Recently I received an email from a customer who was having trouble getting her thigh-high compression stockings to stay up. Hers have a non-slip silicone top band, and she wanted to know if our medi Suspenders could be used in conjunction with a grip top.
Even though her doctor had prescribed the stockings, they weren't staying up, causing her discomfort.
Firstly, I reassured her that finding the best compression solution for your needs can be a hit and miss process, even with a doctor on your side! However, choosing, wearing and caring for thigh-high compression stockings can be easy with a few fundamentals in mind. Let's explore them here.
Suspenders are made to use with stockings that have a knitted hem at the top of the thigh, rather than a non-slip silicone top band. When securing the stockings to the suspenders, we push the top hem of the stocking through the ‘eye’ of the fastener.
Silicone top bands are designed to hold up thigh-high stockings without the need for suspenders. In other words, it's an either/or scenario.
There can be numerous reasons why stockings with silicone top bands might not stay up. For example, stockings can slip due to a build-up of skin and/or oil from moisturiser, which coats the silicone on the top band, reducing its grip.
Solution: When washing your compression stockings, clean the silicone top bands regularly with a baby’s toothbrush and a bar of laundry soap. This removes the build-up and restores the grip.
If after giving your stockings the 'toothbrush treatment' they still won't stay up, then ask the following questions:
How old are your compression stockings? We can expect that the fabric will start to perish after six months of exposure to washing, wear and certain oils which are present in personal care products. Therefore, it's wise to replace your stockings every 6 months to ensure you receive their optimal benefit.
Are your compression stockings too loose? Factors such as weight loss, fluid reduction, frequency of washing and the age of a garment can all contribute to loose compression stockings. If your stockings are falling down because they're too loose then it's time to buy new ones!
Are your compression stockings too tight? Garments containing elastic can roll if they don't fit properly, causing constriction. You can follow our step-by-step measurement guides to ensure that your stockings fit well, which is pivotal to their performance.
How soft is your thigh tissue? Soft thighs can be a challenge when it comes to wearing thigh-high stockings, as there is a tendency for the stockings to roll and constrict. If you want to stick with thigh-high compression stockings, then ditch the ones with silicone top bands and use knitted hems with suspenders instead.
Pantyhose also work well with softer thigh tissue, because they help to support the area and prevent chafing between thighs. They are also available in a single-leg model, if only one leg needs compression. Additionally, you could try a single-sided thigh-high stocking with waist attachment, which provides additional support over the hip and is held in place by an adjustable waist band.
Consider your age when choosing compression stockings. Did you know that skin wrinkles can make it difficult to keep your thigh-highs up? Similar to softer thigh tissue, wrinkled skin can pose a problem with thigh-high compression stockings being able to grip. Instead, opt for pantyhose, single-sided pantyhose, single-sided stocking with waist attachment or suspenders combined with stockings that have no silicone top band.
Lastly, a great tool to have in your kit is medi Fix. This roll-on adhesive is friendly on both skin and compression stockings, whilst helping to keep them in place. Apply to areas such as front of thighs and above the knees.
*Check with your doctor if you ever experience 'swelling of an unknown origin'.
3. Are they rolling?
4. Do you have very soft tissue at the upper thighs?
5. What is your age? (Skin texture plays a role in selecting the right compression solution.)
6. Would you say your leg(s) have lobules, folds or other non-standard features? (Many people require custom-measured stockings for this.)
7. For which condition has your doctor prescribed the stockings? Stage?
You could try the medi Fix roll-on adhesive, which is excellent for stockings that are ‘creeping down’ but not too loose:
https://lymphdrainagespecialists.com.au/products/medi-fix-adhesive-lotion-for-securing-medical-compression-stockings
Alternatively, you could try a different stocking model, for example:
• Pantyhose
• Single leg stocking with waist attachment (in the case only one leg needs compression).
• Thigh high stockings (no silicone top band) combined with suspenders.