Why Textile Donning Gloves for Compression Application

Textile donning gloves serve as essential compression therapy accessories by addressing the fundamental challenge of applying firm medical-grade compression garments—the extremely tight fabric requires significant pulling force while simultaneously being vulnerable to damage from direct skin contact, fingernails, jewelry, and uneven pressure. Standard household rubber gloves provide grip but create excessive friction that can snag compression fibers, while bare hands lack the traction needed to pull tight fabric and risk damaging both the garment and the user's hands. Sigvaris textile donning gloves specifically engineer a textured grip surface that provides controlled traction without the heat buildup or uncomfortable stickiness of rubber, allowing smooth, even distribution of pulling force across the compression fabric. The breathable textile construction enables comfortable repeated use throughout the application process, particularly beneficial for patients requiring 20–30 mmHg or 30–40 mmHg compression levels where donning can take 15–20 minutes daily.

Key Features & Benefits

• Textured grip surface provides controlled traction on compression fabric
• Protects delicate compression garments from fingernail damage, snags, tears
• Breathable textile construction prevents heat buildup during application
• Reduces hand and finger strain when pulling tight compression materials
• Large size accommodates most adult hands comfortably
• Reusable design provides long-term value and daily use capability
• Comfortable alternative to rubber gloves—no sticky, sweaty feel
• Enables smoother, more controlled compression garment application
• Extends compression garment lifespan by preventing fabric damage
• Improves independence for patients with limited hand strength or dexterity

Clinical Applications

Appropriate for applying:

✓ Knee-high compression stockings (all compression levels) ✓ Thigh-high compression stockings (particularly 20–30 and 30–40 mmHg) ✓ Compression pantyhose and waist-high garments ✓ Compression arm sleeves for lymphedema management ✓ Compression gloves and gauntlets ✓ Natural rubber compression garments (especially challenging) ✓ Open-toe and closed-toe compression styles ✓ Medical-grade and prescription compression products ✓ All brands of compression therapy garments

Usage & Application - User Guidance

For Compression Garment Application Assistance: These textile donning gloves are designed as essential accessories to make compression therapy more manageable and protect your compression garments during daily application.

Understanding Donning Glove Purpose:

• Primary function: Provide grip and control during compression application
• Fabric protection: Prevent fingernail snags and tears in compression material
• Hand protection: Reduce strain on hands, fingers, joints during pulling
• Application efficiency: Make donning process smoother and faster
• Garment longevity: Extend compression garment lifespan through gentle handling

Textile vs. Rubber Donning Gloves:

• Textile advantages: Breathable, comfortable, controlled grip, no heat buildup
• Rubber advantages: Maximum grip, waterproof (for some applications)
• Textile preferred for: Daily compression application, extended donning sessions
• Rubber preferred for: Extremely firm compression, when maximum traction needed
• Personal preference: Some users prefer textile comfort, others prefer rubber grip

When Donning Gloves are Essential:

• Applying 20–30 mmHg or 30–40 mmHg compression (firm to extra-firm)
• Thigh-high or pantyhose compression garments
• Natural rubber compression stockings (extremely challenging)
• Limited hand strength or arthritis affecting grip
• Long fingernails that risk snagging compression fabric
• Difficulty applying compression without assistance
• Caregivers helping others with compression application

Understanding Large Sizing:

• Large size accommodates most adult hands
• Men typically require large or extra-large sizing
• Women with larger hands or who prefer roomier fit
• Check sizing guide if hands particularly small or extra-large
• Gloves should fit snugly but not restrict hand movement
• Too loose: reduces grip effectiveness
• Too tight: uncomfortable, restricts finger dexterity

Preparing to Use Donning Gloves:

• Ensure hands are clean and dry before putting on gloves
• Remove all hand jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches)
• Trim fingernails to prevent poking through glove material
• Have compression garment ready and prepared for application
• Sit comfortably with good lighting and stable positioning

Using Gloves for Stocking Application:

• Put on both textile donning gloves
• Turn compression stocking inside out to heel pocket (if applicable)
• Grip stocking fabric with textured glove surfaces
• Pull stocking over foot with controlled, even pressure
• Work stocking up leg gradually, using smooth pulling motions
• Textured surface prevents fabric from slipping back down
• Redistribute fabric evenly as ascending leg
• Smooth wrinkles carefully with gloved hands
• Remove gloves once stocking properly positioned

Using Gloves for Arm Sleeve Application:

• Put on both textile donning gloves
• Prepare arm sleeve (turn inside out if needed)
• Grip sleeve fabric with gloved hands
• Insert hand and arm into sleeve opening
• Pull sleeve up arm with controlled pressure
• Smooth fabric and eliminate wrinkles
• Position sleeve to proper height on arm
• Remove gloves after sleeve application complete

Application Technique Tips:

• Use both hands symmetrically for even pressure distribution
• Pull from multiple points rather than single location
• Work in small increments—inch stocking up gradually
• Pause periodically to reposition grip
• Smooth wrinkles immediately as they form
• Avoid yanking or jerking motions that stress fabric
• Textured surface grips better with deliberate pressure

Maximizing Glove Effectiveness:

• Ensure gloves fit properly for optimal grip
• Replace gloves when texture becomes worn or smooth
• Keep gloves clean for best traction on compression fabric
• Use systematic application technique for consistency
• Combine with other donning aids if needed (frames, cones)
• Practice technique to improve efficiency over time

Caring for Textile Donning Gloves:

• Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent
• Gentle machine wash in mesh bag acceptable
• Air dry completely before next use
• Do not use fabric softener—reduces grip effectiveness
• Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals
• Store in clean, dry location
• Inspect regularly for wear, tears, or damage
• Replace when textured surface becomes smooth or gloves develop holes

Maintenance and Replacement:

• Textile gloves typically last 3–6 months with daily use
• Replace sooner if texture noticeably worn
• Have backup pair available during washing/drying
• More durable than rubber gloves for repeated use
• Cost-effective investment for long-term compression therapy

For Caregivers:

• Essential tool for assisting others with compression application
• Protects both patient's garments and caregiver's hands
• Improves control when handling patient's legs or arms
• Reduces time and effort required for compression application
• Professional appearance in clinical or home care settings

Combining with Other Donning Aids:

• Donning frames/butlers: Use gloves to pull stocking through frame
• Sock aid devices: Gloves help pull stocking up after inserting foot
• Application cones: Gloves grip fabric while cone guides stocking
• Talcum powder: Light dusting inside stocking helps sliding even with gloves
• Multiple aids: Combination often most effective for difficult compression

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Gloves feel too slippery: Ensure gloves clean and dry, check if worn out
• Gloves too tight: Try next size up for comfort
• Not enough grip: May need rubber gloves for maximum traction
• Fabric still snagging: Check fingernails, inspect gloves for damage
• Hand fatigue: Take breaks during application, consider pre-donning exercises

Building Application Confidence:

• Practice with gloves when first starting compression therapy
• Develop consistent routine for donning process
• Allow extra time initially—speed improves with practice
• Ask healthcare provider or fitter for technique demonstration
• Many find compression application much easier with proper gloves

Storage Recommendations:

• Store in clean, dry location away from direct sunlight
• Keep away from sharp objects that could tear fabric
• Avoid compression or crushing that damages texture
• Consider dedicated storage pouch or container
• Keep accessible near compression garment storage

Product Specifications

• Brand: Sigvaris (premium compression accessory quality)
• Product Type: Textile Donning Gloves
• Size: Large
• Gender: Unisex (accommodates most adult hands)
• Material: Textile fabric with textured grip surface
• Color: Typically blue (may vary)
• Construction: Breathable textile, reusable design
• Grip Technology: Textured surface for controlled traction
• Reusable: Yes—designed for daily repeated use
• Best For: All compression levels, particularly 20–30 and 30–40 mmHg
• Applications: Stockings, sleeves, pantyhose, gauntlets
• Care: Hand wash or gentle machine wash, air dry
• Replacement: Every 3–6 months with daily use
• Professional Use: Suitable for home users, caregivers, clinical settings
• Unit of Sale: Single pair (2 gloves)