FAQs About Alpaca Compression Socks
Who can benefit from compression sock products?
Anyone who sits or stands for long periods of time, pregnant women, frequent travelers, nurses and pretty much everyone else can benefit from wearing compression socks. According to Dr. Bo Johnson from the Rocky Mountain Vein
Clinic, a sedentary person can benefit from graduated compression socks because they enhance the natural pumping mechanism in their legs and encourage blood to flow back to their heart and lungs. Active people such as long distance runners, flight attendants as well as those in the service industry can also benefit from graduated compression socks because they improve the overall circulation in their legs.
Why are these so hard to get on?
Compression socks are bit harder to put on than regular socks because by nature they are supposed to be tighter around the foot and calf. There is Alpaca, Microfiber, Spandex and Nylon woven throughout the sock to allow for an optimal level of compression from the ankle all the up to the leg. You need that level of compression in the legs to achieve health benefits.
Do I have to have a medical condition to receive benefits from compression socks?
Anyone can benefit from wearing our products. Most people don't achieve optimal circulation in their legs which can cause leg fatigue, swelling and varicose and spider veins. Our Alpaca Compression Socks can help with all of these issues. Our compression socks are specifically designed for everyday wear and can benefit anyone.
How do I know if I need 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg?
Most people benefit from the all- day, every day graduated compression provided by 15-20 mmHg socks. 20-30 mmHg is considered medical grade compression and generally recommended or prescribed by your doctor. mmHg stands for millimeter of mercury, which is the way that the pressure in each compression sock is measured.
I already have a pair of socks that are tight, doesn’t that provide the same benefits as compression socks?
Just because a sock is tight does not mean it’s a compression sock that offers the same health benefits. In fact, some tight socks can actually inhibit the flow of blood. Our compression socks are designed with a gradient pressure technology featuring our standard 16-20 mmHg graduated technology. The ultra gradual compression starts at the ankle and goes up the leg, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. We developed our socks with the assistance of vascular surgeons and vein clinics, and also test our product to ensure it offers an accurate compression level.
How should the socks feel when worn?
It should feel like your legs are well supported. They need to feel slightly tight in order to receive the benefits but never painful. According to our customers, they'll make your legs feel so great that you'll never want to take them off!
How often should I wear my compression socks? Can I wear them to bed?
You can wear them every day! You can machine wash them but air drying is suggested. Wearing compression socks to bed is entirely based on your comfort level. It is safe to sleep in the socks, but if you find it uncomfortable or experience any kind of pain, you should cease sleeping in compression socks immediately.
For best results, machine wash your socks after each wear in cold water. Air dry. Accidentally throw them in the dryer? It’s okay – your socks will be a bit tighter at first, but will comfortably stretch out with continued wear.
Will additional compression levels and styles be available in the future?
We are always working on new styles and designs for our socks. If you would like to be notified of new designs, please sign up for our newsletter. We'd love to hear your suggestions for designs and styles!