Archive for the ‘Products’ Category

Save $10 On Select Orthaheel Styles

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Through September 5th, save $10 dollars on select Orthaheel styles with discount code: ortho10

Women’s Orthaheel styles include: Allyn, Moraga II, Nevada, Seaside, Seatrek, Shore, Solana, South Beach and Tiburon.

Men’s Orthaheel styles: Rialto and Tomales

Choose Free Super Saver Shipping at checkout, and the shipping is on us!

Review of Jobst Casual for Men and Medi for Men Knee Highs

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

This past week I wore Jobst Casual, Medi for Men, Jobst Active and Allegro Athletic Socks, all 20-30mmHg, size medium.  Here is my opinion of Jobst Casual and Medi for Men.  I’ll review the other two next week.

I loved the Jobst Casual for Men 20-30mmhg knee highs.  Except for a small bit of wrinkling around the ankle, this is a great compression stocking.  The foot portion is extremely generous.  I wear a 9.5 shoe.  The foot of the sock conformed to my foot, and it was obvious that someone with a much larger foot could wear this sock very comfortably.  The same thing can be said about the leg.   My leg length is 17” from the floor to bend of knee.  I pulled the sock up so it was about 2 finger widths below the crease behind my knee.  My leg could have been a couple of inches longer and it still would have fit perfectly.  I think the slight ankle wrinkling was a result of the generous leg length on this stocking.  The Jobst Casual fabric is very soft.  The only sock I’ve worn that felt softer was the Medi for Men.  When I took the Jobst off in the evening, the top band was exactly where I had put it that morning.  They didn’t slip at all.

As I mentioned, the Medi for Men was the softest support sock I have ever had on.  I went to the movies with some friends the day I had these on.  When I showed them to a girl friend sitting next to me, she felt them and immediately said she wanted some.   The anatomically shaped foot is extremely comfortable.  I did need to slightly adjust the toe portion after putting these on, but once done my toes and feet were comfortable for the rest of the day.  Because this sock is so soft and elastic it really didn’t feel like I was wearing a compression stocking.  The pain in my calf was gone, the reason I started wearing compression stockings, but they felt like a luxurious pair of regular stockings.  I do have one complaint about this sock.  They slide down.  I’ve only worn them once, right out of the box, so this problem may disappear after being laundered, but when I went to take them off in the evening they had slipped down several inches.

Pete Wears Support Socks

Monday, August 9th, 2010

I’ve been selling compression stockings for over 10 years.  I’m 50, and except for occasional travel, have never had to wear support socks… until now.

The problem with my leg started about a week ago.  First it was just a slight tingling in my left leg.  Then my calf started to ache.   Although I’m in very good shape and go to the gym regularly, I assumed it was just another one of the little joys of getting old.

By Wednesday, my leg was really starting to hurt, and now it wasn’t at the end of the day.  Shortly after getting out of bed in the morning I could feel a dull ache deep in the calf muscle.  I immediately thought DVT, but there wasn’t any swelling and the pain was gone in the morning after a nights sleep.   I called my doctor to make an appointment and put on a pair of compression stockings.

The Allegro Men’s Cotton support sock, item#111, has always been a favorite.  This is the sock I wear when traveling.  My sock drawer has a scattering of different brands, Jobst, Juzo, Mediven that have been given to me by sales reps to try.  I’ve always liked the feel of the cotton against my skin.

As soon as I put on the sock I felt relief.  The tightness and support on my calf was wonderful.  By the end of the work day, my leg ached a bit, but nothing like the pain I had felt before wearing support stockings.

The Allegro Men’s Cotton stayed in place all day.  My toes didn’t feel cramped and I never experienced that damp feeling that sometimes comes when wearing nylon dress socks.  This is a very comfortable sock. Easy to put on and take off.

It dawned on me Friday that this would be a great opportunity to test some of the other brands of men’s support socks.  I have tried on every single product we sell, but never really needed to wear them until now.

I measured my leg.  9” around the ankle, just above the ankle bone, and 15” around the widest part of my calf.  With a 9.5 shoe size, and a lower leg length of 17” a good fit should be easy.

Still don’t know what’s wrong with my leg.  I’m going to the doctor on Tuesday.  I do know the compression stockings really help the pain.

Look for my reviews of the new Medi for Men and Jobst Casual 20-30mmHg later in the week.

Sigvaris Access Just Got More Accessible!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

We’ve just lowered the price on Sigvaris Access support knee-highs and pantyhose.  The knee-highs have dropped $1.00 per pair to $30.77 and the pantyhose have been reduced by $6.00 to $52.22.

Access is available in two compression levels, 20-30mmhg and 30-40mmHg. The knee highs and pantyhose have an optional open or closed toe. Thigh highs are open toe only.  All Access stockings are available in short and long lengths.

Support knee highs for men are ribbed and black. Women’s knee highs, along with the rest of the Access line, has a smooth finish and is available in crispa (beige).

Access also features a new color-thread size indicator that’s sewn into the top band of the stocking. So in six months when it’s time to reorder, with a glance you will know what size and compression to purchase, unlike heat transfers that disappear after a couple of washings.

Access replaces the Sigvaris Value Care line of support stockings and is latex free.

Socks Too Tight? Go Down In Compression, Not Up In Size

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

We frequently receive emails from customers who find their compression stockings feel too tight, asking if they should order the next larger size.   The answer is NO, assuming the stockings are sized properly.

Compression stockings and compression arm sleeves aren’t like a regular piece of clothing.  Each size is designed to fit a leg or arm that is a specific size.  Wearing a garment that is too small will provide more than the stated compression, and can actually impede blood flow.  Wearing a garment that is too big will provide less than the stated compression, roll or slide down, and can easily wrinkle.

Wrinkles in compression garments should always be avoided.  They pinch your skin, and after a full day of wear leave red lines or rings that can be quite painful.

If your stockings feel too tight, first confirm that you’re wearing the correct size.  Measure your leg or arm and check the measurements against the size chart for your garment.  If the size is right and they still feel too tight, talk to your doctor or therapist about going down a level in compression.

If you have to wear compression stockings, a moderate 15-20mmhg compression stocking on your leg is better than a firm 20-30mmHg compression stocking in a drawer.

Support Socks for Tall Men With Big Feet

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Tall men with big feet are difficult to size in compression stockings.  The choices are very limited, especially on a budget.  We received 3 emails from customers with just this problem today, so it seemed like a good time to go over the options available.

Two of the best options are Jobst For Men and Jobst Casual stockings in Tall sizes.   Tall sizes are designed to fit a leg length over 19.75″ and a shoe size greater than 12.   Talls are only available in medium and large, so they won’t fit if you have large ankles or calves.

Jobst for Men and Jobst Casual aren’t cheap.  The 15-20mmHg are priced at $35.78 per pair and the higher compressions are $61.50.  The quality of these stockings is excellent and they are very durable.  Shipping is free with our super saver option.

For men with large feet and legs, look at the Allegro Surgical Weight knee highs.  The 20-30mmHg are sized up to XXX-Large, and there’s a wide calf option.  This will fit an ankle with a diameter up to 15.5″ and a calf up to 26″.  Choose the open toe if you have large feet.

Allegro Surgical Weight knee highs are priced at $23.95 per pair.   If you catch one of our buy-3-get-1-free sales, your total cost is even less, $17.96 each for 4 pairs.  Free super saver shipping is available on Allegro too.

If none of these socks will fit, a custom stocking may be needed, but give us a call at 1-877-545-8585 and we’ll do our best to find a sock that will work for you.

Ai Miyazato Wins ShopRite LPGA Classic in Compression Socks!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Ai Miyazato who turned 25 on Saturday, won the ShopRite LPGA Classic on Sunday and is now the #1 ranked female golfer in the world according to the Rolex Rankings released today.  And she did it wearing compression socks!

At any age, and in any weather, compression socks can improve your performance.

From an interview done yesterday with LPGA.com (to read the full interview, click here)

Q. I’m sure you get asked this all the time. The socks, are they comfortable? Were they comfortable today in 100 degree heat? Is that your trademark? Sometimes golfers have their look.
AI MIYAZATO: Yeah. It was pretty hot today. I thought maybe I got wrong message today. But these are compression socks as well, so it helps my muscles, and you won’t get tired towards the end of the round. So it helps me a lot and (through interpreter) and if they can become my trademark, that would be great, too.

Open Toes and Flip Flops for Summer!

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

We have just received shipments of new products and colors for Summer!

Jobst Ultrasheers With Open Toes
New this season, an open toe version of Jobst Ultrasheer knee highs in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 compression levels in Natural, Honey and Black
Jobst Ultrasheer thigh highs now come in an open toe model, available in Natural (Silky Beige) in 15-20, 20-30, and 30-40mmHg.  Also available in Honey and Black in lighter compressions.

Summer Colors From Juzo
Juzo Dreamsleeves in both 20-30 and 30-40mmHg compressions are now offered in Mint Green, Pink, Pale Pink, Sky Blue, Sunflower and Lavender.  The Juzo 2001/2002 knee highs are know available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Shadow and Cinnamon which is perfect for those with a deep tan.

The very popular Orthaheel Tide orthopedic flip flop now comes in splashy Green Tea, Sorbet, Plumberry and metallic Pewter and Gold.

The Allegro line of sheer knee-high, thigh-high and pantyhose in 8-15mmHg is now offered in Nude, Fawn and Black.  Fawn is a great shade for sun lovers.

SOLE Orthotic Sandals Wins Best Footwear Award, Reviewed by NY Times

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

This is the second season that BrightLife Direct has partnered with SOLE Orthotics to bring you the Rolls Royce of Flip-Flops!  Checkout the new SOLE Sport Flips for Men and SOLE Sport Flips for Women.  If you are not familiar with SOLE, this is what you need to know:

SOLE Sandals mold to your feet

Recognizing that flip-flops are a popular choice of footwear for many individuals, yet notoriously bad for you, SOLE set about creating a new design of flip-flop that incorporated the advanced Custom Footbed
technology and created the Platinum Sport Flip.  Supporting the foot in a neutral position, the SOLE Sport Flip top layer moulds to give each foot a perfect, custom fit, thus encouraging neutral alignment and balance to promote the wearer’s natural gait and shock absorbing ability.

SOLE wins best footwear award at the first ever OTS Novel Innovations Awards

The Sole Platinum Sport Flip has won the Novel Innovations Award for Footwear at the Outdoor Trade Show. The OTS Novel Innovations Awards recognize outstanding product innovation and technology and are judged
by some of the most recognized journalists, retailers and outdoor personalities in the industry. Judging criteria included: innovation, functionality, workmanship, ergonomics, choice of materials, utility value, environmental friendliness and safety.

SOLE Platinum Sandals reviewed in the NY Times

“This sandal bears the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, meaning that the shoe was put through a series of tests to verify its manufacturers’ claims, and it passed. “The footbed molds to the foot, and the sandal is much more supportive than a typical flip-flop,” Dr. Christina said. “In fact, it was the most supportive sandal in the test.” He noted that while he doesn’t like thong-style sandals, he didn’t find the toe strap of this one “overly irritating.” The placement of the strap toward the rear of the footbed also means the sandals don’t slap when you walk.”

Mediven’s New Compression Stocking for Men

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

The new Medi For Men compression stocking brings you the latest in fiber and fit technology.  It is the only compression sock on the market with an anatomically-correct left and right foot.  The toe box is angled, like the angle of your toes.  An easily visible “L” and “R” are conveniently stitched on the top of each foot.  Plus, a generous comfi-foot makes this the most comfortable support sock you’ll ever wear.

100%  natural lanolin is woven into the fibers to condition your skin and keep your legs and feet soft and fresh.

The bio-textile fibers also provide extra ease in donning.  Soft, smooth, stylish, and durable, the sock provides the medical benefits and all-day wearing comfort all men desire.  Available in all compression ranges between 8-15mmHg and 30-40mmHg.