Interface pressures derived from oversize compression stockings.

OBJECTIVES To clarify interface pressures (IP) derived from class II and III oversize stockings. METHODS Healthy volunteers with legs fitting size S (n = 10), M (n = 6), or L (n = 6) stockings wore class II and III stockings of various sizes up to 5L. IPs were measured in the supine and the standing position with each stocking on. RESULTS In the subjects with size S legs, the IPs in the standing position while wearing S and M class III stockings were 43.5 ± 4.7 and 40.4 ± 5.4 mmHg respectively. These IPs were significantly higher than the IP while wearing the S size class II stocking (33.3 ± 5.9 mmHg). IPs derived from L, LL, 3L, 4L, 5L class III stockings were not significantly different from IP with the S size class II stocking. The results were similar for the subjects with size M legs while wearing the size M and L class III stockings and for the subjects with size L legs while wearing the size L and LL class III stockings vs. the appropriate size class II stocking. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, a larger size class III stocking can provide similar or even higher IPs compared to an appropriate size class II stocking.