What’s a Fuzzy Wale and How Can It Help With My Swelling?
theresa sonneville
Working with lymphedema therapist to help get their patients into top quality compression garments at an affordable price. Together we are stronger ~ together we can!
Posted on June 25, 2024 | by Theresa
FUZZY WALES
In the context of Edema Wear, a Fuzzy Wale refers to the fuzzy part of knitted corduroy cloth. Edema Wear utilizes these Fuzzy Wales, connected by Lycra spandex elastic yarn. This unique construction creates a compression stockinette that compresses just 20% of the skin surface. The non-compressed skin between the wales allows fluid to evaporate and heat to radiate from 80% of the skin surface. Additionally, the non-compressed subcutaneous fat between the wales aids in opening veins and lymphatics to return edema fluid to the heart.
EdemaWear is engineered to move fluid through the?perforating vessels to the deep limb muscle veins and lymphatics. Fluid moves into the veins and lymphatics accompanying the arteries supplying the skin. These vessels pass through the fascia of the muscles. Skin gets its blood from and returns venous blood and lymphatic fluid from the adjacent muscle. Thus reducing swelling in that area.
TOLERATE MY COMPRESSION STOCKINGS
Is this Fuzzy Wale technology an excellent alternative for those who struggle with the discomfort of standard gradient compression stockings? Or find standard compression too restrictive. Do your compression stockings make you feel claustrophobic or trapped? Or do you have skin that may be too sensitive to tolerate a standard compression stocking? Those compression stockings may be too hot and uncomfortable during summer. Perhaps your compression garment is driving you a bit crazy! Have you ever had this experience? Has your patient ever complained to you about their compression in this way? If so, I might have a solution that could bring them comfort and ease. EdemaWear : a mild compression stockinette with a unique weave called “fuzzy wales” and compression levels ranging from 15-20 mmHg. It’s designed with your comfort in mind, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience.
EDEMAWEAR
EdemaWear is not just comfortable; it’s also highly effective. This innovative product is a soft and safe treatment for all types of Edema, including lymphedema. It uses a unique compression system with ‘fuzzy wales, a technology developed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This ‘Fuzzy Wales Compression’ (FWC) technology is designed to move fluid out of subcutaneous fat and heal venous leg ulcers. EdemaWear was proven more effective in the Paradise Valley AZ Wound Clinic and Lymphedema Center studies than Tubigrip. You can trust its effectiveness in managing your condition.
ADVANTAGES OF EDEMAWEAR
Although Edema Wear is not for everyone, it can be an excellent alternative to standard compression. Some advantages of this product are:
USING EDEMAWEAR
Edema Wear is not just a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. Cut it to length as needed, for it will not unravel. Additionally, you can fold EdemaWear down on top of itself to create a double layer. This fold can help hold the garment in place, preventing it from slipping. Edema Wear can be used anywhere swelling occurs. Use the larger sizes for abdominal swelling or chest wall swelling. Its versatility empowers you to manage your condition in the way that suits you best.?
Many therapists like using Edema Wear with other products, such as the Juzo Compression Wrap garment on the lower leg and the thigh. Cut a hole for a thumb of your Edema Wear arm piece, and now you have a gauntlet and an arm sleeve. This garment is also widely used as a liner under wrap garments, like the CircAid Reduction kit.
This product can be used for swelling, venous insufficiency, and lymphedema, as well as to protect at-risk skin from bruising and shear injury. It is a very versatile garment, indeed!?
SIZING YOUR EDEMAWEAR
Sizing your EdemaWear is quite simple. You need to find the largest circumference of the area you are trying to compress and use the sizing chart to determine the size. Most people will fit into a size small or medium for lower legs. The large and X-large are most often used for thighs, but they can also be used for chest edema in some cases.? Please also note that the small size is sold as a pair, but all other sizes are sold separately. I found this video on YouTube that goes over the measuring as well as the donning and doffing if you need further assistance.
CARE FOR YOUR EDEMAWEAR
Hand wash in cold water and hang to dry. Remove blood stains with hydrogen peroxide. If worn daily, EdemaWear’s approximate life is 4-6 months. Remove it daily for bathing and repositioning.
FABRIC CONTENT: Medical grade Lycra, Spandex, and Nylon. Latex free.
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Disclaimer – This blog is for general information purposes only. Furthermore, the information contained in this blog is not a substitute for medical advice – always consult a licensed healthcare professional for advice on your specific condition.