE / VENOUS PRODUCTS
1. CompreFit: Inelastic/non-stretch, 2 or 4-piece Velcro garment (knee-high or thigh-high) which provides 30-40 mmHg in the leg & 20-30 mmHg in the foot. A strap extender option allows an additional 10 cm of circumference compression, for a total of 75 cm around the calf. This garment has been Medicare-approved for those with a venous ulcer using code A6545-AW & is latex-free.
2. CompreFlex Lite: Low-stretch, 2 or 4-piece Velcro garment (knee-high or thigh-high) which provides 30-40 mmHg. A best-seller, this garment has also been Medicare-approved & is latex-free.
3. CompreBoot: Velcro foot piece which can be paired with the above items & has 20-30 mmHg compression.
4. CompreBoot-Lite: Velcro Foot piece which can be paired with the above items & has 10-15 mmHg compression.  Because of the thin material, it fits easily into most shoes.

BANDAGE SUPPLIES
BiaCare carries their own line of bandages which are manufactured in Germany (like their competitors Lohmann & Rauscher or BSN Medical). Their lines are called BiaForm & IsoForm. They also sell liners, tubular compression (BiaGrip), elastic gauze, tape & foams.

In conclusion, BiaCare is a small company with big potential. All their lymphedema & venous compression products can be machine-laundered & dried & come with a 6-month warranty. You can learn more by visiting BiaCare.com.

Peninsula BioMedical is a company started in 1996 by Dr. Tony Reid. Dr. Reid is a medical oncologist who recognized his patients were developing lymphedema. He furthered his education by attaining a second degree in vascular medicine & invented the ReidSleeve to help his patients. Peninsula BioMedical has gone on to design several more compression products & a few ancillary items. The compression products include sleeves for the arms & legs which use chip foam to provide pressure to both high & low points. While all their products were designed to be worn at night &/or to reduce or eliminate the need for bandaging, they do offer a daytime garment called The Jazz. They also offer a reduction product called the ReidSleeve. Their non-elastic compression product lines for upper & lower extremity include:

MILD LYMPHEDEMA
– The Jazz: A slim, lightweight product designed for daytime wear

MILD to MODERATE LYMPHEDEMA
– OptiFlow Comfort Sleeve: Similar to the ReidSleeve Classic but lighter & cooler with an optional Power Sleeve to increase compression; extends to the wrist with a separate hand piece
– Comfort Plus: Uses a denser foam than the OptiFlow & extends to the base of the fingers
– Opera: Similar to the OptiFlow designs but lighter & slimmer still (made for the upper extremity only)
– OptiFlow RM: A less expensive, ready made option to the above items; a foot piece can be ordered as well

MODERATE to SEVERE LYMPHEDEMA
– OptiFlow EC: Designed to reduce bandaging steps, this sleeve is typically worn under bandages but it can also be used as a liner during pump use
– OptiFlow SC: Containing 8-10 mmHg, this sleeve is made to be worn during pump but it can also be worn at other times & with an outer “Power Sleeve” for increased compression
– TheCinch: A Velcro brace designed to be applied outside the OptiFlow EC, eliminating the need for bandaging
– The ReidSleeve Classic: A Velcro sleeve reduction product with a soft foam core that provides gentle, gradient pressure; a pressure gauze can be used to measure the amount of compression applied

One unique feature for this company is they have a refurbish program for their ReidSleeve Classic garment. After the first year, this garment can be refurbished (i.e. refitted for a reduced cost). If a garment needs resized within the first year, however, the initial refitting is done without cost. In either case, the garment must be washed or a cleaning fee will be applied. For more information, visit www.reidsleeve.com.

A competitor & predecessor to Solaris, JoViPak also makes nighttime compression garments & all products are made in the U.S.A. However, one unique feature is they provide post-operative compression, too.

Founded in 2000 by Joann Rovig, a cancer survivor, JoViPak has an inspirational beginning. Joann had just finished training to become a massage therapist when she learned she had cancer & would likely develop lymphedema as a result of treatment. Recognizing there were not many lymphedema therapists in the United States & none in the northwest, she decided to educate herself by going to the Vodder School in Austria. After opening a clinic to treat others, she found her patients were overwhelmed with self-bandaging. She came up with a chipped foam sleeve to reduce the steps in bandaging & JoViPak was born.

JoViPak products include sleeves, liners & post-operative chest compression & are divided into areas of the body as follows:

UPPER BODY

Armsleeves

Glove

Head & Neck

Torso/Chest

 

LOWER BODY

Leg & foot liners & compression including a rehab line (with Velcro) for acute injuries & easier donning

Genital pads & all-purpose pads to improve lymph flow as well as to break down fibrosis

 

Find out more at www.jovipak.com/ or visit www.ltscompression.com.

Solaris is a compression competitor with a few unique aspects. For one, they are based in the United States. For another, they sell a readymade flat-knit garment. And last, they were founded by a therapist who treated lymphedema patients. Who better to understand patient needs than a therapist?

Located in Wisconsin, Kathy Weatherly (occupational therapist) opened Solaris in 1998 when she was looking for products which made bandaging easier & were more useful for her patients. She came up with the Tribute night garment & then developed the Readywrap & other product lines they make today. Kathy is still active in her company, providing support to DME providers & educating others about lymphedema.

Products include day & night sleeves, bandaging sleeves, Velcro options, hose/sleeves & fibrosis aids. Most products can be readymade or custom. The major lines are:

• Tribute (night compression sleeve with compression)
  • Special pricing for clients under 14 years of age
• Caresia (bandage sleeve without compression used to reduce layers & steps in bandaging)
• Readywrap (Velcro compression)
  • For leg/arm swelling
  • A unique foot piece with has individual toe compression
• Exo (hose/sleeves)
  • ExoStrong (readymade flat-knit)
  • ExoSheer (circular-knit)
  • ExoSoft (circular-knit)
  • ExoFusion (providing foot compression only in the form of a knee-high sock)
• Swell Spots (fibrosis aids for all areas of the body)

Find out more at www.solarismed.com/products or visit www.ltscompression.com.

Medi sells a variety of compression, orthotics & prosthetics, making them a competitor to Jobst-BSN Medical.  Medi began in 1920 in Pausa, Saxony (Germany) by Albert Weihermuller & Berthold Voigtmann. They developed their first seamless elastic stocking in 1964 & continued their innovation a few years later with additional creations.  In 1982, Medi made its way to the United States & founded Medi USA.  As for compression, they not only have their original lines of Mediven but also added Circaid (for lymphedema & venous disorders), CEP (for athletes) & ITEM m6 (for fashion compression wear).  For our purposes, we will focus on their Ready to wear, Custom & Velcro options (of Mediven & Circaid).

In the Ready to Wear department, they have sleeves & several stocking lines as well as a dual-layer compression for those with wounds.

For Custom, they have a rare fit guarantee (they’ll remake a garment until it fits properly).  They have a line with zinc for anti-bacterial properties & one with silver.

For Velcro, they sell Circaid which has a couple lines that cover both the lower & upper extremities.  One such line is Juxtafit which has a unique feature – compression for the thigh & knee in one piece.  Few (if any) competitors offer a full, seamless compression option transitioning from the knee up (reducing gaps in compression sometimes caused by separate pieces).

Last but not least, they have a selection of donning aids like the Butler (which comes in numerous options), the Butler Off doffing aid & gloves which can make putting on & taking off medical compression easier.

Find out more at www.mediusa.com or visit www.ltscompression.com.

Jobst is a well-known company that has provided compression for lymphedema for years (as well as other conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy & wound care). They also make & sell orthopedic products, donning & doffing aids & bandages. Originally founded in Ohio by Conrad Jobst (from Germany) in 1950, they were acquired by a company called Beiersdorf AG from Germany in 1990 & were ultimately merged with other companies & are now known as BSN-JOBST. Their global headquarters is in Germany & their United States base is in North Carolina.

Specific to lymphedema, they sell garments that fall into various categories of flat or circular-knit & custom or ready-made as indicated below. The Custom Seamed* can be sewn as a glove, mask, vest or body suit as well as sewn as the more typical sleeves & lower leg styles.  Custom is an area where Jobst shines as they offer numerous options for individual needs.  Most ready-made products come in several color options with open or closed-toe choices.

Flat-Knit                                                                                           Circular-Knit

Custom Seamed*                                                                           (Custom) Seamless Soft

Custom Elvarex                                                                              (Custom) Bellevar

Custom Elvarex Soft (latex-free)                                                 (Ready-made) Jobst Bella Strong

Elvarex Soft Seamless (a latex- free & seamless)                     (Ready-made) Bella Lite

In addition to lymphedema garments, they have a few helpful donning aids. These include gloves, a stocking donner & a stocking slip aid for open-toe stockings.  As noted above, they sell a host of other products for a range of other conditions including numerous compression garments for vascular disorders.

 

References

http://www.jobst-usa.com

Dealer Handbook

The first manufacturer we’ll highlight is based right here in Texas.  FarrowMed was created by a wound care physician named Wade Farrow.  He came up with a product that allowed easy access to wounds but also provided compression that’s easy to put on & take off using Velcro as opposed to the customary compression hose.  The Farrow Wrap is a short-stretch fabric (like short-stretch bandages used in lymphedema treatment) which provides a low, steady resting compression & the needed high-working compression with activity to effectively facilitate fluid loss.  And, because it’s a short-stretch fabric, most of their garments can be worn day or night.  Though not superior to lymphedema bandaging, the FarrowMed products are a great solution for people with lower leg lymphedema or venous insufficiency.  Their product lines tend to be popular & the FarrowMed team not only demonstrate good customer service but Texas friendliness, too.

They offer arm, hand, leg & foot compression products as well as accessory items.  Some of their best items include the Trim-to-Fit compression (a garment that can be cut down as a limb reduces), the Classic line & the FarrowWrap LITE garments.  Additionally, their FarrowHybrid AD liners are a good substitute for the Velcro foot wraps for a less bulky compression option.  More information can be found at www.farrowmed.com.

 

In January’s blog, we said there are a number of factors that need to be considered when deciding whether to go the traditional route for long-term compression (i.e. hose or sleeves) or use an alternative. In this blog, we will finish our introduction by discussing some of these considerations.

The Reason for Swelling

The first area of consideration when choosing compression is the underlying reason for the swelling. Is the type of swelling pure lymphedema (i.e. swelling caused from an incompetent lymphatic system) or is the swelling due to impaired venous flow (i.e. venous insufficiency, paralysis, dependent positioning, DVT, etc.)? Flat-knit, custom garments are the recommended compression for lymphedema.¹ This is because of the high pressure required & the extent & form of swelling. Flat-knit provides a high working pressure & a lower resting pressure.  This is ideal when a person begins exercising or walking as the garment works against the tissue to facilitate lymph fluid movement.  Velcro options will maintain volume loss & may even facilitate drainage (some therapists use Velcro compression in place of bandaging during treatment, though this is not standard treatment & will not yield maximum results). While such an option can be convenient & cost-effective, it is not without downsides (such as bulkiness & numerous straps on longer garments that can become cumbersome, etc.). Velcro options are not superior to flat-knit, custom garments for pure lymphedema, but they are an alternative in some cases.

For others who have more of an edema-related swelling* (when the lymphatic system isn’t incompetent, it is just overwhelmed by the added volume caused by an impaired venous system), circular-knit stockings (& some Velcro products) are a good option. Circular-knit work differently than flat-knit.  Circular-knit have a low working pressure & a higher resting pressure which is primarily needed in cases of venous ulcers. In other localized edema conditions, elevation alone may resolve swelling but compression can provide comfort during sitting/standing times.

*It is important to note that generalized swelling (swelling throughout the body) is more likely an indication of a medical condition that could potentially be very serious. Medical treatment, not compression, is the appropriate intervention in this case. See blogs from March, August, November & December of 2014 for additional information.

The Required Style

Another consideration is the style or length. A good rule to follow is if there was swelling in an area before bandaging, then a garment needs to cover that area to prevent refilling when the bandaging phase is complete. For example, if a person has swelling in the leg that is present from the foot to above the knee, knee-high compression isn’t sufficient. If knee-high compression is chosen, swelling will inevitably return to above the knee.

The Location of Swelling

If swelling is present in the face or arm, for example, a garment will need to be custom-made & usually flat-knit. However, flat or circular-knit can be made in custom.

Chronic Infections

Some garments can be made with silver, an anti-microbial agent which may reduce infection risk. If recurrent infections are an issue, most likely other factors need to be addressed such as environmental hygiene, adherence to lymphedema precautions, unresolved swelling, compliance with previous compression, appropriateness of previous compression garment, etc.

Day vs Night Compression

Lymphedema patients typically require night compression. In such case, wearing hose or sleeves is not recommended. The primary concern is the compression level. Higher compression is tolerated & needed during the day, but less is needed at night in a recumbent position. There is a risk of ischemia (lack of blood flow) to an area if day garments are worn at night. Bandaging is the recommendation for night compression but some patients cannot do bandaging themselves & do not have assistance. Others simply will not be compliant due to the involved nature of multi-layer bandaging. There are foam sleeves for arms & legs that can be used with bandaging to reduce the steps. There are some foam options that have compression in them. Velcro may be a good option for night compression as well as straps are adjustable.

Patient Strength

Unfortunately, many times patients do not have sufficient help to don or doff garments. And, due to arthritis or other reasons, they may not have enough strength to put certain types of compression on. Hose can be difficult to get on an arm or leg. Challenges of strength, mobility & bilateral arm use can be just some of the barriers. There are several donning & doffing aids available which we will mention in future blogs. However, Velcro may be a suitable alternative & more cost effective when compression is needed at night, also.

In summary, aside from contraindications (such as impaired arterial blood flow or latex allergy), numerous considerations need to be considered when choosing the right compression. In our next blog, we’ll begin introducing the well-known manufacturers & some of their best selections for lymphedema.

 

References

¹Foldi, M, Foldi, E. (2006). Foldi’s Textbook of Lymphology (2^nd ed.), p. 574. Germany: Urban & Fisher. Foldi, M, Foldi, E. (2006).

When it comes to choosing the right compression for lymphedema, there are a variety of manufacturers & options which can be overwhelming for a trained therapist let alone a patient. This blog will introduce a series of upcoming blogs highlighting well-known manufacturers & some of their most popular lymphedema compression options. We’ll also feature a few helpful donning aids.

What types of long-term compression are available? Hose & sleeves used to be the daytime options with self-bandaging recommended at night. This is still the “gold standard” in lymphedema, but now there are hybrid garments which have Velcro & alternative options for night compression.

There are numerous factors to consider when deciding whether to go the traditional route or consider an alternative. Does a person have help to put on a garment? Is strength an issue? Is arterial blood flow compromised? Is cost a factor? Is the condition pure lymphedema or is it a combination form (such as venous insufficiency or dependent positioning)? Is tissue hypersensitive? Is custom needed? Answering some of these questions will help in determining which garment might work the best in your particular situation. For our purposes, there are three categories of compression garments: Flat-Knit, Circular-Knit & Velcro/Other. Here is a brief overview:

• Flat-Knit – Most lymphedema garments (for pure lymphedema cases) are going to be flat-knit. This means that the garment is sewn in a flat manner & then stitched together (so a seam is visible). They are standard protocol for lymphedema because they affect the tissue in a manner similar to short-stretch bandaging. (Short-stretch bandages used in treatment not only maintain the volume that has been lost, but they have a massaging-effect on the tissue when the muscles are moving such as during exercise.) These are typically made in Europe, are more expensive than other types of compression & come in European compression class levels (Class I: 18-21  mmHg, Class 2: 23-32 mmHg, Class 3: 34-46 mmHg, Class 4: 49+mmHg) which require a prescription.
• Circular-Knit – Some combination-form lymphedema patients will benefit from this type of garment. This garment is sewn on a tubular machine which knits them in a circular manner. While they are cheaper to make & less expensive to buy, there are pros & cons to this garment. Because of how they are sewn, there is no seam, making them more esthetically attractive. They are also thinner & more stretchable. However, they have a tendency to roll & will readily bunch up & create pressure which can cause a wound. This typically happens in areas which have movement (joints such as the ankle or behind the knee). These garments affect the tissue in a manner similar to long-stretch bandages often used in wound care or venous disease. Long-stretch & ACE bandages work differently than short-stretch bandages. Long-stretch bandages have a longer stretch (they can be stretched out further) & higher pressure at rest (when a person isn’t moving). However, when a person is active (such as during exercise), the bandages easily stretch & do not have the same “massaging-effect” that short-stretch bandages do. People who sit at a desk all day or who have problems with their veins working properly will benefit the most from this type of compression garment.
• Velcro/Other – In more recent years, a hybrid form of compression has been created. This primarily includes Velcro options on a material more similar to short-stretch bandages. It’s a popular garment in wound care as the Velcro can be readily removed for dressing changes. These can be worn at night also & work well although they are not superior to bandaging. This is more cost-effective for many patients who cannot afford both day & night compression. The “other” category would be night garments with foam which are slipped over an extremity & provide compression or allow bandaging with fewer steps.

In the next blog, we’ll finish our introduction by talking about additional areas to consider before choosing the right compression garment such as the style, the use of silver & compression class.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) involves manual lymph drainage (MLD) & compression bandaging (as well as skin care & exercise).  In some instances, CDT should not be performed.  These occasions are outlined below.

1.  Active Infection caused by pathogens.  During localized infection, lymphatic vessels constrict to prevent pathogens & other harmful matter from escaping the area & entering the rest of the circulation.  When MLD is performed, the spasm may be counteracted.  This would allow normal flow to resume & potentially spread the toxin(s).  In general, a person needs to be on an antibiotic for 2-3 days with signs of improvement (no fever; swelling, redness, pain have subsided) before MLD may resume.  Some professionals wait up to 7-10 days before resumption as the inflammatory response can last that long.  The multi-layer compression bandaging may hinder the body’s inflammatory response.

2.  Deep Vein Thrombosis / Thrombophlebitis.  MLD stretches the skin & may potentially dislodge a blood clot.  Mild compression can be beneficial as it encourages clot adhesion to the vascular wall. It is recommended to have physician approval prior to application.

3.  Cardiac Edema.  All lymph fluid returns to the circulatory system at the venous angles.  In acute congestive heart failure, the heart is already overwhelmed by the volume of fluid being managed.  MLD only increased the load the heart must manage.  The same is true for bandaging.  Additionally, in acute cases of heart failure, the cause of swelling is the failing of the heart, so CDT will not help.

4.  Peripheral Artery Disease.  While MLD is not a concern, bandaging can compromise an already reduced arterial blood flow.  Arterial pressure in the foot below 70 mmHg (as measured by Doppler Ultrasound) is a contraindication for compression.

5.  Active Cancer.  Malignant tumors with a tendency to metastasize are an absolute contraindication for MLD as MLD only speeds up lymphatic flow & cancer travels via the lymphatic system or the cardiovascular system.  However, if a person is responding to chemo & the physician approves MLD, the massage may be performed (avoiding the immediate area of the tumor).  In other types of cancers, MLD may be permissible with physician approval.  Compression can be useful in helping to manage swelling.

 

References

Foldi, M, Foldi, E. (2006). Foldi’s Textbook of Lymphology (2^nd ed.), p. 416, 438, 527ff, 602. Germany: Urban & Fisher.

Kumar, V., Abbas, A., Aster, J. (2013). Robbins Basic Pathology (9^th ed.), location 1829, 1890. Pennsylvania: Elsevier Saunders.

Kasseroller, R. (1998). Compendium of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage, p. 85, 174ff. Germany: Huthig GmbH.

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart_and_blood_vessel_disorders/venous_disorders/deep_vein_thrombosis_dvt.html

http://www.veindirectory.org/qa/should-someone-with-blood-clot-wear-compression-stockings