Which type of compression stocking should be worn for travel and by someone who has postural tachycardia syndrome?

I am taking a long haul flight that is about 15 hours. I have postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and would like to wear a comfortable and effective compression stocking on the flight. Should I opt for knee-high, thigh-high, or panty hose? Also, what grade? Thank you very much.

Answers from doctors (11)


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 11, 2013

I would say that it depends on if you have varicose veins, any reflux in your superficial system and what levels are involved. If you have minimal to no venous insufficiency and your goal is to minimize the chances of a deep vein clot, I would get 15-20mm knee highs, take an aspirin a day for several days before and after your travel (if you have no ulcer disease or other stomach issues), and would try to get up on the plane every hour or so for a walk to the the bathroom. The combination of walking, aspirin and support should decrease your risks for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

I would say that it depends on if you have varicose veins, any reflux in your superficial system and what levels are involved. If you have minimal to no venous insufficiency and your goal is to minimize the chances of a deep vein clot, I would get 15-20mm knee highs, take an aspirin a day for several days before and after your travel (if you have no ulcer disease or other stomach issues), and would try to get up on the plane every hour or so for a walk to the the bathroom. The combination of walking, aspirin and support should decrease your risks for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


North Shore Vein Center

Published on Apr 11, 2013

15-20 mmHg stockings should suffice, and the knee-highs are all that is required. Just get up and move about during the flight every 30 minutes and exercise your calf muscles at your seat every now and then.

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Answered by North Shore Vein Center

15-20 mmHg stockings should suffice, and the knee-highs are all that is required. Just get up and move about during the flight every 30 minutes and exercise your calf muscles at your seat every now and then.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 09, 2013

Class 2 compression pantyhose would be better, but a thigh-high stocking is also good.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Class 2 compression pantyhose would be better, but a thigh-high stocking is also good.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 09, 2013

Good question. You should be fine with a knee-high compression hose. For postural tachycardia syndrome, 20 -30 mmHg should be quite adequate.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Good question. You should be fine with a knee-high compression hose. For postural tachycardia syndrome, 20 -30 mmHg should be quite adequate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 09, 2013

You will have to experiment. An 18-20 mmHg knee-high compression stocking is easiest to put on and most common for travel. A 30-40 mmHg thigh-high hose will give much more compression but will not be as comfortable.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

You will have to experiment. An 18-20 mmHg knee-high compression stocking is easiest to put on and most common for travel. A 30-40 mmHg thigh-high hose will give much more compression but will not be as comfortable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 08, 2013

Not knowing more about you, I can't say whether air travel is safe for you. For this, you would do best to consult with your primary care provider. As far as compression stockings, many people with POTS do find benefit from compression garments. You should look for waist-high (pantyhose) stockings that are at least 30-40 mmHg. These are most effective when they are custom fitted for your body type. These stockings are available by prescription, and are unlikely to be found in most pharmacies.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Not knowing more about you, I can't say whether air travel is safe for you. For this, you would do best to consult with your primary care provider. As far as compression stockings, many people with POTS do find benefit from compression garments. You should look for waist-high (pantyhose) stockings that are at least 30-40 mmHg. These are most effective when they are custom fitted for your body type. These stockings are available by prescription, and are unlikely to be found in most pharmacies.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Apr 08, 2013

The most effective will probably be thigh-high or pantyhose. The most comfortable is actually your preference. Choosing an effective compression stocking relies a great deal on the fit - your thighs must be properly measured. For very conical shaped thighs, the thigh-high will roll down. More cylindrical, slim thighs with stay up. If they roll down, then pantyhose is better because they will stay up. As for the amount of compression, 20-30 mmHg would be suggested as a minimum. Ideally, 30-40 mmHg is best, but they are difficult to put on and keep on for such a long flight. Thus, 20-30 is your best option.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The most effective will probably be thigh-high or pantyhose. The most comfortable is actually your preference. Choosing an effective compression stocking relies a great deal on the fit - your thighs must be properly measured. For very conical shaped thighs, the thigh-high will roll down. More cylindrical, slim thighs with stay up. If they roll down, then pantyhose is better because they will stay up. As for the amount of compression, 20-30 mmHg would be suggested as a minimum. Ideally, 30-40 mmHg is best, but they are difficult to put on and keep on for such a long flight. Thus, 20-30 is your best option.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 08, 2013

A knee-high compression stocking is sufficient since 85% of the venous pumping action occurs in the calf veins. 20 to 30 mmHg compression should be sufficient.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

A knee-high compression stocking is sufficient since 85% of the venous pumping action occurs in the calf veins. 20 to 30 mmHg compression should be sufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Apr 08, 2013

As a first option, try a 15-20 mmHg compression stocking that is knee-high. If that doesn't work, go to a thigh-high 20-30 mmHg hose.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

As a first option, try a 15-20 mmHg compression stocking that is knee-high. If that doesn't work, go to a thigh-high 20-30 mmHg hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 08, 2013

I recommend 30-40 mmHg pressure hose for patients with postural tachycardia syndrome. A thigh-length hose will direct the venous flow into your deep venous system and most likely deal with your tachycardia.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I recommend 30-40 mmHg pressure hose for patients with postural tachycardia syndrome. A thigh-length hose will direct the venous flow into your deep venous system and most likely deal with your tachycardia.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Apr 08, 2013

Wear any style in at least 15-20mmHg or 20-30mmHg compression on the flight.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Wear any style in at least 15-20mmHg or 20-30mmHg compression on the flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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