#1: Mediven products are latex-free and cotton-free.

Medi, the company that manufactures Mediven support hose, says this on their website: “Medi understands the significant risk associated with putting products that contain latex, directly on the skin. The risk of having an adverse allergic reaction with latex is therefore eliminated. As for cotton-free, Medi believes strongly in non-cotton, breathable products that contain anti-microbial properties. Just look at high-end sports apparel being sold today, no cotton.”

#2: You may need a doctor’s prescription to wear certain types of Mediven support hose.

You can still purchase Mediven hose over the Internet, but for certain strengths of support hose — for example, for hose that offer 30-40 mmHg or more compression levels — you’ll need to fax in a copy of your doctor’s prescription. Wearing these levels of Mediven support hose is usually for people with serious venous disease and lymphedema. Lower compression levels of Mediven support hose can be worn by pregnant women, people who stand on their feet a lot at work, people recovering from surgery, or those with spider or varicose veins.

#3: Mediven support hose are not the same as anti-embolism stockings.

Here’s what the company that manufacturers them has to say about the differences: “Anti-embolism stockings are given out in hospitals. They’re specifically designed for patients who are lying down. While they provide slight compression along the leg, they do not provide the prescription graduated compression that’s so important for fighting vein disease when you are up and about and leading a normal life.”

#4: Mediven support hose don’t look like your grandma’s support stockings!

Gone are the days of beige-colored stockings pooling around your ankles. Today’s support hose are constructed of lighter, more breathable elastics and fibers that works more effectively to prevent vein problems. They come in a variety of colors and lengths, depending on your lifestyle, fashion preferences, and the level of compression you need.

#5: You can buy Mediven support hose online.

There are many medical suppliers that carry a variety of Mediven support hose online. Amazon, which often offers free shipping, also carries a number of items from the Mediven line:

• Mediven Assure, Closed Toe, with top band, 30-40 mmHg, Thigh High Compression Stocking, Beige ($62.99)
• Mediven Plus, Thigh-High, 20-30mmHg, Open Toe, Compression Stocking, Beige ($82.99)One reviewer says: “I have been wearing Medi Assure Thigh High hose for several years and have always been very satisfied with the quality, comfort, and effectiveness of them. For my last order, I purchased the toeless version of this stocking. They are incredibly comfortable, and my toes don’t feel cramped up anymore, plus, now I will be able to wear sandals for the summer! I will definitely be purchasing more of these!”
• Mediven Sheer and Soft Thigh High w/ Silicone Top Band, Closed Toe, 15-20 mmHg, Ebony ($13.47)One user found herself preferring these Mediven support hose to Jobst support hose: “I’m so glad I purchased these stockings even though there were no reviews on them at the time. I also ordered the Jobst equivalent at the same time to give both a try and these are superior by far to the Jobst 8-15 mmHg stockings in the same style. Somehow the material (even the waistband) is soft and non-irritating, stays up without constricting anywhere and does not restrict the toes. They really look nice too. I will definitely be ordering more.”
• Mediven - Elegance - Knee High Womens Stockings - 30 40 mmHg ($72.99)
• Mediven Patriot Dress Socks, Ribbed, Calf Style, 30-40 mmHg, Navy ($35.99)
• Mediven Night Cream - for use with Mediven Support Hose ($14.95)The manufacturer says this about the cream: “Medi Night Creme soothes and comforts your legs.  Ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter nourish your skin, while witch hazel provides soothing relief.  Medi Night Cream also contains horse chestnut seed extract which has been used for centuries to treat venous insufficiency.  After removing (doffing) your compression stockings, apply to your legs and massage in gently.”

Buying Cheap Could Hurt Your Health

Discount support hose come in a variety of compression levels. Typically, lighter support hose with less compression are less expensive than higher compression stockings. But stockings in the 8-15 mmHg range, the cheapest varieties, only help people with minor vein problems, such as aching legs from pregnancy or people in careers that have them on their feet a lot.

People with serious vein problems, whose doctors recommend firmer compression, may be putting their health at risk if they try to skimp on cost by using a lighter compression than they need. If you need cheap support hosiery in the 30-40 mmHg or higher range, expect to pay $75 or more per pair.

Off-Brand Stockings May Not Work as Well

Juzo, Jobst, Sigvaris, and Mediven are some of the most common manufacturers of support hose. Those looking for discount medical stockings may come across drugstore brands or knockoff varieties produced overseas on auction sites, but often you get what you pay for: the compression level may not be as advertised, or the stockings may be low quality and wear out more quickly than a name brand carried by medical supply stores.

Buying Used Often a Bad Idea

Online auction sites like Ebay and even Craigslist may turn up deals on lightly used compression stockings. But consider this: With used compression stockings, it’s hard to verify the stocking’s level of compression, especially if there is no original packaging. The previous wearer may have weighed more or less than you, stretching out the stocking and compromising the compression.

For these reasons, doctors do not recommend wearing used stockings, but instead getting those fitted for you. However, if you can find new cheap medical stockings that come in their original packaging, and you’re certain you’re getting the brand, size, and compression level you need, you may be able to snag a deal.

Discount Medical Stockings: Not Impossible to Find

Buying medical stockings online can net you some bargains, though. Here are a few tips to get online deals on name brand support stockings:

1) Purchasing through a retailer like Amazon can get you free shipping for orders over $25 (free 2-day membership if you have a Prime membership). They carry brands like:

• Juzo
• Jobst
• Sigvaris
• Mediven

2) Look for coupon codes for online discount support hose retailers. Try Googling “coupon code” and the name of the supplier website to find codes that you can enter to get a percentage off your order or free shipping.

3) Buy multiples. It’s not as good a shipping deal as Amazon, but other medical supply retailers often offer free shipping on orders $65 and above, so buying stockings in bulk (and you’ll need at least one pair to wear, one pair to wash) can save some money.

One user states: “I have used these support hose for three years now and they have performed as I would expect. I decided to find an on-line location to purchase them and could not be more pleased . . . I will be buying the same product again.”

Of the Mediven Elegance Knee High 20-30mmHg, one user notes: “These hose cost a bit more. After trying the bargains, I will only buy the quality ones in the future. These control the swelling and pain in my legs. That relief is priceless.”

Of the Mediven Elegance Pantyhose 20-30mmHg, one flight attendant reports: “I have been wearing the Mediven Elegance Pantyhose 20-30 mmHg to work for many years. I’m an international flight attendant; these compression pantyhose make a huge difference for me and the way my legs feel! I no longer have aching legs when I come off a long flight. Also, they are very durable and come in fashionable shades. I have tried other brands but Mediven are the best!”

When it comes to Mediven Active Dress Socks for Men 20-30mmHg, one Mediven hose user finds: “Easy on. Stay up. Feet stay dry. Comfortable. Easy to wash and stay in shape after repeated washing.”

Another satisfied customer says of the same product: “Wonderful stuff! I never thought it could be this stylish and useful. Need to buy more.”

Mediven hose has recently added a Sheer & Soft line. Here’s what one user says: “These hose are soft and sheer. They are easy to put on and the overall feel is great. The wide band is an improvement over the last ones I purchased two years ago.”

Brand

Some popular brands of support panty hose include Sigvaris, Juzo, Mediven, and Jobst. Specialty maternity support hose are also available for pregnant women.

Compression Level

Support panty hose are made of tight, elastic fibers that help squeeze the veins in your legs and improve blood flow. The first thing you should find out from your doctor is the compression level of support panty hose you need. The compression level indicates how tightly the fibers squeeze your legs. Light compression is 8-15 mmHg; other support levels are 15-20 mmHg; 20-30 mmHg; 30-40 mmHg; and 40-50 mmHg +. Higher compression levels require a doctor’s prescription; up to 20 mmHg can be purchased online or from a drugstore or pharmacy.

Length

Support panty hose are often available in thigh high and knee high lengths. Your doctor may offer some suggestions on which length works best for you. Some studies have shown that knee high varieties work just as well as thigh highs, and they’re easier for people to get on and off.

Color and Thickness

In many cases, support pantyhose come in a variety of colors and thicknesses, as well as support levels and lengths. Brands such as Sigvaris offer color choices such as black, navy, white, and terracotta as well as the more traditional nude or beige colors.

These options should give you some direction when it comes to choosing support hosiery. Your doctor may offer some suggestions on brand, length, and compression level, but when it comes to color choices, it’s up to you!

How does it work? The tight, supportive fibers of maternity hose (like those manufactured by Sigvaris, Mediven, Juzo, and Jobst) squeeze against the veins in your legs. This allows blood to circulate more easily and makes it less likely that you’ll develop varicose and spider veins. Varicose and spider veins often develop during a woman’s pregnancy.

Hairstylists, teachers, nurses, or other professions that have you on your feet all day can be especially tiresome when you’re carrying the 25 or so extra pregnancy pounds. Pregnant women in these types of professions often find that maternity hose can relieve their tired, aching legs.

And don’t worry - maternity support stockings come in a variety of styles, colors, and compression levels to fit your fashion needs. Knee high and thigh high length stockings are available, as well as casual and dress socks.

Examples of maternity hose include:

• Spanx Power Mama Power Panties

• Spanx Mama Pantyhose

• Gabrialla Graduated Medium Compression Maternity Pantyhose

Although drugstore support stocking brands often work well for milder cases of varicose veins and aching legs, those with more serious cases of varicose veins, lymphedema, or other chronic venous disorders often benefit by purchasing support stockings from a specialty retailer. A doctor can prescribe tighter support stockings that may alleviate your circulatory condition, and legwear retailers can provide stockings that fit your fashion needs, too.

Where can you buy support hose? Buying support hose online is often the most convenient process for people who need legwear. Online retailers offer measuring instructions on their websites that will help ensure you get support stockings that fit perfectly. You can also get support stocking help at your local medical supply store - these stores often have sales associates trained to fit you for the latest in supportive legwear fashion.

Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven all offer popular brands of knee high support hose in a variety of support levels from light compression to firm compression. Before you buy knee length support stockings, though, be sure you talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend certain brands or tightness levels (also called compression levels, measured in mmHg).

Other examples of knee high support hose include:

• Sensifoot Knee Socks

• Ultrasheer Knee High

• Supportive Athletic Socks

To use knee high support hose, you may need to measure the length of your legs and the circumference around the calf to ensure you’re getting a good fit. These kinds of support legwear are available for purchase online or at retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, or your local drugstore or pharmacy.

When you wear your knee high support stockings, you’ll probably want to buy two pairs - one to wear and one to wash. When you remove your stockings at the end of the day, wash them out gently by hand (or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for caring for your stockings). Avoid putting lotion on your legs right before wearing the knee high support hose - doing so could damage the elastic fibers and make them sag and droop. It’s also a good idea to take off all jewelry when removing or putting on your support stockings because rings and bracelets can snag the delicate fibers.

If you have mobility or arthritis problems, using a device called a stocking donner can make putting on knee high support hose easier.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that the risk of blood clots in stroke patients didn’t improve when they wore thigh high support stockings. In addition, the researchers reported that 5 percent of patients developed ulcers, dead skin tissue, and blisters.

As a result of their findings, the study authors suggest reevaluating current recommendations that all stroke patients wear support hose after surgery.

Although this research indicates that support stockings may not reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, other research has indicated that support hose are often improperly used, even by nursing staff and medical personnel. Patients are often prescribed the wrong size stockings, they may be instructed to wear thigh high stockings when knee high varieties work just as well, and both medical personnel and patients may have trouble putting the support hose on the right way.

Many studies have found that using support hose contributes to increased blood flow and reduces the risk of venous disorders. Although this study found that stroke patients don’t benefit, compression garments may still help relieve aching, tired legs, reduce the risk of varicose veins and leg swelling, and cut the risk of blood clots during travel and after surgery - but only if they’re used properly.

What’s the best brand to use? Support hose manufactured by Jobst, Juzo, Mediven, and Sigvaris, come with detailed instructions on how to use the legwear for best results.

Common brands of support hose for men include Sigvaris, Jobst, Juzo, and Mediven. You can get information about the pros and cons of these brands from a sales person at your local medical supply store or through online legwear retailers.

Men support hose may come in a variety of styles, including:

• Knee high support hose (available in common men’s sock colors, such as black, white, and tan) and ribbed socks
• Thigh high support hose (also available in common colors like black or tan)

Before you can buy support hose for men, you’ll need to measure yourself and get a recommendation from your doctor about what compression is right for you.

Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven support hose for men come in the following compression levels (mmHg stands for millimeter of mercury):

• 8-15 mmHg
• 15-20 mmHg
• 20-30 mmHg
• 30-40 mmHg
• 40-50 mmHg
• 50-60 mmHg

Once you choose men support hose, you’ll have to learn how to care for your stockings properly. Whatever brand you choose, the support panty hose should come with washing instructions. Your doctor can tell you how long to wear your stockings each day.

Using your support hose properly will help reduce the risk of varicose veins, ensure your legs are fatigue- and ache-free, and reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis and other ailments. People with diabetes often wear men support socks since their circulation is often impaired due to diabetes.

A good source of information about compression garments is About Compression Stockings.

Thickness

If you want a lighter-weight support hose that looks like regular panty hose but supports like a compression stocking, try the Sigvaris Sheer Fashion hosiery line. These stockings come in knee high and thigh high lengths and include ribbed dress socks for men. They are no thicker than a pair of panty hose - there’s no need for anyone to wear droopy, unsightly looking support hose!

Color

When you go with Sigvaris hose, your choices aren’t limited to boring taupe. You can choose a variety of colors such as black, charcoal, navy, white, suntan, and terracotta in both support hosiery and socks.

Styles and Textures

Whether you want casual cotton socks or fashion hosiery, Sigvaris offers a variety of patterns and textures, including ribbed, casual socks or lighter-weight dress socks. Try the Casual Cotton or the Cushioned Cotton lines.

Although drugstore support stocking brands often work well for milder cases of varicose veins and aching legs, those with more serious cases of varicose veins, lymphedema, or other chronic venous disorders often benefit by purchasing support stockings from a specialty retailer. A doctor can prescribe tighter support stockings that may alleviate your circulatory condition, and legwear retailers can provide stockings that fit your fashion needs, too.

Where can you buy support hose? Buying support hose online is often the most convenient process for people who need legwear. Online retailers such as Sigvaris hose, Jobst support hose, Mediven, and Juzo offer measuring instructions on their websites that will help ensure you get support stockings that fit perfectly. You can also get support stocking help at your local medical supply store - these stores often have sales associates trained to fit you for the latest in supportive legwear fashion.

Because a compression stocking is made of elastic fibers and rubber, it tightly presses against the leg. This added pressure supports the veins, keeps blood circulating more easily, and reduces the risk that clots or swelling will occur in the lower part of a person’s body.

Jobst hose are manufactured in several levels of compression, measured by mmHg (millimeter of mercury). Over-the-counter (support) Jobst support hose come in 10-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg varieties. Medium hose require a prescription and come in 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, and 50+ mmHg varieties. High compression hose come in 18-21, 23-32, 34-46, and up to 50 mmHg varieties. High compression stockings are usually custom made.

Your doctor or phlebologist (a doctor who specializes in treating vein disorders and varicose vein treatment) may refer to your Jobst hose as support hosiery, medical compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings, or lymphedema compression stockings.

All of these support stockings work on the same basic principle - tightly supporting the veins in the leg to promote better blood flow. Jobst support hose work best when a person has been prescribed the right amount of compression and gets a good fitting compression stocking.

Here are some user comments on Jobst support hose:

• Women’s UltraSheer Moderate Support Thigh Highs 15-20 mmHg: “They gave me the compression I needed (15-20,) but looked like regular pantyhose. Even though my blood clot has been gone for 4 years, I still buy these to wear as support stockings because they make my legs feel so nice.”
• UltraSheer Firm Support Knee Highs 20-30 mmHg: “Nice tone and transparency. I wore for my post operation support. Breathable and comfortable.”
• Jobst for Men 15-20 mmHg Support Socks: “I have tried several brands of support hose and I feel that these socks give me the most comfortable support and they seem to fit my legs better than the other brands I have tried. I have finally settled on these hose for my everyday support hose.”
• Jobst Maternity Compression Hose 15-20 mmHg