Is it OK for my parents to wear over-the-counter compression stockings/flight socks for their upcoming long distance flight?

My parents will be on a long flight (15 hours). My mother has diabetes and my father had an angioplasty earlier this year. Is it safe for them to wear over-the-counter compression stockings/flight socks during the air travel?

Answers from doctors (12)


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 18, 2013

As long as the stockings are fit properly and well tolerated, they can be used. They should still try to ambulate every hour or two, as simply sitting will not activate the calf muscle pump enough.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

As long as the stockings are fit properly and well tolerated, they can be used. They should still try to ambulate every hour or two, as simply sitting will not activate the calf muscle pump enough.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Nov 12, 2013

It would be better for your parents to see a physician experienced in vein conditions so that the most effective compression garment can be recommended, taking into account their underlying medical conditions. OTC garments have a wide range of compression, are not matched to a particular condition, and most likely ineffective.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

It would be better for your parents to see a physician experienced in vein conditions so that the most effective compression garment can be recommended, taking into account their underlying medical conditions. OTC garments have a wide range of compression, are not matched to a particular condition, and most likely ineffective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 12, 2013

We recommend your parents be measured and fitted for quality medical grade compression hose. This will ensure appropriate fit and comfort, which is particularly necessary for someone with diabetes. A certified fitter or nurse can do this. Over-the-counter hose are generally made to fit the person into their generic sizes instead of fitting the appropriate hose to their legs and needs. Also, encourage them to drink plenty of water, walk was much as possible or stretch and flex legs. Additionally, they should wear loose clothing and avoid salt and alcohol.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We recommend your parents be measured and fitted for quality medical grade compression hose. This will ensure appropriate fit and comfort, which is particularly necessary for someone with diabetes. A certified fitter or nurse can do this. Over-the-counter hose are generally made to fit the person into their generic sizes instead of fitting the appropriate hose to their legs and needs. Also, encourage them to drink plenty of water, walk was much as possible or stretch and flex legs. Additionally, they should wear loose clothing and avoid salt and alcohol.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 12, 2013

Yes. Considering the length of the flight, it is recommended that they both wear compression stockings. But, to be safe, have your parents speak with their primary care physicians prior to the trip to ensure that the hose are truly appropriate given their conditions.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Yes. Considering the length of the flight, it is recommended that they both wear compression stockings. But, to be safe, have your parents speak with their primary care physicians prior to the trip to ensure that the hose are truly appropriate given their conditions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Nov 12, 2013

It is OK for your parents to wear compression stockings during their flight IF they purchase high-quality stockings that are graduated, meaning they are stronger lower down and milder higher up. There are many inferior stockings available, so it would be best to get a brand name recommendation from the doctor, along with a recommendation for strength. Stockings that are too strong for older patients with arterial insufficiency can be dangerous, while stockings that are too weak are ineffective in preventing blood clots.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

It is OK for your parents to wear compression stockings during their flight IF they purchase high-quality stockings that are graduated, meaning they are stronger lower down and milder higher up. There are many inferior stockings available, so it would be best to get a brand name recommendation from the doctor, along with a recommendation for strength. Stockings that are too strong for older patients with arterial insufficiency can be dangerous, while stockings that are too weak are ineffective in preventing blood clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 12, 2013

Given your parents medical history, it would be much better for them to wear prescription grade 20-30 mmHg compression hose. I am quite sure that their respective providers would be willing to write prescriptions for them. While OTC compression hose can often times be adequate in certain cases, I think it would be inadvisable for your parents to rely on this sort of hose for such an extended flight.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Given your parents medical history, it would be much better for them to wear prescription grade 20-30 mmHg compression hose. I am quite sure that their respective providers would be willing to write prescriptions for them. While OTC compression hose can often times be adequate in certain cases, I think it would be inadvisable for your parents to rely on this sort of hose for such an extended flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Nov 12, 2013

It would be advisable for your parents to wear compression stockings while on such a long flight. There have been cases where people on such long flights have developed deep vein thromboses(DVT) due to the prolonged immobility. However, if either parent has peripheral artery disease (PAD) or arterial insufficiency, then I would recommend checking with their PCP to make sure that they are a candidate for the stockings. People with severe PAD should not wear compression stockings because they can further decrease arterial flow to the legs.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

It would be advisable for your parents to wear compression stockings while on such a long flight. There have been cases where people on such long flights have developed deep vein thromboses(DVT) due to the prolonged immobility. However, if either parent has peripheral artery disease (PAD) or arterial insufficiency, then I would recommend checking with their PCP to make sure that they are a candidate for the stockings. People with severe PAD should not wear compression stockings because they can further decrease arterial flow to the legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 11, 2013

Though it should be OK and safe for your parents to wear compression stockings, they need to be evaluated by their physician.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Though it should be OK and safe for your parents to wear compression stockings, they need to be evaluated by their physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

The minimum compression should be 15 mmHg, but ideally 20-30mmHg. Wearing them will absolutely be of benefit during their long flight. Make sure your parents are properly fitted and that the hose are comfortable. If they are too tight, the stockings might be counterproductive. Also, patients tend not to wear them if they find they have discomfort.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The minimum compression should be 15 mmHg, but ideally 20-30mmHg. Wearing them will absolutely be of benefit during their long flight. Make sure your parents are properly fitted and that the hose are comfortable. If they are too tight, the stockings might be counterproductive. Also, patients tend not to wear them if they find they have discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Nov 11, 2013

Yes, it is OK for your parents to wear compression stockings during their flight. Actually, it is recommended.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, it is OK for your parents to wear compression stockings during their flight. Actually, it is recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

The compression should be between 20- 30 mmHg. Even 20-24 is probably sufficient as an adjunct during flight. Some compression is better than no compression at all. Your parents should also stay well hydrated, refrain from drinking alcohol, get up and walk periodically, and take either a baby or adult ASA the night before and day of travel.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The compression should be between 20- 30 mmHg. Even 20-24 is probably sufficient as an adjunct during flight. Some compression is better than no compression at all. Your parents should also stay well hydrated, refrain from drinking alcohol, get up and walk periodically, and take either a baby or adult ASA the night before and day of travel.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

Yes. It is not only OK, it is a good idea and may help prevent blood clots by encouraging blood flow in the deep veins.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes. It is not only OK, it is a good idea and may help prevent blood clots by encouraging blood flow in the deep veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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