Adjustable compression wraps: applications & benefits

What are wraps?

Adjustable compression devices with inelastic properties.

When are they used?

For the management of lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency and lipedema.

What makes them so special?

The combination of material attributes (high working pressure, low resting pressure) and design properties (self-adjustability) offers many benefits over conventional bandages (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20).

Benefit 1: self-management

Self-application

• Easy and quick self-application by patient or caregiver
• Ideal for patients with limited access to care centers

Self-adjustment

• Patient can tighten wraps when they loosen due to edema reduction
• Possibility to loosen in case of discomfort
• Better pressure maintenance over time

Self-hygiene & skin care

• Wrap and liner can be easily removed and washed if needed
• Hygiene and skin care can be performed at home and more regularly

Benefit 2: enhanced treatment efficacy (upper & lower limbs)

Lymphedema

• Effective edema reduction & maintenance
• Maintenance of appropriate compression lovel
• Reduced pain & heaviness
• Increased mobility
• Improved skin integrity
• Improved leg shape
• Greater limb volume reduction compared to bandages despite same initial pressure

Venous leg edema & ulcers

• Improved venous return (high static stiffness index)
• Effective edema reduction
• Reduced pain
• Fast ulcer healing rate, prevention of ulcer recurrence
• Improved skin integrity & density
• More effective than bandages in reducing edema & healing ulcers

Lipedema / lipolymphedema

• Reduction in leg volume
• Tissue support
• Increased mobility, decrease in discomfort and pain (based on observational reports)

Liposuction

• Effective volume reduction in the management of post-operative edema after liposuction

Benefit 3: cost-effective

Direct cost savings – material saving:

• wraps are washable & reusable
• material costs for wraps versus bandages met after approximately one month = cost effective despite initial outlay

Indirect cost savings – time saving:

• Self-application: fewer clinic visits, more time available for the clinician to perform manual lymph drainage & skin care
• Application/handling quick & easy to learn by clinicians & caregivers

Benefit 4: enhanced quality of life

• Increased comfort (low resting pressure) while being effective
• Improved gait, stability & mobility
• Nicer cosmetiv appearence and less bulky than bandages
• Normal clothes and shoes can be worn again
• Improved wound care
• Enhanced independence, confidence & satisfaction
• Improved psychosocial aspects
• Increased concordance & compliance