Table 1.

Common commercial compression therapy equipment

Compression therapy	Structure	Advantages	Disadvantages
Bandage[ 22 , 38 , 39 ]	Short‐ or long‐stretch materials, wrapped around the affected limb using multiple layers and/or materials.	Size and pressure can be adjusted according to the patient's limb size and shape; lightweight and unobtrusive; user can move around.[ 20 ]	Success of application (i.e., precise pressure level) relies on training of medical staff and manual skills; may suffer pressure loss in the first hours due to wear;[ 17 ] pressure may vary significantly depending on the patient movements.[ 40 ]
Stocking[ 41 ]	Hosiery‐type garments, including knee‐high socks, tights, and pantyhose.	Patients can generally don and doff stocking without assistance (with the exception of patients with mobility issues); stockings maintain pressure for longer time compared to bandage; are less dependent on manual skill compared to bandages; user can move around.	Skin allergies may present a problem; size must be prescribed according to user condition/size; not fully adaptable to limb shape.
Pneumatic compression device[ 28 , 42 ]	Active devices, using electrical power and pneumatic pumps to selectively inflate chambers arranged in a boot‐like structure.	Automated compression; requires significantly less wear time; can be used in ulcers that do not respond well to conventional therapy; compression time and cycles can be adjusted to individual needs.	Venous stasis can occur; may reduce limb mobility; usually requires external inflation source connected by tubing; may be bulky and noisy; may prevent mobility.