Compression Definition

Contents


What are Compression Levels?

Different manufacturers of compression hosiery work to different specifications –either UK and EU (Europe some products are called RAL) – which can be confusing.
To help you avoid this confusion we here at Daylong have created our own range of compression, in the chart below, that will help you find where the different standards fit in with your own chart.
Remember it is up to your doctor to decide which level of compression is right for you.

Daylong Classification Daylong mmHg Range EU/ RAL Standard EU/ RAL mmHg Range UK Standard UK mmHg Range US Standard US mmHg Range
< 14 mmHg - - - - - -
14 - 17 mmHg - - UK Class 1 14 - 17 mmHg - -
18 - 24 mmHg EU Class 1 18 - 21 mmHg UK Class 2 18 - 24 mmHg US Class 1 15 - 20 mmHg
23 - 35 mmHg EU Class 2 23 - 32 mmHg UK Class 3 25 - 35 mmHg US Class 2 20 - 30 mmHg
34 - 46 mmHg EU Class 3 34 - 46 mmHg - - US Class 3 30 - 40 mmHg
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Who uses the Different Standards?

The EU (or European) standard is typically used by VENOSAN®, and some Activa products

The UK standard is used by all products available on prescription such as products from Credalast and the British drug tariff range from Activa.

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What is mmHg?

  • 'Graduated compression hosiery' is hosiery with a particular compression at the ankle, measured by mmHg or millimetres of mercury
  • The compression is graduated away from the ankle, gradually lessening pressure towards the top of the hosiery and towards the toes.
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What can different compressions be used for?

Here is a breakdown of compressions and what problems they may be suitable for. Please consult your doctor or medical professional before wearing compression hosiery.

1. Extra Light Support

All products with a compression value of 14 mmHg at the ankle or less.

Very Light is the level for all our products that have a very low classification and may be used as either preventing more complex medical issued or just to provide a simple day to day support for those with or wanting to avoid have swollen and tired legs.

2. Light Support

  • All products that have a Compression at the ankle of between 14-17 mmHg.
  • Light Support hosiery has within its range of mmHg, British standard hosiery Class 1.
  • Products within this category maybe of use in Preventing and or treating the following.
    • Early or Developing Varicose vein
    • Tired/ heavy aching legs
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3. Moderate support

  • All products that have a Compression at the ankle of between 18-24 mmHg.
  • Moderate Support hosiery has within its range of mmHg, British standard hosiery Class 2 and European standard hosiery Class 1 and also various stockings and support socks.
  • Products within this category may be of use in Preventing and or treating the following.
    • Medium to Gross(Severe) varicose vein
    • Spider veins
    • Minor Leg ulcers
    • DVT in early stages
    • Early Lymphoedema
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4. Firm Support

  • All products that have a Compression at the ankle of between 25-35 mmHg.
  • Firm Support hosiery has within its range of mmHg, British standard hosiery Class 3 and European standard hosiery Class 2.
  • Products within this category may be of use in preventing and or treating the following.
    • Severe Varicose Vein
    • DVT in advanced stages
    • Moderate to severe Lymphoedema
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5. Extra Firm Support

  • All products that have a Compression at the ankle of between 34-45 mmHg.
  • Moderate Support hosiery has within its range of mmHg, European standard hosiery Class 3.
  • Products within this category are to be used with great care as the compression level is very high. However under proper medical supervision the products may be used in Preventing and or treating the following.
    • Severe Varicose Vein
    • DVT in advanced stages
    • Severe Lymphoedema
    • Elephantitis
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