Boots Flight Socks Compression Level 14-17mmHg Size 6-9- 1 Pair (2024)

FAQs

What level of compression socks is best for air travel? ›

It's generally accepted that 20-30 mmHg is the ideal compression level for travel. This mid-level of compression is comfortable enough for everyday wear and applies proper pressure that helps with swelling and leg fatigue.

Flight socks usually offer a compression level of 14-17 mmHg, which is considered mild and generally sufficient to prevent DVT and reduce swelling during flights. In contrast, compression socks come in a variety of compression levels, from mild (8-15 mmHg) to extra firm (30-40 mmHg).

A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).

Thus, he also supports the recommendation to wear compression stockings for flights longer than four or five hours ― especially if you've developed leg swelling or blood clots in the past or have a family history of clotting.

Yes, really. Your grandmother and marathon runners are on to something. These stockings help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling or worse deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clotting on a long flight.

Compression garments are supposed to feel snug, but they aren't supposed to hurt. Wearing your socks changes the color of your skin.

The most important measurement is the circumference of your ankle and then the circumference of your calf. The foot size is less important. Our socks are designed based on an average leg length, so if you are very tall or short, we advise you to double check the length on the size chart.

If you're on a long flight. “There is considerable evidence that on trips of more than four hours, people who wear compression stockings have a statistically significant lower chance of developing deep vein thrombosis,” says Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, a medical transport company.

No. The stockings you are given when in hospital are for bed bound immobile patients whose legs remain at the same level as their heart. Medical grade graduated compression socks are designed to provide graduated compression to an upright leg (sitting or standing).

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? Compression stockings are generally safe but can cause you pain or even cut off your circulation if you don't wear the proper size. The pressure also can cause minor bruising or skin ulcers, and tightly fitting socks also can cause dry skin, redness, and itching.

What happens if you wear the wrong compression socks? ›

Cut off circulation — If compression stockings are too tight or not fitted for your unique situation, they can go beyond continuous gentle pressure that supports circulation and instead restrict blood flow.

If a larger size is chosen, the compression garment may slip or fall throughout the day. Either way, we want your calf to be comfortable. Thus, it is advised that you choose a size that puts your calf measurement in the middle of the sizing range.

Prolonged sitting during flights can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition where blood clots develop in the legs. Wearing compression socks on a long flight helps reduce this risk by promoting healthy blood flow.

The main reason to use compression socks on a flight is to keep the blood circulating. When you are in a confined space for a long period of time without moving much, the veins in the lower legs can struggle to circulate blood to your heart.

20 mmHg works well for those who are traveling. 20 to 30 mmHg compression stockings are usually fine. In fact, that is what I recommend. 15-20mmHg compression is usually recommended for normal legs without any varicose veins as a means of increasing venous return and reducing venous pressure.

A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.