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.”
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Cheap Support Hose Deals: A Steal or False Economy?
We could all use a little extra in the budget these days. If you need to get support hose, the price can shock you, ranging from $50 to $150 per pair. In many cases, you may need to shell out for two or more pairs, if your health care provider recommends.
But skimping on support stockings has some downsides. Let’s take a look at why you might want to spend a little more – and how to get deals on cheap support hose.
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:
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.
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