layering garments

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vlnrph
vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Is it OK to wear your gauntlet OVER a glove to get more compression on the back of the hand?

I have been using foam pads inside my Isotoner during the day which help keep the swelling down  but wonder about other possibilities. It takes time to reposition things when I strip in order to wash and they do seem to make me sweat more...

When I was wrapping at night, I had a small oval insert from KT that worked well and usually stayed in place under the bandages. Now I have a new Solaris Tribute (blue!) with finger divisions so stopped using extra pieces during sleep until we see how it goes.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2012

    vln, you should run that by your therapist, but I'd guess it wouldn't be a good idea. Sometimes (especially for leg LE) patients do layer garments, in order to give enough compression to the whole area. There was an article in the NLN magazine a few years ago about doing that, and I seem to recall it added half-again the compression of one garment alone. BUT, that was if you put one garment over another of the same kind. If you put a gauntlet on over a glove you're adding more compression to the whole palm area, front and back, but not the fingers, so I'd expect it would push fluid into your fingers. Where you definitely do not want it.Tongue out

    KT Medical sells a glove with a pocket for insertiing their buckwheat-hull Pressure Packs. And I think other garment makers will sew pockets on their custom gloves. Something like that might be a better bet than risking finger swelling. JMHO, of courseSmile!

    Let us know what you discover, please. Be well,
    Binney

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2012

    I think when I asked the therapist about this idea a month or two ago, that's when she gave me the "swell spot" type items to try out. The gauntlet alone did create a problem with puffy fingers so that's why I need a glove most of the time.

    As a violinist, I really need flexibility and find the Juzo fabric to remain somewhat stiff even after weeks of wearing (and washing). The Isotoner however has shown a lot of wear recently, becoming caught on my winter coat velcro and getting fuzzy looking!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2012

    vln, have you tried the Farrow Microfine glove? Here's a description of it from BrightLife Direct that I think is pretty accurate:
    http://www.brightlifedirect.com/blog/a-very-fine-glove/361/

    As a bonus, they even mention our discussions about it here! (Who knew?!Smile) If you do a search here on the Lymphedema forum you'll find lots of very positive posts about the Farrow gloves.

    (As you're discovering, Velcro is the natural enemy of compression garments and will attack them without provocation.Tongue out Some fabrics hold up a bit better than others, but it's still nasty getting your hand stuck to whatever Velcro is around.Yell) 

    How's the nighttime compression working out? Hope it's been encouraging!

    Keep us posted, please,
    Binney

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited January 2012

    That sounds like an excellent product! And a little less expensive. Will have to find out what my insurance deductibles are this year & if I need a new prescription in order to get one.

    I was worried when the Juzo glove came with lower compression numbers (18-21) versus 20-30 for my sleeve. I realize there are apparently different ranges between European and American manufacturerers but it is still somewhat confusing.

    I'm waking up nice and thin thru the hand and wrist, with a lovely texture from the foam chips... 

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