Our Guide to the Sigvaris Essential Thermoregulating Compression Stockings

If you find most stockings tend to irritate your skin or cause you to feel sweaty and overheated, the Sigvaris Unisex Essential Thermoregulating Compression Garments are ideal for you. Featuring a full cotton inner liner, they feel soft against the skin, are free from allergens like latex and have temperature regulating properties that make them suitable for both hot and cold temperatures.

This range has such a wealth of styles, designs and compression levels available, so we've put together this simple guide to help you find the right compression garment for your needs.

Replacing the Sigvaris Cotton Compression Hosiery Range

Made to replicate the high level of comfort and performance provided by the now discontinued the Sigvaris Cotton Range, the Sigvaris Thermoregulating compression garments are comfortable, gentle on the skin, and have a simple design suitable for both casual and professional wear.

Table of Contents

• Knee High Compression Stockings
• Knee High Compression Stockings with Open Toe
• Maxi Foot Knee High Compression Stockings
• Grip-Free Thigh High Compression Stockings
• Grip-Free Thigh High Compression Stockings with Open Toe
• Thigh High Compression Stockings with Knobbed Grip
• Thigh High Compression Stockings with Knobbed Grip and Open Toe
• Thigh High Compression Stockings with Sensinnov Grip
• Thigh High Compression Stockings with Sensinnov Grip and Open Toe
• Thigh High Compression Stocking with Waist Attachment
• Thigh High Compression Stocking with Waist Attachment and Open Toe
• Full Length Compression Tights
• Full Length Compression Tights with Open Toe
• Which Class Do I Need?
• Which Style?
• What Is the Purpose of the Waist Attachment?
• Which Grip-Top Is Right for Me?
• What Does 'Maxi Foot' Mean?
• Open Or Closed Toe?

Knee High Compression Stockings

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Knee High Compression Stockings with Open Toe

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Maxi Foot Knee High Compression Stockings

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 

Grip-Free Thigh High Compression Stockings

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Grip-Free Thigh High Compression Stockings with Open Toe

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Thigh High Compression Stockings with Knobbed Grip

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Thigh High Compression Stockings with Knobbed Grip and Open Toe

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Thigh High Compression Stockings with Sensinnov Grip

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Thigh High Compression Stockings with Sensinnov Grip and Open Toe

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Thigh High Compression Stocking with Waist Attachment

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Thigh High Compression Stocking with Waist Attachment and Open Toe

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Full Length Compression Tights

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Full Length Compression Tights with Open Toe

Class 1 (18-21mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 2 (23-32mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

• Black 
• Nature 

Which Class Do I Need?

These stockings apply grade compression to your legs to promote blood flow from your feet. The Sigvaris Essential Thermoregulating Compression Stockings follow the RAL standard of compression (measured in mmHG) and can be found in the following three classes:

• RAL Class 1 (18-21mmHg)
• RAL Class 2 (23-32mmHg)
• RAL Class 3 (34 - 46mmHg)

RAL Class 1 (18-21mmHg) is considered a light to moderate level of compression, RAL Class 2 (23-32mmHg) is moderate, and RAL Class 3 is a high level of compression.

Choosing Your Class

RAL Class 1 stockings can be used for low level concerns, including:

• Slight aches or fatigue in the legs
• Support when sitting or standing for extended periods
• For extra leg support in general settings

RAL Class 2 stockings are best for when users need a little more support, and can help with:

• Mildly swollen, achy legs
• Active, busy days or travel wear
• Improving circulation, especially in the legs
• Preventing varicose and spider veins during pregnancy

RAL Class 3 should be reserved for more serious concerns, as it is provides an unnecessarily high level of compression for many mild conditions. They are suitable treating conditions such as:

• Moderate to severe oedema
• Moderate to severe lymoedema
• Active venous stasis ulcers
• Phlebitis
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Bone fractures

Please remember that this is only a guideline for the uses of these stockings and that you should always consult a healthcare professional if you aren't sure which class you require. You should also speak to your doctor if you think you may be suffering from a severe condition affecting your legs.

Which Style?

These compression garments are available in a knee and thigh high versions, as well as full length tights. When making your choice you should first consider which part of your leg requires treatment as some conditions may only require compression around the calf, while others affect the entire leg.

Once you've made a selection based on medical reasons, you can then think about the look you would prefer, and the type of weather you'll be wearing your garments in.

What Is The Purpose of the Waist Attachment?

Sometimes a venous condition might only affect one of your legs, making a full pair of compression garments unnecessary and potentially uncomfortable. The Essential Thermoregulating Stockings with Waist Attachement only covers only one leg, and are therefore supplied with a waist attachment which helps to prevent slippage during the day

Which Grip-Top Is Right For Me?

The thigh high version of these stockings is available with the following types of grip-top:

• Knobbed Grip - This grip-top features a polka dot like pattern and is the best out of all the grip tops at keeping your stockings in place.
• Sensinnov Grip - This grip has a subtler design and is gentler on the skin than the knobbed grip, although is slightly less effective at preventing slippage.
• No Grip - These stockings are designed for those who find grip-tops uncomfortable or who would rather apply their own compression garment adhesive.

Open or Closed Toe?

Compression garments are made to be tight-fitting and can feel a little constricting at times. If your condition doesn't affect your feet and if you find pressure in this area uncomfortable, we recommend you opt for an open-toe version. Of course some people still prefer closed toe compression hosiery, as they offer more warmth during cold seasons.

What Does 'Maxi Foot' Mean?

The Maxi Foot compression stockings available in this line are designed for those with larger shoe sizes, or who generally find compression garments too tight around the foot area. They are specifically for those with UK shoe sizes 10 - 13, but can be worn by those with slightly smaller feet if they prefer a looser fit.