What to choose for lymphostasis of the arm – elastic bandage or compression sleeve?

Lymphostasis is a chronic condition in which the outflow of lymphatic fluid is disrupted. It most often occurs in the legs and leads to severe swelling, deformation, and thickening of the skin. However, lymphostasis can sometimes affect the arms, usually after breast surgery when lymph nodes are removed. It can also develop due to trauma, inflammation, or congenital insufficiency of the lymphatic vessels.

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Without treatment, lymphatic edema progresses rapidly—it becomes dense, arm movement is restricted, and severe pain appears. That is why doctors recommend starting compression therapy as early as possible—it not only alleviates the condition of lymphostasis, but also prevents its development.

How does compression therapy work?

Compression is measured pressure applied to the tissues of the arm. It prevents lymph and excess fluid from stagnating and gently directs them back into the vascular bed. This not only reduces swelling but also prevents the progression of lymphostasis. Compression garments also support vascular tone and accelerate venous blood flow to the heart.

Elastic bandages and compression sleeves are used for compression therapy in lymphostasis.

Compression sleeve – a ready-made solution

The compression sleeve is worn like clothing – from the wrist to the shoulder. It creates physiologically correct pressure – stronger at the wrist and weaker at the shoulder. This graduated compression distribution helps fluid move upward toward the heart.

The Lauma Medical compression sleeve provides pressure of 23-32 mmHg, which corresponds to compression class II, which doctors most often recommend for lymphostasis of the arm. It is made of nylon (60%) and Lycra (40%) and is available in two versions – with and without a glove. The elastic sleeve is ideal for continuous wear.

Elastic bandage – flexibility in use

Elastic bandages can be particularly useful in the early stages of lymphostasis or during periods of severe swelling, when it is difficult to find the right size sleeve. Their main advantage is the ability to manually adjust the degree of tension. This allows the compression to be “adjusted” to the changing condition of the arm.

Lauma Medical elastic bandages are highly durable and retain their properties even with frequent use. A special weaving technology prevents “over-tightening” and ensures even pressure. However, for the bandage to work effectively, it is important to apply it correctly—at first, this must be done under the supervision of a specialist.

Please note: for lymphostasis, elastic bandages with medium elasticity (100-150%) are most often used.

What to choose for lymphostasis?

Both compression therapy options are effective, but are used in different situations.

Sleeves are most often chosen:

for “stable” lymphostasis;
for convenient and quick donning;
if constant use of compression hosiery is required.

Bandages are preferred:

for changing arm size;
during the acute phase of edema;
when it is impossible to find the right sleeve size;
when individual tension adjustment is required.

How to choose the right compression hosiery?

Compression therapy only works when it is correctly selected: insufficient pressure is ineffective, while excessive pressure disrupts blood circulation.

Lauma Medical elastic products are designed with these features in mind. The compression sleeve provides an anatomical “fit”, stable support for the arm and comfort throughout the day. And the elastic bandage is indispensable in situations where independent pressure regulation and adaptation to volume are required