Washing | Compression stockings

Washing

The material of compression stockings is nowadays very pleasant both in wearing comfort and care. Usually it is an elastic material, which is also breathable and permeable to air. As compression stockings are worn regularly and are tight-fitting, it is not possible to avoid odours or sweat despite the special material.

Therefore, the compression stockings should be cleaned every now and then. Fortunately, the stockings are easy-care and therefore washable. The exact degree at which the compression stockings are washed should be checked individually depending on the product and manufacturer.

It is important that the stockings are well dried after washing before they are used again. The material of today’s compression stockings is much more robust compared to the past (wool mixed with elastic material), because they are mostly synthetic fabrics. Of course, compression stockings do not last indefinitely. After about five months, even the well-processed material loses its elasticity.

Compression stockings in the aircraft

The compression stockings are intended to support the circulation of blood in the venous vessels and prevent the blood in the periphery of the legs from clogging. It is precisely these properties that are required for long-haul flights, so that people with existing thrombosis, varicose veins or an increased risk of those diseases should definitely wear compression stockings. The reason for this is that long periods of sitting and limited legroom reduce mobility to a minimum and thus eliminate the supporting system of the muscle pump.Without the external pressure exerted by the compression stockings, risk groups are more likely to have blood back up and not be able to pump enough blood from the periphery to the heart.

Apart from severe swelling, there is then a risk of pulmonary embolism. This is an occlusion of pulmonary vessels by a blood clot that has formed and dissolved in the depth of the leg veins and is then pumped into the lungs via the heart. Due to the reduced blood flow and the reduced mobility during a flight, the formation of such a blood clot is much more likely. Risk groups should therefore be worn without fail for prophylactic reasons.