Sigvaris began as a Swiss dress & fabric shop in 1877 by a family called Ganzoni. One of the family sons (Werner Ganzoni) headed up the Swiss business while a brother (Paul) opened a shop in France. In 1924, they opened their own production company in Saint Louis (a European town bordering Germany & Switzerland) & in 1926 they reinvented themselves with finer rubber yarns & wider elastic fabrics. This latter transition yielded belts, suspenders, socks, stockings & stocking suspenders. In 1928, Ganzoni purchased a stitching company in St. Gallen, Switzerland. After several uncertain years due to WW I & II, in 1947 a son (Peter), took over business. In 1961, the first medical compression stocking based on latex was introduced under the name “Sigvaris.” The elastic band-weaving portion of business was sold & a concentrated effort was placed on medical compression stockings in order to stay afloat. Medical compression proved to be their best asset, & they have continued to expand not only in Europe but overseas as well.

Sigvaris manufacturers four categories of compression which include medical, well-being, sports & arm sleeves. Their focus is primarily on venous disorders but venous disorders can develop into lymphedema, so their compression can be beneficial for some lymphedema patients. Their products are ready-made & come in ready-made compression grades. For more information regarding Sigvaris & their products, visit: http://www.sigvaris.com/usa/en-us.

LympheDIVAS is a family-owned company based in Massachusetts with a unique start-up story.  The founder was a woman named Rachel who was diagnosed with Stage 3, triple negative breast cancer just before her 35th birthday.  She had no family history of cancer aside from her 98-year-old grandmother who developed ovarian cancer late in life.  Because of the nature of triple negative cancer, her treatment options were limited.  19 lymph nodes had been removed from her axilla during the diagnosis phase, & she went through chemo & radiation.  After her first radiation treatment, she developed lymphedema & went to see her physician who prescribed a compression sleeve.  Rachel was dismayed that the sleeve looked like a boring, beige medical garment & was just as uncomfortable with the heavy, hot, thick fabric.  Her doctor challenged her to make a better sleeve &, so, she set out to do just that.  Unfortunately, Rachel passed away at the age of 37 but her family has maintained her legacy by continuing & growing her business focused on providing a compression sleeve that was a medical, gradient compression yet more fashionable & comfortable with the lighter, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.

LympheDIVAS has three primary garments:  A sleeve, a gauntlet & they recently came out with a glove.  Each of these are latex & silicone-free with a silky-feel to them – more like sports compression than medical compression.  They come in Class 1 (20-30 mmHg) & Class 2 (30-40 mmHg) compression, are circular-knit & come in 5 colors with over 100 different print patterns to choose from.  Additionally, they contain aloe vera for a moisturizing-effect.

To find out more, visit www.lymphedivas.com.

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).