
What is the difference between TED hose and compression stockings?
What Is the Difference Between Compression Stockings & Support Hose?
- The Similarities. Compression stockings and support hose both serve the same basic function. ...
- The Difference. There is a simple dividing line between support hose and compression stockings. ...
- Uses for Support Hose. ...
- Uses for Compression Stockings. ...
- TED Hose. ...
When should you wear TED hose or compression socks?
These are:
- They provide extra comfort to patients.
- They are prescribed by physicians to treat and halt a lot of venous conditions.
- The manufacturing of most closed-toe ted compression stockings is done under quality control standards to ensure that a precise graduated compression pattern is followed up to hinder the formation of ...
Are TED hose considered prescription stockings?
Whereas TED hose are prescribed for non-ambulatory patients, compression socks are best suited for patients who are able to move around. Generally, compression socks are for patients with circulatory problems such as venous insufficiency, lymphedema and varicose veins.
How do TED hose differ from compression socks?
TED Hose vs Compression Stockings
- Purpose. Both are used for leg compression, but they do so for different purposes. ...
- Level of Compression. Compression levels for both TED hose and compression stockings are measured in mmHg (millimeters of Mercury).
- Design. Since TED hose and compression stockings function differently, they also have marked differences in terms of design.
- Duration of Use. ...

Are TED stockings graduated compression?
In the medical field, TED hose may be referred to as thromboembolic deterrent hose or anti-embolism stockings. They are specifically designed to apply pressure to the superficial veins of the legs in order to prevent the formation of blood clots. TED hose apply light and graduated compression along the leg.
Are TED hose the same as compression stockings?
Whereas TED hose are prescribed for non-ambulatory patients, compression socks are best suited for patients who are able to move around. Generally, compression socks are for patients with circulatory problems such as venous insufficiency, lymphedema and varicose veins.
What level of compression are TED stockings?
8-18 mmHgCompression Level The pressure applied by compression clothing is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), the higher the number, the higher the pressure. For TED hose, pressure applied on the leg is actually the lightest level, with a compression level of 8-18 mmHg.
What does graduated compression mean for compression socks?
Graduated compression stockings exert the greatest degree of compression at the ankle, and the level of compression gradually decreases up the garment. They are often used to treat chronic venous disease and edema.
What's the difference between compression socks and compression stockings?
Compression / compressive socks are shorter and cover up to your ankle, while stockings can go as high as your thigh. You can get yourself thigh-high compression stockings, reach up to your knees, or wear of hosiery style. With compression socks, you are ankle-length and knee-high socks that also have closed toes.
Why are they called TED hose?
T.E.D. stockings are an abbreviation for "thromboembolism-deterrent". They are stockings designed and worn to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg, which means when you are recovering in bed these stockings will help stop blood clots from forming.
What is graduated compression?
Graduated compression or pressure stockings are tighter around your ankle and get looser as they move up your leg. Compression sleeves are just the tube part, without the foot.
What are the different levels of compression socks?
Support compression stockings are made available in multiple compression support levels. Most commonly compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg) gradient compression levels.
What are Class 2 compression stockings used for?
What are Class 2 compression stockings? Class Two is usually worn when there is a significant vascular or lymphatic issue such as lymphedema. This compression class of hosiery works well for reducing swelling of the ankles and offers significant support for more severe varicose veins.
Are graduated compression socks better than regular compression socks?
This design means that graduated compression socks provide more support lower on the leg, and that has specific applications. Most notably, graduated compression socks are better for use when gravity is a concern. If you're going to be sitting or standing for long periods of time, graduated socks are usually better.
What are graduated compression pantyhose?
The definition of graduated compression socks or stockings are garments that help stimulate circulation in your feet, ankles, and legs. They achieve this through tightly wrapping your ankle and calf, providing the necessary lower leg support to improve blood flow and reduce potential swelling from standing all day.
How do graduated compression stockings work?
The graduated compression of the stocking effectively acts like an additional layer of muscle, helping the calf muscle to gently squeeze stretched vein walls together, enabling them to close and move the blood closer to the heart and thereby restoring normal circulation.
What is the difference between compression stockings and TED hose?
The differences between compression stockings and TED hose are pretty clear, but many people, even some doctors, use the terms interchangeably. Compression stockings are worn when you are active. Ted hose are typically only worn by the bedridden. Whether prescribing compression stockings or TED hose, your doctor will prescribe ...
Why are TED hoses not graduated?
TED hose are not graduated. They were invented to prevent Thromboembolic Disease. That means that TED hose are intended to avoid blood clots from breaking loose and obstructing other blood vessels.
Why do you wear compression stockings when you are active?
Graduated Compression Stockings When You are Active. Graduated compression stockings help your body defy the effects of gravity. They work with your circulatory system to reduce swelling and keep your blood moving, rather than pooling in your legs.
What is a TED hose?
TED hose apply pressure to the feet and lower part of your leg, with most of the load directly on your calf muscles. This is to help prevent blood clots caused by the reduced circulation associated with those who are bedridden. Like medical graduated compression, TED hose help support the amount of blood flowing back to your heart.
Do compression stockings help with spider veins?
If you have uncomfortable varicose veins, spider veins or one of several forms of venous insufficiency, your doctor may prescribe graduated medical compression stockings. You may immediately think the doctor is talking about TED hose, but they are not. Compression stockings will help support your venous circulation.
Do compression stockings help with venous circulation?
Compression stockings will help support your venous circulation. Although compression is not a cure, compression stockings will alleviate many of your symptoms and slow the progression of your condition. While investigating your compression options, you may notice that you are offered compression stockings and TED hose.
Can you wear compression while asleep?
Graduated medical compression is not meant to be worn while you are asleep. For more information about vein disease and treatment options for varicose veins, visit our vein blog. We can help you take control of the health of your veins, and even help you find a vein doctor in your area.
What is a TED hose?
Although both are used in the medical field, they are similar but have different uses. The T.E.D. Hose is used for non-ambulatory patients (patients that can’t move around on their own), while Compression Socks are used for mobile patients who simply need more pressure on their legs.
Why do T.E.D. stockings have compression hoses?
Compression hose. Because blood usually pools at the calf, especially when in bed, the pressure in T.E.D. stockings is meant to force the blood back up the legs so that it can return to the heart easily and avoid clotting or DVT.
What is compression legwear?
Black Compression Socks. Compression Stockings – this is a generic term used for pressured socks that can mean any length or level of compression. Compression Hose – in general, this term hose means “pantyhose” that offer pressure and go from toe to waist.
What is compression stocking?
Compression stockings are prescribed for ambulatory patients. (Walking Around) These are considered to be patients who are mobile but are suffering from circulatory problems that need a high level of pressure. Patients with conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema may need to wear compression socks.
How to put on stockings?
Your instructions on how to put on your stockings will likely go something like this: Put your hose on first thing in the morning. Lie down, elevating your legs on a pillow for about 15 minutes before putting on the garment. Apply a small amount of powder to your ankles to ease the stockings over your legs.
How long do compression socks last?
Compression socks are durable, should be washed every time they are worn and can be made to last for three to even six months if they are well-cared-for. While they used to only come in rather bland white, both Compression Socks ( and to a lesser extent TED Socks) are now provided in fashionable colors and styles.
What is TED hose pressure?
Generally, TED Hose (also called TED Stockings, T.E.D. Hose, or simply T.E.D. s) have lower compression.
What is the compression level of a TED hose?
Between the two, TED hose usually has a lower compression level at around 8 to 18 mmHg. Compression stockings, on the other hand, are usually classified in three compression levels: 30-40 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, and 15-20 mmHg.
What is a TED hose?
TED hose, medically known as thrombo-embolic deterrent hose, are anti-embolism stockings designed to put pressure on the superficial veins to prevent blood clot formation. Compression stockings are tight-fitting stockings that put a specific level of pressure on the lower extremities.
What is compression stocking?
Mostly prescribed for ambulatory (mobile) patients, the use of compression stockings is an important part of treatment plans for mild venous conditions like lymphedema (lymph accumulation that leads to swelling), varicosity, and venous insufficiency.
How long do you need to use a TED hose?
Usually, patients are required to use TED hose for 3 weeks or until another form of blood clot prevention is available. Compression stockings, by contrast, can be used for up to 6 months, depending on the doctor’s recommendation.
Why do people wear compression stockings?
This lowers a person’s risk of developing blood clots, which can cause serious medical complications. Compression stockings, in contrast, mainly function to improve blood flow in the lower extremities, especially for conditions that require an aggressive form of compression.
What is a graduated compression stocking?
Graduated compression stockings are used for all stages of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, including varicose veins, edema, stasis skin changes and venous procedures. They may also be used in preventing and treating Post-Thrombotic Syndrome.
What is TEDS in a bed?
A Simple Rule of Thumb: If the patient is laying in the bed = anti-embolism stockings (TEDS are for BEDS) If the patient is ambulatory = medical graduated compression stockings are recommended. Measuring for compression is not very difficult, if you measure the largest part of you ankle, then the largest part of your calf, ...
What is TED hose?
Anti-embolism stockings, also known as TED hose, are designed specifically for non-mobile patients or those confined to a bed. These are the white stockings used for hospital patients. They are low cost temporary solutions commonly used for patients in nursing homes and post-surgery to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What is graduated compression stocking?
In comparison, graduated compression stockings are medically therapeutic and designed for people who are mobile. Graduated compression means that they are tightest around the ankle and gradually ease as they go up.
Do TED hoses help with varicose veins?
They are not graduated compression and only offer about 8-18mmhg compression. TED hose do not help the symptoms of venous disease and varicose veins.

Ted Hose vs. Compression Stockings – What’s The difference?
Ted Hose vs. Compression Stockings – What’s The difference?
- Although both of these specialized compression garments can look similar, there are many differences when it comes to their use and design.
Ted Hose vs. Compression Stockings – Summary
- In conclusion, it is crucial for patients to have basic information about the tools used in their treatment. A simple rule of thumb that practitioners and patients should know regarding compression garments is: If the patient is ambulatory(Walking/Sitting) they should wear Compression Socks. If the patient is non-ambulatory(Bed Bound) they should TED Hose. Lookin…