WestCoast Vascular supplies compression stockings and compression garments with a specialised fitting and education service. WestCoast Vascular exclusively supplies the brands, Sigvaris and Mainat.
How to put Compression Stockings on:
At Home
The below videos how to put on Sigvaris Compression stockings easily and effectively. Stockings can be difficult to put on, please watch the above video on how to put stockings on properly and easily at home. When putting your stockings on you should always use gloves to help you and protect your stocking.
Before you start putting your stockings on make sure you have your gloves, your leg is clean, and your leg is dry. If the leg is moist the material will stick to the skin, making the stocking harder to put on. To dry the leg, leave it to air or dry with a hairdryer on a cool heat setting.
Open Toe Stockings
Closed Toe Stockings
For Bed ridden patients
If you are helping a family member or friend put on their compression stockings, we recommend using an aid. The Doff N Donner is the most suitable for aid for bed ridden and low mobility patients. It allows garments to be put on and taken off independently and by others.
The above video shows how to put on compression stockings for a patient who is bed ridden or needs help when putting on stockings.
Stocking Aids & Applicators
There are a number of different stocking aids that can be used to put on and take off stockings. Each aid is designed for different uses and patient mobility.
Doff N Donner
The Doff N’ Donner is a very effective system for putting on and taking off compression stockings. This is usually used by long term compression users.
The Doff N Donner allows for garments to be put on and take off without damaging the limb or garment in the process.
Magnide
The Magnide is a donning aid made of parachute material and designed to be used for open and closed toe stockings.
The Magnide is small and light weight, making it easy to be travelled with.
Melany
The Melany is the aid designed for those with low mobility needing to put compression garments on independently.
The garment is stretched over the foot applicator and the handles are used to slide the garment on to the limb.
Caring for your stockings
When you are using your stockings every day make sure you are washing and caring for them carefully. The above video has some tips from Sigvaris on how to best look after your stockings.
WestCoast Vascular recommends that you wash your stockings regularly and dry in the shade. They can be machine washed in a delicates bag on a gentle cycle.
You will also need to exfoliate your legs at least twice a week to ensure the skin is clean and dead skin is being removed. This will help with putting your stockings on and keeping your legs healthy.
Post Treatment or Surgery
Vein Treatment Instructions
Compression garments need to worn for 4 — 6 weeks post treatment. Garments need to be worn 24 hours a day, except when showering. We recommend having two pairs to wash and wear comfortably after your treatment.
Stockings are to be worn to reduce the occurrence of Deep Vein Thrombosis and best results after your treatment.
You will need to have a below knee or thigh high garment to cover all vein treatment sites. They will need to be a class 2 and no older than six months. Even if they have not been opened, garments start to have reduced elasticity after six months.
Please do not share garments with others. These are a medical device and need to be measured specifically for your body at the time of surgery. Sharing garments can lead to complications after your surgery.
We recommend wearing your garments for a few days before your treatment. If you have not worn compression before, your legs may need to adjust to the compression level required for your treatment. On occasion you may have questions after wearing your compression for the first time.
Garments should be replaced after six months.
Class 2 stockings come in a range of colours and styles. Contact our team on (08) 9386 9855 to oragnise your fitting appointment.
Surgical Instructions
Compression garments need to worn for 4 weeks post surgery. Garments need to be worn 24 hours a day, except when showering. We recommend having two pairs to wash and wear comfortably after your treatment.
Stockings are to be worn to reduce the occurrence of Deep Vein Thrombosis and aid with healing after your surgery.
You will need to have a thigh high garment to cover all vein treatment sites. They will need to be an anti-embolism stocking and no older than three months. Even if they have not been opened, garments start to have reduced elasticity after three months.
Please do not share garments with others. These are a medical device and need to be measured specifically for your body at the time of surgery. Sharing garments can lead to complications after your surgery.
We recommend wearing your garments for a few days before your surgery. If you have not worn compression before, your legs may need to adjust to the compression and to make sure the stockings fit. On occasion you may have questions after wearing your compression for the first time.
Garments should be replaced after three months.
Anti-embolism stockings come in white as they are designed for post surgery and hospital stays. Contact our team on (08) 9386 9855 to oragnise your fitting appointment.