Category Archives: Instructional

Useful tips to help you get the most life out of your compression stockings and armsleeves.

How to wash compression garments -

• Most compression garments can be machine washed
• Use a garment bag if fabric is sheer or tends to snag
• Use cold or warm water, never hot, and a mild detergent
• Detergents appropriate for babies clothing are considered mild
• Hosiery washing solutions condition nylon, and will give your stockings a longer life
• Many compression stockings can be machine dried.  Check the package or product label.  Spandex and silicone top-bands don’t like heat, so air drying will extend the life of your garment.
• Fabric softeners and bleach should never be used with compression garments

How to clean the silicone top bands on knee and thigh highs -

• Soap and oils can build-up on silicone-top bands making them less effective, even with proper washing.
• Use a cotton ball and a little alcohol, or an alcohol swab to remove soap residue.

How often should compression stockings be washed -

• Compression stockings should be washed daily.
• Dirt and oils break down spandex.
• Daily washing also restores the shape of the stocking.

Should compression garments be worn at night or for 24 hours -

• Some individuals with severe lymphedema or edema do occasionally need to wear compression 24 hours a day, but this is not typical.  If you are  wearing a compression garment all the time, it should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or therapist.

We know getting the right fitting compression garment can be difficult, particularly for first time buyers. Sometimes the style, size, or color just isn’t right for you.  That’s why BrightLife Direct has always tried to make the return/exchange process easy.  With the launch of our online return request feature, this process just got easier and more efficient.  Key features of online returns are:

• Automatically receive RA#
• Email notification when your return is received
• Email notification when your refund/exchange has been processed

If you ordered online and are a registered user, you can now use online returns.  Just log into your account, click view order, and you can request a return or exchange for any item you purchased (within the past 30 days).   A return authorization number (RA#) is automatically emailed to you.  Write the RA number on the outside of your package, enclose your return/exchange form, and mail.

Online returns are not available if your order was placed by phone or if you checked-out as a guest (without registering).  To request an RA#, just send us an email or give us a call at 1-877-545-8585.  The return/exchange form sent with your order has our address and instructions for requesting a refund or exchange.

Interested in a little hidden lore about compression hosiery?  Over 90% of the support stockings we sell are made in the United States.  However, the invention and use of compression therapy began in Europe. The best-known compression hosiery manufacturers such as Jobst, Juzo and Mediven, originated in Europe before World War II.  In the 1950′s as Americans started to understand the benefits of wearing compression stockings, European manufacturers opened US  operations.  You may remember brand names such as “Supphose”.

Did you know that compression and support hosiery is much more popular in Europe than here in the US?  Most European governments pay for up to six pair a year for each of their citizens who need the benefits of compression therapy.  They know it enhances the health of their citizens and helps prevent more serious, and costly, health problems.  Because Americans are learning about the health benefits of wearing even light compression legwear, their popularity here is growing very quickly.

Thanks to online specialists like BrightLife Direct, you can now save 30% to 50%, or more, on the best compression hosiery in the greatest range of colors, styles and compressions available in the US today.  And shipping is quick. Most orders ship the same day.  When you add the rising cost of driving to stores, with the discounts offered online, there is no reason to shop any other way!

We originally posted this blog back in July 2009.  Putting on compression stockings continues to be an issue for many of our customers, so we thought it was time for an update.

Donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) compression hosiery can be difficult.  Especially for people who have difficulty bending at the waist or with limited hand dexterity.  This is especially true if you must wear a compression level over 20mmHg.

There are a lot of “donning aids” available but some are better than others.   Based on feedback from our customers we recommend the following, in no particular order:

1. Easy-Slide for Open Toe Stockings
2. Easy-Slide for Closed Toe Stockings
3. Alps Fitting Lotion (open or closed toe)
4. Compression Assist (open or closed toe)
5. Mediven 2in1 (open or closed toe)
6. Juzo Slippie Gator with Pad (open or closed toe)

Except for the fitting lotions (3 & 4 above), these all use a very slippery and durable “parachute” nylon fabric that you place on your leg and then pull the stocking over.  Using rubber donning gloves, you work the stocking up the leg and then pull the donning aid out from the top of the stocking or through the open toe.  If you wear closed toe stockings, it is important to use a donning aid designed to work with closed toe stockings.

We now have instructional donning videos on our website for the Easy-Slides, Mediven 2in1, stocking donners and a donning video using the “heel pocket” method.  You can watch the videos before you make a purchase to determine if the donning aid is right for you.  And you might want to watch again after you receive your purchase to ensure you’re using the device properly.

Do you have any donning or doffing tips?  Let us know!