The terms “support hose” and “compression hose” are frequently used interchangeably by the public, but they refer to distinctly different products with varying functions and regulatory standards. While both types of hosiery apply external pressure to the legs, their design, measurement, and intended use set them apart. Understanding these differences is necessary for selecting the appropriate garment, whether the goal is simple comfort or medical treatment. The distinction primarily centers on the precision and distribution of the pressure applied to the leg.
Understanding Support Hosiery
Support hose are over-the-counter garments designed to provide mild, comfortable pressure to the legs for general relief. They are generally considered non-medical items intended for wearers with healthy veins seeking relief from minor discomfort. Support hose are easily accessible at most pharmacies and do not require a prescription.
These garments offer a uniform pressure, meaning the squeeze is consistent from the ankle up the leg. The compression provided is typically low, generally falling below 15 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This mild, non-graduated pressure helps to gently counteract the feeling of tired or heavy legs that can result from long periods of standing or sitting. They primarily function to deliver comfort and minor preventative support.
Understanding Graduated Compression Hosiery
Compression hose are regulated medical devices specifically engineered to manage and treat circulatory conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, edema, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. The defining characteristic is the application of graduated pressure. This means the garment is constructed to be tightest at the ankle and gradually decrease in pressure intensity as it extends up the leg.
This specific pressure gradient actively assists the movement of blood back toward the heart, working against gravity and preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities. Compression hose apply a measured amount of force to the limb, which helps to reduce the diameter of major veins, thereby increasing the velocity of blood flow. These garments often require a consultation with a healthcare provider for proper fitting and pressure determination.
The Defining Difference: Measured Pressure
The difference between the two garments is fundamentally rooted in the measurement and distribution of the applied pressure. Compression hose are manufactured under strict technical specifications to deliver a precise, graduated amount of pressure, which is quantified using the medical unit millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For example, a common over-the-counter strength might be 8-15 mmHg, while medical-grade garments can range from 20-30 mmHg or even higher.
This measured, graduated pressure is the functional element that makes true compression hose effective for medical intervention. By applying maximum pressure at the ankle and progressively less pressure higher up, the stocking mimics the action of an external muscle. This external force facilitates venous return, helping to push pooled blood and fluids upward against gravity. Support hose, in contrast, offer a general, non-specific pressure that lacks this therapeutic gradient.
Selecting the Right Hosiery for Your Needs
The choice between support hose and compression hose depends entirely on the user’s health status and primary goal. If the need is simply for minor comfort, relief from everyday leg fatigue, or mild swelling reduction after a long day, support hose provide an appropriate, non-medical solution safe for general use without professional guidance.
If a person has a diagnosed medical condition such as varicose veins, significant edema, or a history of blood clots, consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary. A doctor will recommend the specific compression level, such as 20-30 mmHg, required to treat the condition effectively. Using high-level compression hose without proper sizing and medical oversight can potentially cause harm, making professional fitting and prescription a crucial step for therapeutic use.