For Those that Wear Support Stockings...

Published

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Do you wash them on the delicate cycle in the washer? (and avoid the dryer)

I'm getting tired of handwashing these things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

If you're going to machine-wash support stockings, I'd suggest that you buy a small cheesecloth bag and put them in there, along with some of your other 'delicates', and throw the whole thing in the washer. Otherwise, you're apt to ruin them......I made that mistake once years ago with a rather costly pair of knee-high TEDS, and lived to regret it.:o

Personally, I just hand-wash mine........it only takes a couple of minutes, and since they air-dry overnight they're all ready to go again in the morning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I have small bags, one for each pair, and four pairs. That way i'm not wearing the same pair everyday.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Marie LPN :)

I haven’t worn support stockings and am thinking of buying them. Does the label tell you how to wash and dry them? In the handy hints and tips book it say to wash delicate items by shaking them in a jar filled with warm, mild, soapy water. If you need to dry panty hose in a hurry, hang them n a line and blow-dry them with a hair dryer. I usually wear jeans, so I really don’t know.

A returning student :)

Angels’

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've never handwashed. Delicate cycle with Woolite, and air dry if I remember, or dryer on low.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.

Delicate wash & air dry overnight.

BTW, Marie, you will be amazed @ what a difference wearing them will make @ the end of the day (especially you in surgery!).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can anyone recommend any brands or online places to get em?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have always sworn by the Leggs brands -- Sheer Energy is their regular support hose brand, and they also offer a "Full Support" style (available in white as well as "leg" colors) that is somewhere between regular support hose and TEDS (really! Your legs feel great at the end of the day.)

I always wore the "Full Support" when I was working floors in uniform, and I wear the "Sheer Energy" the rest of the time (wearing support hose for work converted me). Another advantage of support hose is that, because they're thicker/heavier yarns than regular hose, they don't run as easily, so they last longer.

You can buy them in bulk at reduced prices (v. reasonable) at any Hanes/Leggs/Bali outlet, and they are also available on-line, I believe (I've always been close enough to an outlet that I just buy them in person).

I have always washed my support hose in the washer in one of those net hosiery bags. It doesn't really matter whether it's gentle or regular cycle -- what matters is the temperature. Heat is what does in the stretch over time. So, cool or warm temperature, not hot, and I never put hose in the dryer (or bras, or anything else with spandex/elastic -- only air dry). The hot air in the dryer is esp. bad for hose, bras, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
Can anyone recommend any brands or online places to get em?

A lot of my coworkers swear by Jobst brand hose. They are a little expensive, but if you order a bunch at once they're cheaper. One of our nurses orders them once a year, and puts up a sign-up list with their catalog. That way, there are so many ordering that they get a discount. I'm sure they have a website out there.

I tried Futuro brand hose from Walgreens. They worked really well but I was so hot I couldn't stand it. I am normally warm, so hose never help! I do like the Leggs brand "sheer energy" type hose because they're much cooler, but they don't work near as well as the Futuro ones, which are truly pressure support hose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele, Infectious Disease, OHN.

When I was on the floor I loved my Jobst knee highs. I washed them in the sink with some Woolite, then rolled them in a towel, then hung them up. For me and my legs they were worth the trouble.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wear support stockings, started when I went to twelve-hour shifts.

I wear the kind that have graduated compression.

I think all nurses should wear them, to head off any circulation problems that could develop from being on your feet so long.........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
Marie LPN :)

I haven't worn support stockings and am thinking of buying them. Does the label tell you how to wash and dry them? In the handy hints and tips book it say to wash delicate items by shaking them in a jar filled with warm, mild, soapy water. If you need to dry panty hose in a hurry, hang them n a line and blow-dry them with a hair dryer. I usually wear jeans, so I really don't know.

A returning student :)

Angels'

"Launder every 3 days" (Eyeew...)

"Keep stockings free of ointments and oils, which deteriorate elastic."

"Air dry"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion