Flat Knit Compression Garments
Flat knit compression garments are custom-made gradient compression garments that are measured and fit to any part of the body and are accommodating to all shapes and sizes. Made of short-stretch fabric, they are the preferred choice of medical professionals for optimal, medical-grade coverage and containment during all stages in lymphedema management.
About Flat Knit Compression Garments
Flat knit compression garments fit snugly to provide the support lymphedema patients need, but not too tightly to cause pain or discomfort. This low-resting pressure of flat knit garments eliminates the “pinching” and the tight squeeze that can happen when donning ready-to-wear, circular knit garments.
As the name suggests, the flat-knit method produces a flat piece of fabric that has been knitted row by row. Production of custom garments like this involves multiple stages and allows for stitches to be added or removed at any time during the process. This knitting technique helps make the garments more tailored to patients’ particular needs.
The best way to understand each compression garment is to schedule a visit with one of our specialists. They will expertly measure and fit patients for a personal garment that allows for the best possible management of lymphedema. Follow-up visits to ensure that patients have the right fit are also part of our service.
Be careful: fingernails and jewelry are capable of damaging compression garments. Remove jewelry and use the pads of your fingers, not the nails. Consider wearing rubber Sigvaris Donning Gloves if your nails are too long, or your finger strength is too weak. Do not apply creams or lotions to your limbs before donning your compression garment.
Donning – Lower Extremity
Step 1: Turn the upper half of the stocking inside out to the heel by gently sliding the stocking down over the foot portion.
Step 2: Slip your foot into the foot portion.
Step 3: Gently ease the remaining part of the stocking over the heel.
Step 4: Use the palms of your hands to massage the stocking upwards towards the knee. DO NOT pull or yank at the upper edge of the stocking.
Step 5: Follow the same procedure for the opposite leg, taking care that the stitch rows always run vertically.
Step 6: For thigh-highs and pantyhose, position both stockings, as described above, until just below the knee.
Step 7: Gently ease the stocking onto the thigh. Work the stocking upwards into place using the palms of your hands until the stocking reaches the groin area.
If putting on a thigh-high stocking with silicone border, DO NOT pull the stocking up from the silicone border.
Step 8: For pantyhose, ease the body part of the panty hose to your waist. The seams should run vertically up the front of the garment.
Donning – Upper Extremity
Step 1: Fold the top half of the sleeve down over the bottom half of the sleeve.
Step 2: Using the folded edge, gently ease the sleeve over the hand and up the arm until the folded edge reaches the elbow.
Step 3: Take the end of the top half of the sleeve and slide it slowly up the upper part of the arm towards the shoulder. Using Sigvaris Donning Gloves helps make the process much easier.
Step 4: Use the palm of your hand to equally distribute the knit and guide the sleeve into place. The knit should look even and fit smoothly over the length of the arm.
- Machine wash in warm water with mild detergent, avoiding Woolite or detergents with perfumes or other additives
- Do not use bleach
- Tumble dry low
- Do not dry clean
- Do not iron
Custom-made flat knit compression garments are fit guaranteed for 14 days. If the fit is not 100% to your satisfaction, just let us know within 14 days with new instructions and/or measurements from your therapist or our advocate, and we will have the garment remade at no additional charge.
Please note that there are no refunds for flat knit compression garments since they are custom made. However, they can be remade at no additional charge when measurements are provided by one of our advocates or your certified lymphedema therapist.
Under the rare circumstances that require a second remake, Absolute Medical will provide the patient with a new garment at no additional cost, as long as we are notified within 14 days from the most recent order.
All previous garments must be returned within 14 days of receiving your new garment. Items must be in returnable and laundered condition, with all original packaging and contents from the box.