6 Mistakes Not to Make When Buying Compression Stockings for Travel in 2024

While traveling is fun, it may affect your body negatively, especially legs. The reason for the leg fatigue, edema and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) comes from long hours sitting on flights or walking in new places.

Now, this is where compression stockings come in that help boost blood flow, decrease swelling and lower the risk of blood clots.

In a nutshell, it’s indispensable to select the right compression stockings to have a safe and comfortable trip.

However, with plenty of options in the market, deciding on one won’t be easy. To help you out, we have put forth a practical guide highlighting the key mistakes you must avoid when shopping for compression stockings for travel.

Mistake 1: Neglecting the Compression Level

One mistake common among travelers making a purchase of compression socks is ignoring the level of compression.

Compression socks have different degrees of strength, usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The higher the mmHg rating, the stronger the compression.

For long flights or long periods of sitting, most people are advised to go for socks with higher mmHg ratings, usually between 15-20 mmHg and 20–30 mmHg, due to having adequate support necessary to prevent swelling and boost circulation while traveling.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Proper Sizing

Another mistake is ignoring proper sizing. Compression stockings that are too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict blood flow, while those that are too loose might not provide enough compression for effectiveness.

It is important to measure your legs properly and refer to the manufacturer’s size chart for the right fit.

Pay attention to measurements such as calf circumference and leg length to ensure a comfortable and snug fit that offers optimal compression benefits.

Mistake 3: Choosing Style Over Function

It would be appealing to go with fashionable compression stockings especially while traveling but this should not be at the expense of its main purpose.

Compression stockings come in different types such as knee-high, thigh-high, full-length ones among others.

Each style has its own specific purpose like immobilizing swelling on ankles and feet (knee high stockings) or treating conditions of thighs and calves (thigh high/thigh-high or full-length stockings).

Thus, the most appropriate style depends on where you are going during your travel so as to improve ease and maximize advantages.

Mistake 4: Opting for Low-Quality Materials

One thing that comes first in the case of travel compression stockings is quality.

One can choose low-quality materials like this which will make someone wear compression stockings that are ineffective for a short time, easily tear or make you feel uncomfortable for long distances.

The best compression socks must be made of materials that are both breathable and moisture wicking unlike some that will become worn out after some time.

Nylon, spandex and cotton blends are among the clinical examples of such fabrics that can be used during traveling to give comfort and support at the same time.

Mistake 5: Not Consulting a Healthcare Professional

This is important because, although you can buy them over the counter, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if one has any underlying medical condition or specific concerns.

A healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate compression level, style, and sizing based on your individual needs and health status.

They can also provide guidance on how to wear and care for your compression stockings to maximize their benefits during travel.

Mistake 6: Waiting Until the Last Minute

Do not wait until the last minute to buy compression stockings before your next trip. In order to ensure you have the right pair ahead of time, it is advisable to plan ahead and purchase them well in advance.

This will allow adequate fitting, comfort level testing, and accommodation for new wearers.

Coming early may help because one’s options are narrowed down and choices made hurriedly enough that they might not satisfy one's interests.

The Bottom

Choosing the best compression stockings for travel with in 2024 requires factoring in such things as compression level, size, style, quality of material, expert advice, timely buying, and extras on the suitcase.

Avoiding these seven frequent mistakes can assist you in getting traveling stockings that are comfortable as you use them, making your journey easier by providing support, comfort, and increasing blood flow through the legs during travel. Have a safe trip!