Compression garments (socks, sleeves, wraps) come in different strengths measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Choosing the right level can help reduce swelling, ease leg fatigue, support recovery after surgery or travel, and manage conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema — but the right choice depends on your goals, comfort, and any medical conditions. This guide breaks the evidence into simple steps so you can make an informed choice (this is educational — not medical advice). (Cleveland Clinic)
Understand the basic pressure categories
Manufacturers and clinicians generally describe compression in ranges:
- Low / Mild: under ~15–20 mmHg — gentle support for tired or achy legs and everyday use.
- Moderate: ~15–20 to 20–30 mmHg — common for travel, mild swelling, and early venous issues.
- Firm / High: >30 mmHg — used for more significant swelling, post-procedural support, or physician-directed therapy.
These ranges are widely used in clinical resources and patient guidance. If you’re unsure which bucket fits you, start by identifying what you want the garment to do (comfort vs. medical control). (Cleveland Clinic)
Match compression to your need (simple rules)
- Everyday comfort, standing long hours, or travel: Mild to moderate (15–20 mmHg) is often sufficient to reduce fatigue and mild swelling. Many clinics recommend this as a first step for healthy people who want symptom relief. (Mayo Clinic Store)
- Established venous issues (varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency): Moderate (20–30 mmHg) is commonly used and has demonstrated symptom benefits in clinical studies. Higher pressures can help more, but they should be chosen based on symptoms and provider guidance. (PubMed Central)
- Post-procedure or significant swelling (e.g., after venous procedures or surgical interventions): Firm/medical compression (>30 mmHg) is sometimes recommended for better edema control and healing support; studies show higher pressures can reduce postoperative symptoms in some settings, but tolerance and fit matter. Consult a clinician when higher levels are considered. (PubMed)
- Lymphedema: Compression is a core element of management; the exact garment and pressure depend on the limb, stage, and clinical plan. Specialized fitting and follow-up are usually advised. (PubMed Central)
Fit and comfort are as important as mmHg
A correctly measured garment that you can put on and wear consistently will usually be more effective than a stronger garment that’s uncomfortable and rarely used. Measure limbs in the morning (when swelling is lowest) and follow manufacturer or clinic sizing guidance. If a garment bunches, pinches, or causes numbness, it’s too tight or the wrong shape — not necessarily a sign you need higher pressure. (Mayo Clinic Store)
What the research says (in plain language)
- Randomized and comparative studies show that low-to-moderate graduated compression (around 15–20 mmHg) reduces swelling and symptoms for many people compared with no compression, and often improves comfort and function. Some studies show little extra benefit from very high pressures for everyday issues, while higher pressures can offer extra benefit after specific procedures. Compliance (how often people actually wear garments) often favors milder pressures. (PubMed Central)
- For lymphedema care, compression is a central, evidence-based part of treatment plans; choosing the garment type and pressure is often individualized and may follow clinical practice guidelines used by physical therapists and lymphedema specialists. (PubMed Central)
Safety, red flags, and talking to your clinician
Compression is generally safe for most people, but there are situations where it’s not appropriate (for example, poorly controlled peripheral arterial disease or certain skin conditions). If you have circulatory disease, diabetes with neuropathy, heart failure, or unusual leg pain/redness, check with a clinician before using firm compression. When in doubt, ask a licensed provider for measurement, prescription-grade fitting, or specific guidance. This post is educational and not a substitute for professional care. (PubMed Central)
Practical tips for making the right choice
- Start with your goal. Comfort and travel relief → 15–20 mmHg. Medical need or post-op support → follow provider advice (often 20–30 mmHg or higher). (Mayo Clinic Store)
- Measure carefully. Follow sizing charts and measure at recommended points (ankle, calf, thigh) in the morning. Proper fit beats guessing mmHg. (Mayo Clinic Store)
- Try before you commit. If possible, try different brands or mild/moderate ranges to find a balance of support and comfort — consistent wear is the real key. (PubMed)
- Check for professional fitting for complex conditions. Conditions like lymphedema often need custom or clinic-fitted garments and ongoing follow-up. (PubMed Central)
Jelliebend Compression
Jelliebend gear is designed for lifestyle support and our fabrics provide functional compression comparable to the mild-to-moderate clinical range. When worn in your recommended size, most pieces deliver an estimated 10–20 mmHg of supportive pressure — similar to the level often suggested for travel, posture, and everyday muscle relief. If you choose to size down, the increased stretch can raise compression to roughly 20–25 mmHg, offering a firmer, sculpting feel that some people prefer for recovery or extended standing. Because body shapes and fabric tension vary, these figures are approximate and meant as educational guidance, not medical prescription. Always choose the size that feels comfortable, allows full movement, and provides that signature Jelliebend “supportive hug” rather than restriction.
Final, supportive note
Choosing compression is a personal, practical step toward feeling better in your body. Start with your comfort and the symptom you want to change, use trusted sizing and moderate pressure if you’re unsure, and reach out to a clinician for tailored care when you have an underlying medical condition. If you’d like, I can help you draft questions to take to a provider or a short checklist to measure your leg for a better fit.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic; Mayo Clinic; PubMed/NIH (PMC articles and clinical reviews); PubMed randomized studies; APTA clinical guidance. (Cleveland Clinic)