The terms “support hose” and “compression hose” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to fundamentally different types of elastic hosiery. While both are worn on the legs, their function, construction, and regulation are distinct. Understanding these differences is necessary for choosing the correct product for specific circulation or comfort needs. The distinction centers on the pressure profile applied and whether the product is intended for general wellness or specific medical treatment.
The Fundamental Difference: Pressure and Purpose
The primary difference between the two types of hosiery lies in how they apply pressure and their intended physiological effect. Compression hosiery uses graduated compression, meaning the garment is tightest at the ankle and gradually becomes less tight moving up the leg. This pressure gradient is designed to work against gravity, helping to push deoxygenated blood from the lower extremities back toward the heart, which improves venous return.
Support hose, by contrast, typically applies a uniform pressure along the length of the garment, or a very mild pressure that is not graduated. This non-graduated pressure provides general comfort and mild support for tired or achy legs. Compression hosiery is designed to actively manage blood flow and prevent pooling, while support hose is primarily for general comfort and fatigue reduction.
Compression Hosiery: Medical Grade and Regulation
Compression hosiery is considered a medical device due to its precise engineering and therapeutic function. In the United States, medical-grade compression garments are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulation ensures the products meet strict technical specifications for consistency, durability, and the delivery of the stated pressure.
The pressure applied is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the same unit used to measure blood pressure. Compression levels start at mild ranges (8–15 mmHg) and increase through moderate (15–20 mmHg), firm (20–30 mmHg), and extra-firm (30–40 mmHg or higher) categories. Higher pressure levels, typically 20–30 mmHg and above, are often reserved for treating diagnosed medical conditions. These conditions include chronic venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic syndrome, and severe edema. Stronger therapeutic levels frequently require a medical prescription and professional fitting to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Support Hosiery: General Use and OTC Availability
Support hosiery falls into the category of non-medical products and is not subject to the same rigorous medical device regulation as compression hosiery. These items are widely available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies and retail stores without a prescription. The pressure offered by support hose is typically mild, usually falling below 15 mmHg.
The mild, non-graduated pressure provides comfort and relief from minor leg fatigue associated with long periods of standing or sitting, such as during air travel. They offer a gentle feeling of support that can help prevent the feeling of heaviness or minor swelling at the end of the day. Since they are not designed to treat a specific medical condition, they are generally made of lighter, less restrictive materials than medical-grade compression garments.
Choosing the Right Hosiery
When choosing between support and compression hosiery, the key consideration is the severity of symptoms and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. Support hose is appropriate for general wellness and comfort, particularly for individuals with healthy circulation looking to alleviate common leg fatigue. These mild, OTC products offer a preventative measure against minor swelling and achiness.
If an individual experiences persistent pain, significant swelling (edema), skin discoloration, or has a history of blood clots or diagnosed venous disease, seeking medical advice is prudent. A healthcare provider can determine if a graduated compression garment is necessary to manage a specific condition. For therapeutic compression, proper sizing and fitting are paramount. An improperly sized or fitted medical-grade stocking can be ineffective or potentially cause harm, such as nerve irritation.