In this article we’re going to show you the best compression stockings for nurses.
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Working long hours is a fact of life when you choose to become a nurse. However, suffering from leg pain and varicose veins shouldn’t be.
Wearing the best compression stockings for nurses will alleviate the pain that you’re likely to experience at the end of your long shift.
It will protect your legs from soreness and tenderness while you’re doing your job, so you can focus on helping your patients.
If you don’t own a pair of compression stockings, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, you will find reviews of some of the best products on the market so you can choose the most suitable one.
Related Article: 5 Benefits of Compression Stockings for Nurses
Reviews of the Best Compression Socks for Nurses
Choosing the right compression stockings is a bit tricky. You want your pair to be comfortable while improving the blood circulation.
Here are some of the best-selling products on the market.
1. CHARMKING Compression Socks (3 Pairs)
These affordable compression socks provide moderate compression of 15 to 20 mmHg to improve the blood circulation.
Each pack contains three pairs, so you’ll always have a clean one ready for your day at work. They come in various colors and two different sizes.
The knee-high socks provide gradient compression ranging from 40% to 85% in the 360-degrees stretch to prevent the progression of spider and varicose veins.
They aren’t, however, strong enough to reduce edema.
They’re made of breathable high-performance nylon. The fabric keeps your feet dry to prevent blisters and other skin infections.
These socks will protect your legs without affecting your mobility. They’re suitable for sensitive skin and are easy to put on.
The socks have thick stripes on the sides so you might have ridges on your legs after wearing them for long hours.
The material is rather thin to provide comfort and breathability but isn’t that durable. I recommend these compression socks to nurses who need maximum comfort with little to moderate pressure.
Things We Like
- Comfortable compression socks to improve blood circulation.
- Breathable material to prevent skin infections and keep your feet dry.
- Moderate compression that decreases gradually for more comfort.
Things We Don’t Like
- Material is rather thin and not that durable.
- Doesn’t reduce swelling.
Check out the CharmKing Compression Socks on Amazon.
2. JOBST Relief 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks
The 3D knit structure of these thigh-high compression stockings provides 20 to 30 mmHg of firm compression that reduces edema.
They’re available in several sizes, but they come in a single shade of beige.
The open-toe design makes them easy to put on and provide more comfort for nurses who wear them all day long as they can wiggle their toes comfortably (source).
The stockings are soft to touch and feel good against your skin so you can wear them all day long.
They’re made of a blend of nylon and spandex, while the silicone dot band that will prevent the stockings from sliding, making them suitable for active and busy nurses.
The reinforced heel guarantees that your stockings will withstand everyday use.
These stockings are quite expensive, and you’ll need to buy at least two or three pairs to make sure that you always have one to wear for work.
Nevertheless, they’re made of high-quality material so they will maintain their shape and compression after several washes.
If you have sensitive skin, you might not like them, as the manufacturer sews the tags on the inside.
However, if you’re looking for thigh-length firm compression stockings, then these are the right ones for you.
Things We Like
- Thigh-high compression stockings.
- Firm compression to reduce edema.
- Easy to put on open-toe design.
- Soft material with reinforced heels.
Things We Don’t Like
- Tags are sewn on the inside.
- Expensive stockings.
Check out the other reviews for the JOBST compression socks on Amazon.com.
3. Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men & Women (20-30 mmHg)
These compression socks provide moderate gradient compression from 20 to 30 mmHg to protect your legs from varicose veins when you spend long hours standing at work (source).
They don’t lose their shape when you wash them and are quite affordable. Moreover, they feature no stitches or stripes.
The double-stitched Lycra fabric is durable and doesn’t slide to protect your legs while you’re doing your job.
The breathable fabric provides better airflow and reduces the accumulation of sweat.
To relieve calf and foot swelling, you should invest in a few pairs. They come in various colors and sizes so you’ll always find the right pair.
These compression socks are suitable for people who have wider and longer calves. If you have thin or short calves, the material might gather behind your knees.
I recommend them to nurses who need mild to moderate compression as they tend to become a little loose at the end of the day.
Things We Like
- Available in several models and colors.
- Provide moderate gradient compression.
- Comfortable and breathable fabric to provide better airflow and breathability.
- Suitable for people with wider calves.
Things We Don’t Like
- Tend to lose their compression over time.
See the reviews for the Physix Gear compression socks on Amazon.
4. MEJORMEN Thigh High Compression Stockings
These thigh-high compression stockings represent a great addition to your work attire because they provide firm compression to reduce edema, and improve the look of your varicose veins.
They come in footless or closed toe models so you can choose the one that suits you.
The tight silicone band will prevent the stockings from sliding down. But if you’re allergic to silicone, then you should roll it over.
They sit high at the top of the thighs to provide maximum protection from blood clots. However, heavier people find that they’re rather tight at the top.
Because they apply a compression pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg, you’re advised to order a size up, especially if you’re not used to compression stockings.
I recommend these stockings to nurses who seek maximum compression to avoid swelling at the end of the day.
Things We Like
- Maximum compression in thigh-high compression stockings.
- Silicone band to prevent the stockings from sliding.
- Suitable for people with thinner legs.
Things We Don’t Like
- They run small.
- Can be too tight if you’re not used to compression stockings.
Check out MEJORMEN Compression Stockings on Amazon.
5. Doc Miller Premium Calf Compression Sleeve
Thanks to the seamless woven construction of these compression socks, you’ll be able to wear them for longer periods at work.
They come in various colors and sizes so you can always find the one that suits you.
The socks are made of a nylon and spandex blend that provides moderate 20 to 30 mmHg of gradient compression to reduce venous injuries and pain.
The open-toe sleeves allow you to wear your ordinary socks and provide more wiggle room for your toes.
The socks are designed to provide adequate support and stretch where needed. The design provides a snug yet comfortable fit for bigger calves.
Although the material is soft, it might be a bit rough if you have sensitive skin. People who have thinner calves might find them a bit loose.
Ordering the right size might be a bit tricky, so you should follow the sizing chart.
But once you buy the right pair, you’ll experience noticeable improvement in the look of your varicose and spider veins.
Things We Like
- Seamless open-toe compression socks.
- Apply moderate compression to reduce edema.
- Easy to put on socks that come in various sizes.
- Suitable for people with wide calves.
Things We Don’t Like
- Ordering the right size is a bit tricky.
- They tend to become a little loose at the end of the day.
Check out the Doc Miller compression socks on Amazon.com.
How to Buy the Best Compression Stocking for Nurses?
If you’re planning to use your compression stockings every day while doing your job as a nurse, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration.
Material
Compression stockings are usually made of durable and elastic materials like nylon, spandex, and Lycra.
Some of them are thinner and provide compression, while others are designed to provide firmer compression.
It’s important to choose a breathable material that will keep your legs dry. It should also be flexible, so it doesn’t affect your mobility while you’re doing your job.
Compression Level
Compression stockings provide different levels of compression ranging from 8 to 50 mmHg.
Lower compression levels may prevent tissue injury, but you’ll need at least 15 to 20 mmHg of compression to reduce pain and discomfort.
If you suffer from varicose veins, spider veins, or severe edema, then you should consider higher levels of compression.
More compression of 20 to 40 mmHg will slow down the progression of varicose veins and improve the blood flow.
If you’re using compression stockings for the first time, you might find tighter stockings a bit uncomfortable.
This is why it’s recommended to order a size up until you’re used to wearing them for long hours.
Compression Design
Compression stockings for nurses offer either a uniform or gradient compression. Gradient pressure means that the stockings will be tighter at the bottom and get lighter as they go up.
These are more comfortable to wear and will help prevent the blood from pooling in your feet after standing for long hours.
Uniform compression is the best solution to deal with edema. It will also prevent the formation of blood clots.
Length
Compression stockings come in different lengths to suit all users.
Ankle length socks will stabilize your feet and reduce the swelling but will do little to your varicose and spider veins.
If you suffer from these problems, you should buy at least knee-length socks.
They will apply pressure to the calves and reduce edema and improve the oxygen flow.
Thigh-length stockings are suitable for people who suffer from severe varicose veins and swelling.
You should invest in a good pair that won’t slide down to make sure that your legs are well-protected.
Wrap Up
The best compression stockings for nurses reduce the pain and discomfort, in addition to the risks associated with standing and walking for long hours.
To provide adequate protection, I choose the JOBST Relief 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks.
These are thigh-high stockings that provide moderate to firm compression to reduce the progression of varicose veins and improve the blood flow.
If you’re looking for a more affordable model, you can try the Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men & Women (20-30 mmHg).
They’re knee-high and less firm, but they will reduce edema and prevent the formation of blood clots to keep you healthy.
You don’t need a prescription to buy high-quality compression stockings.
However, you should talk with a doctor to decide on the adequate level of compression to improve your current health situation.
