Why Select Series for Prescription-Strength Compression
Mediven Plus Select series compression stockings represent advanced medical compression engineering that addresses the critical challenge of delivering 30–40 mmHg Class 3 prescription-strength pressure while maintaining anatomical contouring and wearing comfort throughout extended therapeutic use. Traditional prescription compression often sacrifices fit precision for therapeutic efficacy, resulting in garments that slip, roll, bind, or create pressure inconsistencies during daily activities—compromising both patient compliance and clinical outcomes. Mediven Plus specifically engineers Select series with body-shaping contoured construction that follows natural leg curves, distributing firm 30–40 mmHg graduated compression evenly across leg surface area while preventing the bunching, rolling, and migration common with conventional high-compression garments. The thigh-high length with secure stay-up silicone top band ensures comprehensive coverage from forefoot through upper thigh without requiring waist attachment, enabling independent toileting and daily activities while maintaining consistent therapeutic pressure for managing severe chronic venous insufficiency, advanced varicosities, significant lymphedema, and post-thrombotic syndrome.
Key Features & Benefits
- Extra-firm 30–40 mmHg (Class 3) graduated compression provides prescription-strength therapeutic support
- Select series contouring fit follows natural leg anatomy for improved comfort and effectiveness
- Thigh-high length delivers comprehensive coverage from foot through upper thigh
- Stay-up silicone top band prevents slipping without waist attachment or garter belts
- Black color provides versatile, discreet appearance for daily therapeutic wear
- Size 4 designation accommodates specific leg circumference and length measurements
- High-stretch compression knit enables effective donning despite firm compression level
- Smooth, opaque fabric conceals venous conditions and provides professional appearance
- Reinforced heel and toe zones enhance durability for daily therapeutic use
- Medi premium quality ensures consistent compression delivery and longevity
Clinical Applications
Appropriate for patients with:
✓ Severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) requiring prescription compression ✓ Advanced varicose veins with significant complications or symptoms ✓ Post-thrombotic syndrome following deep vein thrombosis (DVT) ✓ Moderate to severe lymphedema requiring firm compression support ✓ Significant leg edema from venous or lymphatic causes ✓ Venous leg ulcers (active or healed) requiring Class 3 compression ✓ Post-surgical recovery after major vein procedures or interventions ✓ Severe occupational venous stress requiring maximum therapeutic support ✓ Conditions requiring thigh-high coverage without waist attachment
Important: 30–40 mmHg Class 3 compression REQUIRES physician prescription and professional fitting. Do not use without comprehensive medical evaluation and ongoing supervision. Contraindicated in severe arterial disease, acute DVT without anticoagulation, severe peripheral neuropathy, or untreated congestive heart failure.
Usage & Application - User Guidance
For Prescription Select Series Compression Under Physician Direction: These extra-firm compression stockings require physician prescription and professional fitting. Select contouring design enhances comfort during prescription-strength compression therapy.
Understanding 30–40 mmHg Compression:
- Extra-firm classification: Highest standard prescription compression level (Class 3)
- Physician prescription MANDATORY: Not available without medical authorization
- Professional fitting REQUIRED: Essential for safety, effectiveness, and comfort
- Severe condition treatment: Prescribed only for significant venous disease
- Regular medical monitoring: Ongoing provider supervision absolutely necessary
Understanding Select Series Design:
- Contouring fit: Shaped to follow natural leg curves anatomically
- Body-shaping construction: Distributes compression evenly across leg surface
- Improved comfort: Reduces pressure points and binding common in standard compression
- Better adherence: Enhanced fit reduces slipping, rolling, bunching during wear
- Premium positioning: Select series represents Mediven's advanced fit technology
Why Thigh-High vs. Knee-High:
- Comprehensive coverage from forefoot through upper thigh
- Treats conditions affecting entire leg, not just calf
- No compression break at knee that can worsen symptoms
- Addresses edema extending above calf into thigh
- Provider determination based on condition location and severity
- Requires stay-up band for support without waist attachment
Understanding Stay-Up Top Band:
- Silicone grip technology adheres to thigh skin
- Prevents stocking from sliding down during activity
- Eliminates need for garter belts or waist attachments
- Enables independent toileting and daily activities
- Must be positioned correctly on clean, dry thigh skin
- Band effectiveness decreases with skin oils, lotions, perspiration
Understanding Size 4 Designation:
- Medi uses numerical sizing system (different from S/M/L)
- Size 4 corresponds to specific ankle, calf, thigh circumferences and leg length
- Consult Medi sizing chart for exact measurements
- Professional fitter determines appropriate size based on comprehensive measurements
- Size 4 typically represents medium to larger leg proportions
- Gender-neutral sizing accommodates both men and women within measurements
Professional Fitting Requirements:
- MUST be fitted by certified compression garment specialist
- Multiple precise measurements required at specific anatomical points
- Ankle, calf, mid-thigh, upper thigh circumferences measured
- Leg length from heel to gluteal fold measured accurately
- Size 4 selected based on measurement correlation to Medi chart
- Re-fitting every 3–6 months or with significant body changes
- Improper Class 3 fitting creates serious therapeutic and safety issues
Physician Prescription Process:
- Documented severe venous insufficiency or qualifying diagnosis
- Arterial status assessment ruling out contraindications required
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing if arterial concerns present
- Compression level (30–40 mmHg) specifically prescribed
- Length (thigh-high) and size (4) documented in prescription
- Treatment plan and follow-up schedule established
- Insurance often requires detailed medical documentation
Preparing to Apply:
- Apply in morning before legs develop daily swelling
- Skin must be completely clean, dry, free from lotions or oils
- Thigh area for silicone band must be particularly clean and dry
- Remove all leg jewelry and accessories
- Essential donning aids absolutely necessary for Class 3 thigh-high
- Rubber or textile gloves critical for application success
- Allow 20–30 minutes initially—thigh-high Class 3 extremely challenging
- Consider professional donning training from certified fitter
Application Technique - Thigh-High:
- Turn stocking inside out to heel pocket location
- Insert foot carefully, positioning heel precisely in heel pocket
- Pull over foot and ankle with firm, steady pressure
- Work gradually up calf using significant pulling force
- Continue up knee to lower thigh area
- Stand to complete pulling stocking to upper thigh
- Position silicone stay-up band on clean, dry thigh skin
- Band should sit securely without rolling or cutting into thigh
- Smooth all wrinkles thoroughly from toe to thigh
- Select contouring should shape naturally to leg curves
Essential Donning Aids for Thigh-High Class 3:
- Rubber household gloves: Absolutely critical for gripping firm compression
- Textile donning gloves: Alternative for extended application sessions
- Donning butler/frame: Assists with getting foot and ankle positioned
- Application glide spray: Can help fabric slide during difficult sections
- Professional instruction: Hands-on training essential for thigh-high success
- Two-person assistance: Some patients require caregiver help initially
Silicone Band Management:
- Position band on bare, clean, dry thigh skin only
- Avoid positioning over lotion, oil, or perspiration
- Band should lie flat without rolling or twisting
- Too high: may cause discomfort or roll down
- Too low: may not provide adequate grip
- Check band position periodically throughout day
- Clean band gently if adhesion diminishes
Checking Proper Fit:
- Should feel extremely firm but not cause unbearable pain
- Silicone band secure without cutting circulation
- No bunching, rolling, or wrinkles anywhere from toe to thigh
- Toes maintain normal feeling, color, and circulation
- Select contouring follows leg curves naturally
- Compression strongest at ankle, progressively decreases up leg
- Thigh-high reaches proper height without excess fabric
- Can tolerate for prescribed wear duration
Throughout the Day:
- Monitor silicone band periodically for slipping or rolling
- Check that stocking hasn't migrated down leg
- Select series design should maintain position better than standard
- Toes and feet should maintain normal color, warmth, sensation
- Remove immediately if severe pain, numbness, discoloration
- Elevate legs when possible to enhance compression benefits
- High-stretch knit maintains firm pressure throughout wear period
Wear Duration:
- Typically worn during waking hours (8–12 hours daily)
- Applied in morning, removed at bedtime
- Some severe conditions require extended wear—follow provider orders only
- Never exceed prescribed duration without medical authorization
- Do not sleep in thigh-highs unless specifically prescribed
- Consistency absolutely crucial for managing severe chronic venous disease
Removing Thigh-High Stockings:
- Remove at end of day or as prescribed by provider
- Sit comfortably with excellent leg access
- Carefully peel silicone band away from thigh skin
- Work stocking down thigh slowly and deliberately
- Continue down knee to calf and over foot
- Class 3 thigh-high removal takes significant time—exercise patience
- Inspect entire leg thoroughly after removal for pressure marks or issues
Caring for Mediven Plus Compression:
- Hand wash daily in lukewarm water with mild detergent
- Gentle machine wash in mesh garment bag if absolutely necessary
- No bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals ever
- Air dry flat or hang to dry—NEVER use machine dryer heat
- Do not wring forcefully—gently press excess water out
- High-stretch knit requires gentle care to maintain compression properties
- Have two pairs to alternate daily while one washes/dries
- Replace every 3–6 months or when compression noticeably weakens
Select Series Specific Care:
- Contouring construction requires careful handling during washing
- Silicone band needs periodic gentle cleaning to maintain grip
- Avoid petroleum-based products near silicone (degrades adhesion)
- Black color maintains appearance with proper care protocols
- Inspect regularly for wear in high-stress areas (heel, toe, band)
Managing Thigh-High Challenges:
- Extremely difficult application: Use all available donning aids, seek professional help
- Silicone band irritation: Ensure proper size, check band condition, rotate position slightly
- Band loses grip: Clean thigh and band, avoid lotions, may need replacement
- Stocking slides down: Verify Size 4 appropriate, check if worn out
- Severe discomfort: Build up wear time gradually under close supervision
- Cannot tolerate: Consult provider immediately—may need alternative
Signs Requiring Immediate Removal:
- Severe pain, cramping, or intolerable burning sensation anywhere
- Complete numbness or total loss of sensation in leg, thigh, or foot
- Skin color changes (blue, purple, gray, white, mottled appearance)
- Silicone band causing severe tissue compression or damage
- Toes becoming cold, numb, losing all circulation
- Paradoxical increase in swelling rather than therapeutic decrease
- Any indication of serious circulatory compromise
Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness:
- Track progressive reduction in leg and thigh circumference measurements
- Document improvement in pain, heaviness, discomfort throughout leg
- Note decrease in visible edema from foot through thigh
- Monitor venous ulcer healing if ulcers present
- Record improvements in overall skin condition and appearance
- Measure increase in daily functional activity tolerance
- Report all progress at regular follow-up appointments
Regular Medical Follow-Up:
- Provider appointments every 3–6 months at minimum frequency
- More frequent visits if active ulcers, severe lymphedema, or complications
- Regular assessment of continued compression level appropriateness
- Periodic arterial status monitoring to ensure ongoing safety
- Sizing verification and adjustment at each visit
- Prescription renewal as medically necessary for insurance coverage
- Comprehensive ongoing condition management and monitoring
When to Contact Physician Immediately:
- Severe pain, numbness, or circulation problems during wear
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever, drainage anywhere)
- Skin breakdown, ulceration, or tissue damage on leg or thigh
- Sudden significant increase in swelling despite compression use
- Signs of new blood clot (sudden pain, swelling, warmth)
- Silicone band causing severe skin damage or reactions
- Unable to tolerate despite proper fit and adjustment period
- Any serious safety concerns about compression appropriateness
Product Specifications
- Brand: Medi (premium German medical compression quality)
- Product Line: Mediven Plus
- Series: Select (contouring body-shaping fit)
- Compression Level: 30–40 mmHg (Class 3, extra-firm, graduated)
- Classification: Prescription medical device
- Length: Thigh-High with silicone stay-up top band
- Size: Size 4 (consult Medi sizing chart for measurements)
- Gender: Unisex sizing accommodates men and women within size range
- Color: Black
- Material: High-stretch compression knit
- Fabric Properties: Smooth, opaque, durable construction
- Top Band: Silicone stay-up grip technology
- Reinforcement: Heel and toe zones for enhanced durability
- Toe Style: Closed toe
- Prescription: REQUIRED by physician
- Professional Fitting: MANDATORY for safety and effectiveness
- Best For: Severe venous conditions requiring thigh-high coverage
- Wear Time: 8–12 hours daily or as prescribed
- Care: Hand wash recommended, air dry essential
- Replacement: Every 3–6 months with regular therapeutic use
- Medical Supervision: Ongoing monitoring required
- Unit of Sale: Single pair