Lymphedema & Compression Fitting Guide. 

Feel Uplifted Regardless of Your Lymphatic Condition

Choose the perfect compression garment from our wide range of products and Brands to reduce swelling and enhance your overall well-being. Swelling in your arms and legs can indicate lymphedema or lipedema. Our garments are specifically designed to accommodate various shapes and needs.

Evaluate Your Needs

• Where do you need compression?
• Are you bilateral?
• Do you wear breast prostheses?
• What is your body shape?

Take Your Measurements in Inches

• Bust
• Waist
• Hips
• Arms
• Legs
• Head
• Hands
• Feet

Compare your measurements to the closest fit on the size chart. If your measurements fall between sizes, always choose the smaller size.

Choosing the Right Garment

• Camisoles and Shirts: Measure your bust, waist, and hips. If you need torso compression but have disproportionate measurements due to being bilateral and not wearing forms, consider a vest.
• Bras: Measure around the fullest part of your bust (nipple line) while wearing a bra. Include prostheses in the measurement if applicable. Refer to the appropriate size chart.
• Capris and Shorts: Measure your waist and hips, then compare to the closest fit on the size chart.
• Sleeves, Gloves and Gauntlets. Measure your arm using a sizing chart diagram. Since it can be challenging to measure your own arm, we recommend asking a Specialist, partner or friend to assist you. You will need a tape measure or a string and ruler for accurate measurements. If you are looking for Lymphedema compression in San Diego contact us.
• Legs and Feet compression. Measure your legs and feet using a compression sizing chart diagram. Since it can be challenging to measure yourself, we recommend asking a specialist, partner, or friend to assist you. You will need a tape measure or a string and ruler for accurate measurements. If you need lymphedema compression in San Diego, contact Bras and Honey.
• Head and Torso Compression. 

When properly fitted, garments should feel comfortable and provide relief.

Understanding Lymphedema and Lipedema

• Lymphedema: Caused by a dysfunction in the flow of lymph fluid, typically affecting the arms or legs.
• Lipedema: A chronic condition where fat disproportionately increases in specific areas of the body, usually the legs, primarily affecting women. The obesity often seen in lipedema can damage the lymphatic system, leading to secondary lymphedema.

Compression therapy is essential for treating these conditions. Custom-made compression garments offer comfort, reduce symptoms, and help you live life to the fullest.

The Importance of Compression Garment Properties

The effectiveness of a compression garment, such as a medical compression stocking (MCS) or adjustable wrap (AW), depends on the compression dose (mmHg) and the textile's physical and dynamic properties, including elasticity and stiffness. Transparency about the comprehensive compression profile is necessary for selecting the appropriate MCS/AW. Additionally, patient-specific characteristics (tissue texture, limb size, location of swelling, quality of edema, patient functional level) are crucial in selecting the right compression garment.

Managing Arm Lymphedema

To manage or reduce the risk of arm lymphedema, a compression arm sleeve is essential. It provides compression from the wrist to the bicep, helping move fluid toward the body. Determine if you need a handpiece with your arm sleeve. A gauntlet provides compression in the palm, while a glove covers the fingers and palm. The Medical Advisory Board recommends wearing a compression gauntlet or glove to maintain proper graduated compression and maximize the benefits of a medical compression garment.

Graduated compression garments work by moving fluid from areas of higher compression to lower compression. The highest pressure should be at the most distal point (fingers/palm) and decrease as it moves up the arm. Not wearing a hand compression garment leaves the fingers and palm without necessary compression.

Determining Compression Levels

The prescribing professional (doctor, physical therapist, or lymphedema therapist) will assess your arm and determine whether you need Class 1 (20-30mmHg) or Class 2 (30-40mmHg) compression. Class 1 is typically for preventative use and mild lymphedema, while Class 2 is for more advanced cases.

Custom Compression garments. 

Our trained and certified staff are able to measure for custom compression garments. These include specifying custom compression levels and fabrics.  This items include custom compression sleeves, custom compression gloves, compression gauntlets, custom compression leg pieces and custom compression foot pieces. Please contact us for me information. We can also help by proving an array of colors or tones for you to choose from.  

Brands we supply

We have a wide selection of lymphedema products and brands available at our disposal. These compression manufacturers are the industry leaders and provide specialist and custom compression, as well as off the shelf compression garments. These Brands include, Juzo, Amoena, BSN Medical, Medi, L&R, Essity, Anita, American Breast Care.  

Finding a Fitting Professional

If you're working with a lymphedema or physical therapist, they can take your measurements and recommend a garment size and compression class. To find a certified lymphedema therapist, consult your doctor or insurance company. If a therapist isn't an option, our certified Lymphedema fitters at Bras and Honey can assist. A fitter will ensure the garment fits correctly and that the fabric is distributed properly without any issues.

Please note that the compression specialists at Bras and Honey in San Diego are not medical professionals and can only provide guidance on the fit of compression garments. For a more comprehensive assessment, a fitter, doctor, or therapist can offer detailed insights and compare multiple brands to find the garment that will help you achieve optimal results.