What is the difference between Class I, Class II and Class III compression stockings?
Which compression level should I choose? How do I know which compression class of stockings should I wear? Is a grade I and grade II compression stockings same? How many classes of compression stockings are available?. These questions describe a typical day at our customer service desk of www.healthx247.com
Having shipped more than 30000+ orders to 910+ cities across PAN India, we truly understand the psychology of a customer buying a pair of compression stockings. If we had a poll on the most frequently asked question, then "What is the difference between Class I, Class II and Class III compression stockings" ranks the 1st by a huge margin.
So today we decide to explain our readers and curious learners how exactly does one go about buying the right compression stockings.
Before we get there, let us understand a few concept on the way
What are graduated compression stockings?
Compression stockings which apply maximum pressure at the ankle and thereby decrease towards the calf/thigh
What are compression levels?
The amount of pressure applied at the ankle which decreases as you go up the calf, that compression value is called compression level
Is compression level same as compression class or compression grade?
Yes. Absolutely
How many classes of compression are there?
Depending on the compression level, there are 3 classes of compression.
Class I- Mild Compression - 18-21 mm Hg
Class II- Moderate Compression- 23-32 mm Hg
Class III- High Compression- 34-46 mm Hg
How is the compression level measured?
All Sorgen® compression stockings follow a RAL compression profile and are tested using MST technology, which is gold standard in the compression stockings industry.
Which compression class should I buy?
Based on our experience with our customers we have certain conditions/ indicators for each compression level as mentioned below
Class I- Mild Compression - 18-21 mm Hg
- When you have tired and aching legs
- For symptoms of early venous weakness or insufficiency
- Mild varicose veins without pronounced oedema
- For varicose veins during and post-pregnancy
- For indications of spider veins
- After sclerosis of varicose veins
Class II- Moderate Compression- 23-32 mm Hg
- For more pronounced or marked varicose veins or even moderate oedema
- For minor ulcers after healing
- After sclerosis and surgery for varicose veins
- After DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- In cases of insufficiency (weakness) of the valves in the deep veins
- For more serious indications mentioned for Class I
Class III- High Compression- 34-46 mm Hg
- For chronic venous insufficiency (Stage I and II)
- Pronounced oedema
- Atrophie blanche
- Dermatosclerosis
- After resolution of severe ulcers
Disclaimer: The Indications mentioned above do not substitute or override any doctor's advice.
Important note: Please consult your doctor on regular intervals before renewing your pair of compression stockings as your medical condition might need a different class of stockings over the period of time. Using wrong compression might worsen your condition.
Can Choosing a bigger size lower the compression
If you wear a compression stockings which is not your size and is bigger, you will not get the exact compression you need. It will lower the compression. This does not means a Class II stockings worn in a bigger size will be Class I.
What will happen if I wear a compression level that is not meant for me?
You might land up causing more damage to your body
We hope now you are better equipped to choose the right compression stockings for yourself.
Have a query or have an experience to share? We are happy to hear. Please send us an email on info@healthx247.com