Putting a Class I Stocking over a Class I Stocking Does Not Make a Class II Stocking

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the interface pressures (IP) obtained by double compression stockings. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers with legs fitting size S stockings wore single and double class I stockings, sizes S to 4L. We measured IPs with the patient wearing each stocking standing and supine. Results: IPs obtained wearing double S size stockings, standing and supine, were 1.7 times and 20 mmHg higher than those obtained by a single S size stocking (52.1 ± 4.7 and 46.4 ± 4.5 mmHg vs. 31.5 ± 3.3 and 27.3 ± 2.3 mmHg, respectively). Despite the decreasing IP with increased stocking sizes, all IPs obtained by double stockings, standing and supine, even with size 4L (43.2 ± 5.1 and 37.3 ± 5.5 mmHg respectively), were significantly higher than those obtained by a single S stocking. Conclusion: Significantly higher IPs were achieved standing and supine, by doubling stockings. We should rather be aware that double stockings in the supine position can result in excessively high IPs.