Common questions

L&R’s compression socks, stockings and tights will deliver graduated compression for 100 washes. We would recommend that you have 2 - 3 pairs so that you always have a pair to wear if one is in the wash. This equates to being replaced every 6 months. Extra pairs of compression can be purchased direct at the LR Self Care shop.

The choice can be yours on whether you would prefer to have an open or closed toe, unless there are overriding medical reasons that mean a certain style needs to be used.

If you are wearing your compression garment at night at the recommendation of nurse or GP, or for several days, an open toe also allows the foot to be washed. If you see a chiropodist, open toe tights or socks will probably not needed to be taken off. Painful corns on toes may also make an open toe more comfortable.

If you’re new to compression or have concerns about your legs or feet, please talk to your GP, nurse or pharmacist for further advice on whether compression might be suitable for you.

If you sit or stand for long periods of time at your job or when travelling, experience tired, achy or swollen legs, compression may be suitable for you. Our compression socks can give your legs a boost of energy and help reduce and relieve those annoying symptoms.

For most conditions a below knee is as effective as the longer thigh length and you can choose which compression is suitable for you. Many compression wearers find a below knee easier to put on and wear.

Some female weares may feel more at familiar with thigh length hosiery and suspenders. (The Activa thigh length compression need suspenders, NHS versions are available). Swollen or arthritic knees tend to be more comfortable in thigh length hosiery. Thigh length is suitable for people with painful or protruding varicose veins at the back of the knee.

Many people do not need to wear compression overnight. Sometimes you should leave it on, for example if the compression you require is in the form of bandages which are applied by a nurse, or if you require assistance from a carer or family member to apply compression tights/socks.

Please seek specific advice from your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether you should wear your compression overnight.

Activa, Adore and ActiLymph ‘off the shelf’ compression tights/socks are Latex-free. If you have been prescribed Dura compression tights/socks from our ActiLymph Made To Measure range this product does contain Latex.

Please refer to the product information leaflet for washing guidance.

Yes, ActiGlide is specifically for people who need that extra helping hand putting on their compression garment. ActiGlide allows your compression hosiery or arm sleeve to glide effortlessly up your limb. Suitable for closed, open toe and below knee or thigh length hosiery, tights or armsleeve. Find out more about ActiGlide.

You should get 2 pairs of compression on prescription.

A GP or nurse will be able to prescribe you your compression socks and tights, if you need additional pairs of compression socks and tights you can visit our online store here.

Compression can be worn for up to a week at a time, providing there are no medical conditions which mean compression should not be worn. We recommend an open toe style so the foot can be washed or chiropody treatments carried out.

Activa compression socks, stockings and tights are designed to improve circulation in the legs. Graduated compression gently squeezes the leg, which pushes venous blood back towards the heart. Activa compression socks and tights should be used when there is no swelling in the ankles or legs.

ActiLymph and Adore compression delivers the correct compression levels and fabric stiffness needed to manage swelling in the ankles or legs, such as chronic oedema and lymphoedema.

Our Activa thigh high stockings are not self-supportive so may require assistance if you are going to be active whilst wearing them. We recommend using either a medical grade suspender belt or a body adhesive to keep them in place.

When wearing compression you may feel a light ‘squeeze’ but they should never feel uncomfortable or painful to wear. This is likely to be an issue with the sizing of the garment. If you are experiencing any discomfort with your garment you should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

The toes, the foot, calf, knee and thigh as well as the upper limbs including gauntlets and arms.

Yes, it is available on perscription.

1 garment = 1 item

Foot – small, medium, large and extra-large 

Toe – small, medium, large, extra-large, extra extra large

Calf – small (tall), small (average), medium (tall), medium (average), large (tall), large (average), extra-large (tall) and extra-large (average)

Knee - small, medium, large and extra-large

Thigh - small (tall), small (average), medium (tall), medium (average), large (tall), large (average), extra-large (tall) and extra-large (average)

Gauntlet -  small, medium, large and extra large

Arm – small (short), small (average), small (tall), medium (short), medium (average), medium (tall), large (short), large (average) and large (tall)

Extender strap – one size (10cmx20cm)

The first thing we suggest is to have the fit of the garments evaluated by your healthcare professional to check that it is the right size and application method.

Yes, ReadyWrap can be washed (Instructions for washing can be found on each garment) The garment should be hand washed in warm water with a drop of non-bio detergent. Do not use bleach, softener or other laundry additives.

Lay the garment flat to dry and do not wring, machine dry or iron.

NOTE: Putting the garment into a washing machine will cause excess lint build up, twisting and stretching of the garment. If the ReadyWrap is exposed to heat it will cause the garment to separate. If a customer has washed or dried the garment incorrectly it may result in voiding the warranty.

We do not have any guidelines on when to wash your garments. Most people will wash them a few times a week. We do suggest washing more often if you have an open wound.

ReadyWrap products are warranted to be free of defect for 6 months from the date of purchase under normal wear conditions.

The composition of all ReadyWrap products is: 

61% Nylon, 33% Polyurethane and 6% Spandex/Elastane.

The gauntlet (hand piece) foot piece and toes pieces are left/right specific. The arm sleeve, calf, knee and thigh pieces are all universal.

For removing slough, debris and biofilm from shallow wounds and accessible areas of skin – Debrisoft Pads

For removing slough, debris and biofilm from hard-to-reach areas e.g. cavity wounds, between digits and skin folds -Debrisoft Lolly

To get the most out of Debrisoft it should be used for at least 2 minutes – 4 minutes, however a larger wound or limb may require a longer time, therefore use your clinical judgement

Debrisoft is a single use product and should be discarded after one use. A different Debrisoft pad/lolly should be used when debriding different wounds. It should not be left on the wound as a dressing

Any saline solution or ordinary tap water can be used to moisten Debrisoft

Outer walking sole: thermoplastic rubber

Inner layer: polyethylene, cardboard, polypropylene/chloroprene and rubber adhesive

Sewing thread: polyester

Upper mesh fabric (outside): polyester

Foam (middle layer): polyurethane

Sewing thread: polyester

Hook & loop straps: polyamide

No, this product is latex free.

No, each Cellona Shoe can be worn on either the right or left foot.

Cellacare® Materna is special back orthoses/maternity support belt which stabilizes the lumbar spine during pregnancy to help correct posture, provide support and relieve back pain.

The maternity support belt should be put on while standing. Open the Velcro and spread the maternity support belt out in front of you to ensure all fasteners are undone. Place this around your lower back and below your stomach.

Use the Velcro to close the maternity support belt below your stomach.

There are tension elements on the sides of the maternity belt; pull these forward and close them when you feel comfortable support in the back and abdominal area. If necessary, reduce or increase the pressure by adjusting the tension elements/reins until you feel comfortable support.

Watch the guide here.

This is dependent upon your hip size – see our sizing chart.

Yes, the maternity support belt can be washed at 30°C. To protect the Velcro fasteners, we recommend closing them before washing and placing the orthosis in a special wash bag. Do not dry-clean, machine dry or iron the maternity belt.

We recommend only wearing the maternity support belt when you're standing or active because that is when your body needs support. You should take off the orthosis when resting, i.e., at night.

Yes - an active lifestyle during pregnancy can even alleviate back pain.

Yes - you can wear the maternity support belt under your clothing. The inner material of the belt and the edges are designed to be pleasantly soft. However, some people prefer to wear it over the top of a vest/t-shirt.