Compression (4) Specialized Aids

Introduction

Compression Aids are constructed of foam and fabric that are available in a variety of styles that can be worn at night or during the day. They are available in a variety of styles some are padded custom-fitted garments with stitching to guide the flow of lymph. Other styles have features to soften fibrotic tissues.

• Garments made with flat foam are stitched in a channeling pattern that is designed to guide the flow of lymph into alternate pathways around obstructed areas.
• An outer sleeve can be worn over these garments to increase the pressure.
• A specialized variety of this kind of garment can be used as a base for bandaging. This replaces the many layers under the short-stretch bandages and reatly speeds the process of wrapping a properly fitting bandage.
• Garments made with egg-crate foam has bumps similar to an egg carton. This type of garment is worn to soften fibrotic (hardened) tissues.
• Compression aids should not be worn over with knit compression garments unless this has been approved by a therapist.

Reidsleeves

The ReidSleeve is a custom-fitted compression aid named for the inventor Dr. Tony Reid. These garments are made for arms or legs and they are fitted with adjustable straps and Velcro closures that make it possible to apply precise pressure where needed along the limb.

ReidSleeve for the arm. (Peninsula Medical, Inc.)

ReidSleeve for the leg. (Peninsula Medical, Inc.)

JoViPak

JoVi Pak manufactures compression aids that are ready-made, or custom designed, for use on the extremities. Although sleeves are shown here, similar garments are available for use on the legs.

• Shown on the left is a JoVi Sleeve made of fabric stitched over flat foam to create channels to direct the flow of the lymph.
• Shown on the right is the same sleeve covered with a JoVi Jacket that is added to increase the compression pressure of the sleeve.

Jovi Arm Sleeve. Courtesy of JoVi Pak.

JoVi Jacket (over sleeve). Courtesy of JoVi Pak.

Wrapping over a Jovi Sleeve Courtesy of JoVi Pak.

Shown on the right, bandaging is being wrapped over the JoVi sleeve. This permits more flexibility in creating the compression needed on the limb.

A specialized sleeve, without the quilting, is available to be used as the base for wrapping a limb. This eliminates the need for placing several layers under the short-stretch wrap bandage final layer.

Contour Pads

JoVi Chest Pad (Courtesy of JoVi Pak.)

Contour Pads are compression aids used in treating truncal lymphedema. These pads, which are worn to control swelling and to soften fibrotic tissue, are usually held firmly in place by a bra that opens in the front. The pad wraps from the anterior (front) midline to the midline in the posterior (back) midline of the affected side.

Additional Brands

Other maufactures sell garments with similar construction. Also available are specialized styles and pads, known as Swell Spots, that aid in treating lymphedema and in healing sports injuries.

References

[1] Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich, A, Vinjé-Harrewijn PT, CLT-LANA, and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes, 2005.

[2] Lymphedema Caregiver’s Guide by M.K. Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA, E. McMahon PhD, and A. Ehrlich, MA. Lymph Notes 2009.

[3] NLN Position Statement on Treatment, 2006.

[4] ReidSleeve (Peninsula Medical, Inc.)

[5] JoVi Pak

[6] Solaris Swell Spots.

© LymphNotes.com 2009. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional. 

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Category: How Lymphedema is Treated Updated: 2009-11-13