Mediven Support Hose: READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY
Buying support hose helps the flow of blood and fluid in your blood vessels, but puts a hurt on your pocketbook. If you lack health insurance or have a high-deductible policy, taking a gamble on an unknown brand of Mediven support hose can feel like a gamble. Before you purchase compression stockings made by Mediven, here are a few things you should know:
#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.”
