Compression Bandages

Elastic Compression Bandages are one of the primary means of treating medical conditions like venous leg ulcers and edema. They apply deliberate pressure on the targeted limb to reduce the swelling and improve blood circulation. They also come in a multi-layered pattern where each layer is specifically designed to work together and provide graduated compression to the targeted area.

Multi-Layer Elastic Compression Bandages

Multi-layer compression bandages are used for treating edema and venous insufficiencies in situations where users cannot wear gradient compression garment. The innermost or the first layer of the multi-layered compression bandage is designed to provide padding and absorb wound exudate. The succeeding layers may include a conforming bandage, a compression bandage and an outermost cohesive bandage that holds all these layers in place.

2-Layer Compression Bandage System

Two-layer elastic compression bandages provide continuous gradient compression using a thinner and lower profile as compared to 3 or 4 layer systems.

• Padding Bandage: The first layer is designed for patient comfort. It is made up of a soft foam with an absorbent coating that absorbs moisture and wound exudate.
• Cohesive Bandage: The second layer provides consistent compression and can be easily torn by hand.

3-Layer Compression Bandage System

Three-layer elastic compression bandages are used to provide lighter therapeutic compression for mixed etiologies.

• Padding Bandage: The first layer is soft, absorbent and placed next to the skin to provide patient comfort.
• Conforming Bandage: The second layer is made up of a conformable, elastic material that provides extra absorbency and prepares the targeted area for application of the next layer.
• Cohesive Bandage: The final layer provides compression and holds all the layers in place with its cohesive technology. It adheres to itself but not to the surrounding skin or other surfaces.

4-Layer Compression Bandage System

Four-layer elastic compression bandages offer therapeutic compression and absorbency to treat venous insufficiencies and edema.

• Padding Bandage: The innermost layer is soft, absorbent and highly conformable to provide patient comfort. 
• Conforming Bandage: The elastic and conformable material of the second layer provides additional absorbency and helps prepare the affected area for application of the next layer.
• Compression Bandage: The third layer provides compression to the targeted area while maintaining a low profile.
• Cohesive Bandage: The fourth layer adds up to the compression and keeps the entire bandage system in place. It uses a cohesive technology that allows it to stick to itself but not to the skin or other surrounding surfaces.

Precautions to take while using Compression Bandages

• Compression bandages should only be used up to 24-48 hours after injury.
• Avoid wrapping bandage too tightly. You do not want to block the circulation altogether.
• Elastic bandages are not meant for support they only provide compression. In order to immobilize a wound use splints not compression bandage.
• You can combine rest and ice and elevation with compression for most sports injuries.
• Do combine rest and elevation with compression whenever possible.
• You should avoid applying cold packs with compression bandages to avoid frost bites. They are best applied separately.

Where to buy Compression Bandages online?

Compression Bandage apply deliberate pressure on the targeted limb to reduce the swelling and improve blood circulation. At Shop Wound Care, we offer a wide range of compression bandages for wounds from various top-selling manufacturers like Lohmann & Rauscher, Mckesson, Medline, BSN Medical, etc.

Other Useful Links:

• Healing of an arterial leg ulcer by compression bandaging
• Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers