Why Opaque Finish for Class 3 Compression

Opaque compression stockings provide essential visual discretion while delivering prescription-strength therapeutic pressure, allowing patients with severe venous conditions to maintain confidence in professional and social settings without visible veins, skin discoloration, or treatment evidence showing through their garments. The opaque knit construction conceals varicose veins, venous staining, healed or active ulcer sites, and post-procedure discoloration that commonly accompany advanced venous disease—addressing both the medical and psychological aspects of compression therapy. The Sigvaris Essential Opaque line specifically engineers its 30–40 mmHg compression with soft yet durable materials that maintain both therapeutic efficacy and cosmetic coverage through repeated wear and washing. Honey color offers a warm, natural skin-tone alternative to traditional beige or black, providing women with choices that complement diverse skin tones while maintaining professional discretion.

Key Features & Benefits

• Extra-firm 30–40 mmHg graduated compression for prescription-strength therapeutic support
• Thigh-high length provides comprehensive coverage from toes to upper thigh
• Opaque knit conceals veins, skin discoloration, and venous disease evidence
• Honey color offers warm, natural appearance complementing medium skin tones
• Soft nylon/elastane blend balances firm compression with comfortable wear
• ML (Medium-Long) sizing designed for medium leg circumference with longer leg length
• Comfortable top band with silicone grip keeps stockings securely positioned
• Reinforced heel and toe areas enhance durability for daily therapeutic use
• Closed-toe design provides complete foot coverage and support
• Women's specific sizing and styling for optimal fit

Clinical Applications

Appropriate for women with:

✓ Severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with advanced symptoms ✓ Severe varicose veins with complications or cosmetic concerns ✓ Post-thrombotic syndrome following deep vein thrombosis (DVT) ✓ Significant leg edema requiring maximum compression ✓ Venous leg ulcers (active or healed) requiring Class 3 support ✓ Moderate to severe lymphedema under medical supervision ✓ Post-surgical recovery after vein procedures ✓ Lipodermatosclerosis or severe venous skin changes ✓ Women requiring compression with cosmetic discretion

Important: 30–40 mmHg compression REQUIRES physician prescription and professional fitting. Do not use without medical evaluation. Contraindicated in severe arterial disease, acute DVT without anticoagulation, severe peripheral neuropathy, or untreated congestive heart failure.

Usage & Application - User Guidance

For Prescription Compression Stockings Under Physician Direction: These extra-firm compression stockings are medical devices requiring physician prescription. Use only as directed by your healthcare provider with professional fitting and ongoing medical supervision.

Understanding 30–40 mmHg Compression:

• Extra-firm compression: Highest standard prescription level
• Physician prescription REQUIRED: Not available over-the-counter
• Professional fitting MANDATORY: Ensures safety and effectiveness
• Medical condition treatment: For severe venous disease only
• Regular monitoring essential: Provider follow-up critical

Understanding Opaque Construction:

• Visual discretion: Conceals veins, discoloration, skin changes
• Non-sheer coverage: Opaque throughout, not transparent
• Cosmetic benefit: Improves confidence while treating condition
• Professional appearance: Suitable for work and social settings
• Maintains compression: Opacity doesn't compromise therapeutic effectiveness

When Opaque Compression is Preferred:

• Severe varicose veins visible through sheer compression
• Venous staining or skin discoloration to conceal
• Post-ulcer scarring or pigmentation changes
• Professional settings requiring polished appearance
• Personal preference for complete coverage
• Psychological benefit of discreet treatment

Understanding Honey Color:

• Warm, natural skin-tone alternative to beige
• Complements medium to olive skin tones
• More natural appearance than stark beige or black
• Provides color choice within medical compression
• Maintains professional discretion
• Personal preference option for daily wear

Professional Fitting Requirements:

• MUST be fitted by certified compression garment fitter
• Multiple precise measurements required
• Ankle, calf, knee, thigh circumferences measured
• Full leg length from heel to gluteal fold measured
• ML (Medium-Long) for medium circumference, longer length
• Re-fitting every 3–6 months or with significant body changes
• Improper fitting causes complications with 30–40 mmHg compression

Understanding ML Sizing:

• "M" = Medium leg circumference (calf and thigh measurements)
• "L" = Long leg length (floor to gluteal fold)
• Designed for women with longer-than-average leg length
• Prevents bunching if legs shorter or inadequate coverage if too short
• Check Sigvaris sizing chart for exact measurements
• Professional fitter verifies appropriate size selection

Physician Prescription Requirements:

• Documentation of venous insufficiency diagnosis
• Arterial assessment to rule out contraindications
• Ankle-brachial index testing if arterial disease suspected
• Compression level specification (30–40 mmHg)
• Length specification (thigh-high)
• Specific sizing measurements
• Duration of therapy and follow-up schedule

Preparing to Apply:

• Apply in morning before legs begin swelling
• Consider showering first for clean, dry skin
• Allow 15–20 minutes initially—this is difficult compression
• Have donning aids ready (essential for 30–40 mmHg)
• Rubber gloves for grip absolutely recommended
• Sit in sturdy chair with excellent lighting
• Consider requesting training from certified fitter

Application Technique - Thigh-High Extra-Firm:

• Turn stocking completely inside out to heel pocket
• Insert foot carefully, positioning heel precisely
• Pull stocking over foot and ankle with steady pressure
• Work gradually up calf—fabric will be very tight
• Stand to continue pulling up over knee to thigh
• Use rubber gloves for better fabric grip
• Pull to full thigh-high position (2–3 inches below gluteal fold)
• Ensure silicone top band lies flat against thigh
• Smooth all wrinkles thoroughly—folds compromise effectiveness
• Allow time to adjust—this is challenging compression

Essential Donning Aids:

• Rubber household gloves: Provide critical grip on tight fabric
• Donning butler/aid devices: Metal or plastic frame assists application
• Sock aid tools: Specifically designed for compression stockings
• Application gloves: Special textured gloves for compression
• Donning cone: Helps insert foot and pull up leg
• Professional instruction: Request demonstration from fitter

Checking Proper Fit:

• Should feel extremely firm but not unbearably painful
• Silicone top band shouldn't cut into thigh
• No bunching or wrinkles anywhere
• Toes should retain feeling and normal color
• Heel aligned properly in heel pocket
• Compression strongest at ankle, gradually less up leg
• No numbness, severe pain, or tingling
• Can tolerate for prescribed wear duration

Throughout the Day:

• Monitor for any signs of circulatory compromise
• Check that top band hasn't rolled or slipped
• Smooth wrinkles as they develop during movement
• Hand should maintain normal color, warmth, and sensation
• Remove immediately if severe pain, numbness, or discoloration
• Elevate legs when possible to enhance benefits
• Stay well-hydrated

Wear Duration:

• Typically worn during waking hours (8–12 hours)
• Put on in morning, remove at bedtime
• Some conditions require 24-hour wear—follow provider orders only
• Never exceed prescribed wear time
• Do not sleep in unless specifically prescribed
• Consistency important for managing chronic venous disease

Removing Stockings:

• Remove at end of day or as prescribed
• Sit comfortably with good access to legs
• Peel silicone top band down gently
• Work down leg slowly—do not rush
• Gather fabric as you go
• Turn inside out as removing from foot
• Expect this to take several minutes
• Inspect legs after removal for pressure marks

Caring for Opaque Compression:

• Hand wash daily in lukewarm water with mild detergent
• Gentle machine wash in mesh bag if approved
• No bleach, fabric softener, or harsh chemicals
• Air dry flat or hang—NEVER use dryer heat
• Do not wring—gently press out excess water
• High compression requires 2 pairs to alternate
• Maintain elasticity through proper washing
• Replace every 3–6 months or when compression weakens

Opaque Fabric Care:

• Opaque knit requires gentle care to maintain coverage
• Avoid rough surfaces that can snag or pill fabric
• Check for thinning areas regularly
• Opacity may decrease with wear—monitor coverage
• Replace when fabric becomes thin or transparent
• Proper care extends both compression and opacity life

Signs Requiring Immediate Removal:

• Severe pain or cramping
• Numbness or complete loss of feeling
• Skin color changes (blue, purple, gray, white)
• Severe skin irritation or breakdown
• Toes becoming cold or losing circulation
• Increased swelling rather than decreased
• Severe burning or stinging sensation

Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness:

• Track reduction in leg circumference measurements
• Document improvement in pain and heaviness
• Note decrease in edema and swelling
• Monitor venous ulcer healing if present
• Record skin condition improvements
• Measure increase in activity tolerance
• Report progress at all follow-up appointments

Regular Medical Follow-Up:

• Provider appointments every 3–6 months minimum
• More frequent if active ulcers or complications
• Regular compression level assessment
• Arterial status monitoring periodically
• Sizing verification with each visit
• Prescription renewal as needed
• Ongoing condition management

When to Contact Physician Immediately:

• Severe pain, numbness, or circulation problems
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever)
• Skin breakdown or ulceration
• Sudden increase in swelling despite compression
• Signs of blood clot (sudden pain, swelling, warmth)
• Cannot tolerate compression despite proper fit
• Allergic reaction symptoms
• Any concerns about safety or appropriateness

Product Specifications

• Brand: Sigvaris
• Product Line: Essential Opaque
• Compression Level: 30–40 mmHg (Class 3, extra-firm, graduated)
• Classification: Prescription medical device
• Style: Thigh-High
• Length: Full thigh coverage (toes to upper thigh)
• Size: ML (Medium leg circumference, Long leg length)
• Gender: Women's specific sizing
• Color: Honey (warm natural skin tone)
• Material: Nylon/Elastane blend (opaque knit)
• Toe Style: Closed toe with reinforcement
• Heel: Reinforced for durability
• Top Band: Comfortable with silicone grip
• Prescription: REQUIRED
• Professional Fitting: MANDATORY
• Best For: Severe venous conditions with discretion needs
• Wear Time: 8–12 hours daily or as prescribed
• Care: Hand wash, air dry
• Replacement: Every 3–6 months
• Medical Supervision: Ongoing required