Compression Arm Sleeves & Hand Supports

What Are Compression Arm Sleeves and Hand Supports?

Compression arm sleeves are therapeutic garments designed to apply graduated pressure to the arm, with the greatest compression at the wrist, gradually decreasing towards the upper arm. This helps encourage lymphatic fluid and blood to flow back towards the heart, reducing swelling and preventing fluid from pooling in the tissues.

Hand supports, including compression gloves and gauntlets, work on the same principle, targeting the hand and fingers where swelling can also occur. Many arm sleeves are available with an integrated glove or can be paired with a separate gauntlet for complete upper limb coverage.

Who Can Benefit from Arm Compression?

Compression arm sleeves and hand supports are commonly recommended for:

• Lymphoedema – Particularly secondary lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment, lymph node removal, or radiotherapy affecting the arm
• Lipoedema – When the condition affects the upper limbs
• Post-surgical swelling – To support recovery and manage oedema after arm or breast surgery
• Chronic venous insufficiency – When poor circulation causes swelling in the arms
• Poor circulation – To promote healthy blood flow and reduce discomfort

If you're unsure whether compression garments are suitable for your condition, consult your GP, lymphoedema specialist, or healthcare provider. Our guide to contraindications explains when compression therapy may not be appropriate.

Choosing the Right Compression Level

Arm sleeves and hand supports are available in different compression classes to suit your therapeutic needs:

• Light (10-18mmHg) – Gentle support for mild swelling, prevention, or maintaining results after intensive treatment
• Moderate (15-24mmHg) – Suitable for mild to moderate lymphoedema and everyday management
• Firm (20-30mmHg) – Recommended for moderate lymphoedema, post-surgical support, or when stronger compression is prescribed
• Extra Firm (>30mmHg) – For more severe oedema, typically under clinical guidance

Our range includes garments meeting RAL, British Standard, and US Standard compression classifications. For help understanding the differences, see our guide on levels of compression.

Types of Upper Limb Compression Garments

We stock a variety of arm and hand compression products to suit different needs:

• Arm sleeves – Cover the arm from wrist to upper arm, available with or without a silicone topband to help keep the garment in place
• Arm sleeves with integrated glove – Provide seamless compression from fingertips to upper arm for complete coverage
• Gauntlets and gloves – Target the hand and fingers, often worn alongside an arm sleeve
• Combination garments – Include top bands for additional security and comfort

Getting the Right Fit

Proper sizing is essential for compression garments to work effectively. Arm sleeves and hand supports require measurements at multiple points along the arm and hand to ensure the correct fit and compression distribution. We recommend being measured by a healthcare professional or lymphoedema specialist, particularly if this is your first compression garment.

For more information on how compression therapy supports lymphatic health, visit our guide on the benefits of compression.

Trusted Brands for Upper Limb Compression

We supply arm sleeves and hand supports from leading manufacturers, including ActiLymph® from Lohmann & Rauscher, JOBST® Bella Lite from Essity, SIGVARIS® ADVANCE, and Juzo®. Browse our full range below to find the right garment for your needs, or contact us if you need assistance selecting the right product.