Category Archives: Instructional

A Brief History of Compression Stockings

August 16th, 2011
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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!

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What Is Microfiber?

July 8th, 2011
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Microfiber is a synthetic fiber, usually polyester or nylon, that is less than one denier in thickness.  What’s a denier you ask?  Denier is a measure of linear density.  A 1 denier filament that is 9,000 meters long (approx 5.6 miles) weighs one gram, or .03 ounces.

Extremely soft and elastic, microfibers are also very durable and stain resistant.  They wick moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer cool and dry.

Microfibers are used to make cleaning products, insulation, basketballs, car interiors, and when twisted together, they form yarns that can be woven into textiles and clothing like the new Allegro Jazz and Rumba series of compression stockings.

In the Jazz series, microfibers are combined with cotton and spandex to make a luxuriously soft men’s support dress sock. Available in two compression levels and four colors.

The Rumba series consists of a closed toe 15-20mmHg knee high, an open toe/heel support knee high 20-30mmHg, and an 18-24mmHg compression leg sleeve.

Life the fabric itself, you’ll get miles and miles of wear out of the new Microfiber stockings from Allegro.

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Donning Aids and Videos

June 6th, 2011
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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!

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Compression Shopping Guide

May 19th, 2011
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At BrightLife Direct we give you many different ways to find the compression garment that’s right for you.  You can shop by brand, style or length, gender, low price, and perhaps most importantly… compression level.

Before you begin shopping, you need to know what compression level is appropriate for your condition.  If you already wear stockings, hopefully you know your compression.  If this is is your first time, your doctor or therapist should have told you what compression level you need.  If they have not, our compression guide can help, but this is not a substitution for medical advice.  We highly recommend that you talk to your doctor or health care provider before beginning compression therapy above 20mmHg.

Once you’ve determined the proper compression, you need to decide on the style or length of the garment, that is, a knee high, thigh high or waist high (pantyhose).  Remember the stocking has to cover the area of your body where the problem exists.  If you have an aching varicose vein in your thigh, a knee high isn’t going to help.  If you’re traveling and don’t have any existing venous problems, a knee high should do the job.

Now that you know the compression and style, the rest is easy.  Picking the weave or fabric you prefer and deciding if you want an open or closed toe.

The three main fabric choices are sheer, opaque and ribbed.  Sheers look great, but are just a bit more delicate than other fabrics.  Opaques offer the widest range of prices and sizing options.  Ribbed are very durable.  All three fabrics are usually woven from nylon and spandex.  Opaque and ribbed fabrics are available in cotton, wool, and silver blends.

The toe style does not affect the therapeutic benefit of a compression stocking, and is usually a personal preference. Open toes are great in warm weather, with sandals or flip-flops and if you have problems like corns or hammer toes.

Now it’s time to shop.  Let’s say you need a 20-30mmHg compression thigh high, and want a sheer fabric with a closed toe.  Mouse over Compression Level in the left navigation bar.  Move your cursor to 20-30mmHg, then Thigh Highs, then Sheer.  You’ll see a note at the top of the page that closed toe is standard.

Now let’s look for a 15-20mmHg compression knee high in cotton with an open toe.  Mouse over Compression Level, move your cursor to 15-20mmHg, then Knee High, and then Cotton/Wool.  See the note at the top of the page that cotton blends are closed toe only.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, there are many different ways to search our website for the compression garment you need.  If you have a question or need assistance finding what you want, our trained certified fitters are happy to help at 1-877-545-8585.

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Product Finder & Size Calculator – The Size Machine

December 28th, 2010
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BrightLife’s new Size Machine is a product finder and size calculator in one.   Quickly and easily filter through hundreds of products to find the ones that are made to fit you.  It takes two minutes and can save hours!

The Size Machine asks a few easy questions.  All you do is click a few buttons.  You will then be prompted to enter the measurements required for the style of garment you wish to buy.  Instantly, your measurements are compared against every brand’s size charts and a personalized list of products that fit you is created.  Print or email the results.  Manufacturers participating in the Size Machine include Jobst, Juzo, Allegro, Mediven, Therafirm, and Sigvaris.

Just another way BrightLife Direct is simplifying the way medical compression garments are sold.

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How To Put On Compression Stockings

November 10th, 2010
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To put on a regular pair of socks, most people scrunch them up, stick their foot in, and pull.  It’s pretty easy.  Try this with a compression stocking and you’ll get nowhere fast!

Check out our new donning video which demonstrates 3 different ways to easily and properly put on a pair of support socks.  This short video will demonstrate the “heel pocket method”, how to use rubber donning gloves, and how to use  a “Stocking Donner”.

The “heel pocket method” works very well for stockings that are thicker or have a lot of compression.  Sheer and less firm stockings are best put on with donning gloves.  The gloves protect the delicate fabric from snags and runs and gives you a better grip on the fabric.

The metal frame “Stocking Donner” is a great solution If you have difficulty bending or crossing your legs. Stocking Donners are available in regular size, wide-calf size and even a specially designed two-leg donner for pantyhose.

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