Egyptian cotton is usually rated as the softest, but in tests for durability and absorption, Supima cotton is the hands down winner.  (The word Supima is a combination of “superior” and “pima”.)   Pima is a variety of cotton, named after the Pima Indians who lived in what is now central and southern Arizona.  They helped the USDA cultivate this variety back in the early 1900’s.  Because it requires very specific growing conditions, pima cotton accounts for less than 5% of the US cotton production.  The Supima label guarantees the cotton is 100% pima cotton grown in the USA.

All Sigvaris cotton compression stockings are woven with Supima cotton.  Thanks to a family friendship between the owners of Sigvaris and one of the finest thread makers in the US, they use the best pima cotton which today is grown in the San Joaquin valley of California.

An article in The Washington Post provided a number of resources for very reasonably priced comprehensive travel insurance.  Plans are available for a set annual fee, or percentage of the trip cost.  They will reimburse you for prepaid travel costs if you miss your cruise because of a flight delay, or have to stay home to care for a sick relative.  Break your ankle walking the cobblestone streets of ancient Rome… you’re covered.  Basic insurance plans that only cover medical expenses, or just trip cancellation are also available.

So when you’re planning that next big trip, don’t forget the travel insurance and don’t forget your travel socks.  They’re like insurance for your legs, protecting against DVT’s (deep vein thrombosis).

BrightLife Direct is not in the travel insurance business, and is providing this information because we thought it was valuable.

At BrightLife Direct we serve hundreds of customers who are US flight attendants and must purchase their own compression hosiery.  The airlines only care about the color. The benefits of wearing compression stockings while traveling are well known.  They help prevent DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and swelling at 30,000 feet.  Delta, United, US Air and the other US carriers take note.

Our friend Josh Levin at LympheDivas read our blog and sent a link to a white paper on their website that covers the same subject matter.  The paper was written by Dr. Andrea Cheville, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine at the Mayo Clinic.  Dr. Cheville treated Josh’s sister Rachel, one of the founders of LympheDivas.

Like our lymphedema therapists, Dr. Cheville recommends the use of a glove or gauntlet with a sleeve.  This is especially true when taking part in activities that increase lymph production, like airplane travel, exercise, and repetitive activities.  Dr. Ceville likens a gauntlet to buying insurance.  The risk of getting lymphedema in the hand is present for all with lymphedema in the arm.  Using a gauntlet offers protection against that risk.

You can read the entire paper by Dr. Cheville here. USE OF GAUNTLETS AND COMPRESSION SLEEVES IN LYMPHEDEMA MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION

Violet is a rich shade of purple.  Dolphin is a medium gray.  Sunburst is a bold orange.  Fuchsia is a deep, dark pink.

The complete Juzo Soft 2000 line is available in Dream colors.  Knee highs, thigh highs, pantyhose, armsleeves and gauntlets in compression levels of 20-30 and 30-40mmHg. Leggings provide moderate compression of 15-20mmHg, plus they firm and shape thighs and legs.

If you need a break from beige, check out the new Dream colors from Juzo.

In a casual conversation with our Sigvaris sales rep I mentioned how rough and dry my hands get.  He told me about their new cream, and sent me a sample to try.  It sat on my desk for several weeks while I  finished a tube of Aveeno hand cream for Eczema, which didn’t work that well.  The first time I tried the Sigvaris cream I was a little disappointed, because it is greasy.  I’ve since found that you really need to rub it into the skin, then wait for 5 minutes or so for the best results.

After two days of using the cream twice a day, there was a noticeable improvement in the condition of my knuckle with the eczema.  The skin on my hands was very soft.  After five days, my knuckle was almost completely healed.

I am not saying that Sigvaris Skin & Foot Cream is a cure for eczema, but it has made a noticeable difference for me.

This sock has a pillowed sole and channeled toe seam for comfort.  Mid-foot compression prevents bunching.  Mild compression throughout increases blood circulation.  And the X-Static silver fabric is antibacterial which prevents odor.

Available in crew and knee high lengths, the Juzo Silver Sole is a customer favorite.

Kenneth in Texas says, “…these stockings are great…they feel comfortable & cozy…I’m very happy with them…”

Bruce in Illinois, “These socks are so comfortable it’s amazing. I feel like I have new feet. Some days I wear them 24-7. I’m so happy I spent a little extra for socks because as I learned socks are just not socks..”

The vast majority of therapists agreed that a gauntlet should be used.  Even with the graduated compression of a sleeve, which is designed to push fluid up and out of the arm, there is a slight chance that fluid could be pushed into the hand.  Many gauntlets are available for less than $20, so eliminating this risk is not costly.  Once therapy is underway, and the limb has been reduced in size, the gauntlet may be removed from the treatment regimen.

Another option is a combination sleeve/gauntlet.  These are available from Mediven and Allegro. A sleeve/gauntlet combination reduces that chance of fluid being pushed into the hand and eliminates the possibility of a constriction point, where a traditional sleeve and gauntlet overlap.

Whether you wear a sleeve, sleeve and gauntlet, or combination, be sure to check with a certified lymphedema therapist before beginning any compression therapy.

Within two weeks of living in the hot and humid conditions, many of the miners began to experience skin problems on their feet.  Socks, made with copper particles, were donated to the miners after anti-fungal cream failed to relieve their skin problems. According to the journal Archives of Dermatology, many of the miners reported their skin problems completely resolved within a week of trying on the socks.

The sock fibers were “impregnated” with copper oxide, a known anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent.

Granted, foot fungus was probably the least of their concerns, but it is a problem that affects many of us surface dwellers everyday.  Socks with copper are now commonly used in treating fungal conditions from athlete’s foot to unwelcome odors.

BrightLife Direct is now offering Aetrex non-binding copper sole socks for men and women ranging from no compression to 20-25mmHg, and mini-crew to knee length.

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.