Hi Friends, here’s a post for you to answer an FAQ.
I see this question all the time. I have lipedema – can I just buy off the shelf athletic (for some reason people ask specifically about Old Navy) compression leggings instead of leggings/stockings designed for medical purposes?
Short answer: Well, I don’t recommend it, especially if the compression isn’t strong at all.
On Old Navy’s site, they describe their Power Press leggings like this: “With our highest level of compression & four-way stretch, PowerPress leggings are all about that fitness flex, from kickboxing to kickin’ back”. But their description doesn’t say anything about controlling swelling for medical issues. Noted. (This is not a paid ad for Old Navy.)
To demonstrate my answer, I did a side-by-side test of compression using the Old Navy PowerPress legging in the best hot pink color ever (I do love it), against the Bioflect Compression Legging. Both were new. I wore the same outfit at the same times for two different days with compression being the difference.
Here’s what I noted:
While I could feel some pressure initially when putting them on, I didn’t feel support in the Old Navy Power Press. They were loose in spots on the leg (see wrinkles) and too long, despite my buying the correct size. My legs were not visibly smoothed at all during the Old Navy Day. At the end of the day, my legs had swollen, and the Old Navy leggings felt like they were more of a t-shirt material than a compression. I decided they would be perfect to sleep in as they for me, offered little to no compression. Also, the waist band is at my belly button, which I do not believe promotes full lymphatic movement like a to-the-bra compression would offer.
On the Bioflects, I felt supported, smoothed and held together all day, but still comfortable. At the end of the day, swelling was minimal (average for me) and the compression was consistent throughout the day (they didn’t loosen as the day went on).
I could easily slip my hand under the legs of the Old Navys where the Bioflects pushed down against anything going in the leg of the pants.
My recommendation: If you have lipedema, do not settle for buying Athletic compression as a substitute for medical compression. Start with over-the-counter types like Bioflect, Czalus, etc. If you need more compression, go to your doctor for a prescription or custom fitting for firmer compression and visit sites like lymphedemaproducts.com to see what’s available in an off the shelf.
Now, I talked with several doctors in the Lipedema Education group, who suggested a couple of things: 1) that I get a compression measuring device to do a more legitimate test (agreed), and that, 2) I look at other brands like LuLu Lemon, a Costco brand, and then some other medical grades like Marena, Soldara, etc. to continue the tests. Also agreed. I’ll keep doing side by sides, as I hear a couple of these off-the-shelf brands are worth looking into.
Remember: The best compression is what you’ll actually wear whether because they’re too hard to get on, they cut into you, you can’t afford more, or you cannot literally get some brands on. So, wear compression unless you have a medical reason not to. Wear what you can. But also, don’t fool yourself into believing that the cheaper off the shelf athletic brands are giving you the therapeutic compression you really need to prevent/slow disease progression. Be realistic about it. Every day. Talk to you doctor to see what they recommend for you as well!
Until the next review, take care!
Susan
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