Would it be better to wear compression hose with wrinkles or not at all?

My 100-year-old mom is on a plane from Denver to Alaska. Her hose have wrinkles in them. Does this indicate they are not fitting correctly, and would it be better to remove them? Or, is it better to have them on for the flight vs. not at all?

Answers from doctors (11)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Sep 19, 2012

I'm not sure why the hose are wrinkled, are these new hose or used? I'm not too concerned about wrinkles, however, make sure that hose are not binding. We do recommend to wear compression stocking during the flight.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

I'm not sure why the hose are wrinkled, are these new hose or used? I'm not too concerned about wrinkles, however, make sure that hose are not binding. We do recommend to wear compression stocking during the flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Sep 18, 2012

Probably better to leave them on for the flight. They may not be properly fitted or it may be time to get a new pair.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Probably better to leave them on for the flight. They may not be properly fitted or it may be time to get a new pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Sep 18, 2012

Seeing wrinkles in the compression hose would indicate that they are not fitting correctly. It might be wise to have your mother see a compression hose specialist (i.e. someone at a reputable medical equipment supply) and have them measure her and fit her with hose properly.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Seeing wrinkles in the compression hose would indicate that they are not fitting correctly. It might be wise to have your mother see a compression hose specialist (i.e. someone at a reputable medical equipment supply) and have them measure her and fit her with hose properly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Sep 17, 2012

As long as they are not acting like a tourniquet at the top they should be ok and may be helpful.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

As long as they are not acting like a tourniquet at the top they should be ok and may be helpful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


They may be pulled up too far. They should be pulled on evenly to avoid wrinkles. Wrinkles are more of a discomfort problem than anything else. I would try to adjust them and leave them on.

Answered by North Country Thoracic & Vascular (View Profile)

They may be pulled up too far. They should be pulled on evenly to avoid wrinkles. Wrinkles are more of a discomfort problem than anything else. I would try to adjust them and leave them on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Sep 17, 2012

Properly fitted compression stockings prevent blood clots and swelling during flights longer than 4 hours. Excessive stocking wrinkling may indicate either worn out stockings or improper sizing.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Properly fitted compression stockings prevent blood clots and swelling during flights longer than 4 hours. Excessive stocking wrinkling may indicate either worn out stockings or improper sizing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Sep 17, 2012

Better? No. Get better fitting hose.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Better? No. Get better fitting hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 17, 2012

You should try to have the hose fit properly. This may require getting a new pair. Some stockings may have wrinkles so try to make the best of it. It is better to wear the stockings, than not to wear the stockings, but they should also fit as properly as possible.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You should try to have the hose fit properly. This may require getting a new pair. Some stockings may have wrinkles so try to make the best of it. It is better to wear the stockings, than not to wear the stockings, but they should also fit as properly as possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Sep 17, 2012

When you describe wrinkles, it sounds like the compression stockings are quite loose. That leads me to believe they are not sized properly - they are too large. I would question the effectiveness of the stockings if they are truly that loose. Best advice on flights is to get up and walk every hour, for about 5 minutes and pump the feet when seated (like pressing up and down on a gas pedal). Hope this helps.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

When you describe wrinkles, it sounds like the compression stockings are quite loose. That leads me to believe they are not sized properly - they are too large. I would question the effectiveness of the stockings if they are truly that loose. Best advice on flights is to get up and walk every hour, for about 5 minutes and pump the feet when seated (like pressing up and down on a gas pedal). Hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 17, 2012

My 92 year old mother just flew from Australia recently. I had her in a soft, 15-30 mmHg knee sock which were comfortable and didn't wrinkle. If your mother's hose are wrinkling it means they are not fitted correctly. She should be remeasured and fitted by a certified experienced fitter. If compression hose wrinkle they can cause constrictive bands. If you have no choice but to work with them, keep them well pulled up.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

My 92 year old mother just flew from Australia recently. I had her in a soft, 15-30 mmHg knee sock which were comfortable and didn't wrinkle. If your mother's hose are wrinkling it means they are not fitted correctly. She should be remeasured and fitted by a certified experienced fitter. If compression hose wrinkle they can cause constrictive bands. If you have no choice but to work with them, keep them well pulled up.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 17, 2012

Wrinkles indicate stockings are too loose, have not been pulled up adequately, or have lost their
elasticity. At age 100, the concern is whether she has arterial disease (hardening of arteries) and hence is
intolerant to compression. A professional evaluation in person is indicated to evaluate all the pros and
cons. Does she have any risk factors for blood clots other than less mobility for a few hours? Another concern is if the wrinkle is large enough to form a roll that acts as a tourniquet. Also, what strength compression?

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Wrinkles indicate stockings are too loose, have not been pulled up adequately, or have lost their
elasticity. At age 100, the concern is whether she has arterial disease (hardening of arteries) and hence is
intolerant to compression. A professional evaluation in person is indicated to evaluate all the pros and
cons. Does she have any risk factors for blood clots other than less mobility for a few hours? Another concern is if the wrinkle is large enough to form a roll that acts as a tourniquet. Also, what strength compression?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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