Living with lymphedema can be challenging, but there are effective lymphedema products available that can help you manage swelling and improve your daily comfort.
As a physical therapist, I regularly work with compression garments, bandages, and other specialized items that make a real difference in managing lymphedema symptoms. Here’s a list of the best lymphedema products I know, trust, and use!
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What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when the lymphatic system isn’t working properly, causing fluid to build up in various parts of the body. While there isn’t currently a cure, proper management can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The condition most commonly affects arms and legs, but it can also occur in other parts of the body as well. With consistent care and the right tools, many people successfully manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle.
How Do Lymphedema Products Help Manage Symptoms?
Effective compression therapy is a big part of lymphedema treatment. It works by applying controlled pressure to affected areas, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and promotes proper lymph flow.
You can use products like compression garments, compression bandages, and compression wraps on the affected limb. These lymphedema products create gradient compression that encourages fluid to move out of swollen areas and back into circulation. This helps reduce swelling and improve comfort.
Below, I’ll share some of the best lymphedema supplies for legs, arms, and breasts.
You can find more recommended products on my lymphedema products page as well as in Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab and Breast Cancer Rehab (for arm, breast, or neck lymphedema that developed after breast cancer treatment).
Best Lymphedema Products for Legs
L&R Solaris TributeNight™
The L&R Solaris TributeNight™ is a custom nighttime compression garment for lymphedema management. It’s made with innovative foam technology and breathable microfiber fabric to help reduce swelling while you sleep.
The garment wicks away moisture and regulates temperature so you feel more comfortable during the night. It’s custom-made to your exact measurements and supports natural sleeping positions.
Sigvaris Compreflex Transition Calf Wrap
This calf wrap provides effective compression therapy for people with lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and other conditions.
Its patent-pending Accutab system delivers precise compression levels from 20-50 mmHg, and the built-in stretch panel holds the garment securely in place as you put it on. I like how durable this product is, it’s great for long-term use!
mediven Circaid Compression Anklet
The mediven circaid compression anklet applies targeted light compression to the foot and ankle area. It’s elastic and works well together with other lymphedema products, such as lower leg wraps.
Mediven Comfort Knee High
The Mediven Comfort Knee Highs offer medical-grade compression therapy (20-30 mmHg). They have an anatomically knit design with a soft, double-stretch foot area for optimal fit and comfort.
I like that they manage moisture and temperature effectively and have a special antimicrobial treatment and technology to prevent odors. They’re good for lymphedema and moderate edema.
Circaid Reduction Kit
The Advanced Lower Leg Reduction Kit is a great option for the acute drainage phase of lymphedema management. It’s adjustable and helps maintain consistent compression levels each time you wear it. If you’re looking for an alternative to compression bandages, this is a good option.
Lymphedema Products for Arms
L&R Solaris TributeNight™
The L&R Solaris TributeNight™ is a custom nighttime compression garment, and you can make it fit your exact measurements. It supports natural sleeping positions while maintaining effective compression and regulating temperature so you can sleep more comfortably.
You can get this custom lymphedema compression garment made for different body parts!
Mediven Harmony Glove
The mediven Harmony Seamless Glove eliminates pressure points and irritation in important areas like finger borders, between fingers, and at the thumb base so it’s easier for you to grasp and handle objects. It also manages moisture and provides a cooling sensation while you wear it. It’s great for managing existing lymphedema or preventing its progression.
JOBST® Bella™ Lite Glove
The JOBST® Bella™ Lite Ready-To-Wear Upper Extremity Garment is a great product for mild to moderate lymphedema and edema. It’s lightweight and has a breathable construction that keeps you comfortable throughout the day, but it might not have the necessary compression to manage severe swelling.
L&R ExoStrong™ Arm Sleeve
This arm sleeve is great for daily lymphedema management. It has a pre-bent elbow construction that allows you to move your arm naturally, but it still applies consistent compression from the wrist to the underarm area. I like that it also feels soft and gentle on your skin.
JOBST Elvarex Armsleeve & Glove
This lymphedema product is made to your precise measurements and has a unique two-layer Functional Zone with soft, elastic yarns that prevent cutting and wrinkling. Many people like that this garment is mobile around the joints but still provides enough pressure.
Lymphedema Bandaging Products
Bandaging is another way to reduce swelling and maintain limb shape. The difference between lymphedema bandaging and compression garments is that you can adjust bandaging systems as swelling decreases.
Artiflex Padding
Artiflex is a high-quality non-woven padding bandage that can work for pretty much any limb volume or limb size. It’s available in multiple widths and packaging options.
Comprilan Short Stretch Bandages
Comprilan Short Stretch Bandages are usually used as an outer compression layer. They provide the specific resistance and compression needed to effectively move fluid out of the limb.
L&R Rosidal® Soft Foam Padding
This latex-free, skin-friendly foam padding is breathable but at the same time permeable to moisture. You can gently stretch the material as you apply it to add additional shaping and compression. It can be cost-effective because you can wash it multiple times before it loses its shape.
More Lymphedema Products & Resources
These are just a few of my favorite lymphedema products that I use and trust, and you can find more on my lymphedema products page. I also share products for breast lymphedema, pelvic lymphedema, and head/neck lymphedema there.
For in-depth education and support on managing lymphedema symptoms, check out Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab and Breast Cancer Rehab.
FAQs
How many hours a day should you wear a compression sleeve for lymphedema?
Compression sleeves should typically be worn during your waking hours, which usually means 12-16 hours per day. People usually put their compression garments on first thing in the morning when swelling is at its lowest and remove it before bedtime. But your medical team can recommend a different wearing schedule depending on your specific symptoms and needs.
What are the downsides of compression sleeves?
Compression garments are an important part of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), but sometimes people experience challenges. They may feel warm or uncomfortable, especially in hot weather, and can be difficult to put on and take off. Some people experience skin irritation or see pressure marks. But these things typically happen because the compression garment isn’t a good fit for you, so it’s important to go with trusted, high-quality products.
Where does the fluid go when you wear compression socks?
Compression therapy helps move excess lymph fluid out of your affected limb and back into circulation. Once it reaches healthy lymph nodes, it gets processed by them and then eventually makes its way back to the heart and into the circulatory system or gets filtered by your kidneys.
How to sleep with lymphedema in the legs?
If you have leg lymphedema, sleeping can be uncomfortable. Try elevating your legs above heart level using pillows to reduce swelling. Many people also benefit from using specific nighttime compression garments designed for sleeping, such as the L&R Solaris TributeNight™.
What happens if you wear a compression sleeve too long?
Wearing compression garments beyond the recommended daily wear time (like sleeping in daytime compression garments or wearing them 24/7) can potentially cause problems. You may see skin irritation or experience discomfort. In some cases, you can also see bands of fluid accumulation above or below the garment. Make sure to follow your recommended wearing schedule and use appropriate nighttime compression options (if wearing garments at night).
Get More Lymphedema Education & Support
Living with lymphedema often feels like a daily battle, and the swelling can be extremely uncomfortable. But there are steps you can take to start managing symptoms more effectively.
You can find accessible education, techniques, and physical therapy exercises in Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab and Breast Cancer Rehab.
