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Jobst Travel Socks for plane?

Has anyone used the knee high Jobst Travel Socks on the plane to Europe? Mother in Law recommended these, but they are $20/pr. I just spent $100 on hiking socks, do I need these too?

Posted by
6 posts

Yes, I started wearing compression socks (not jobst) a few years ago on long hauls and I suggest them to almost everyone. When I wear them, my feet bearly swell at all but if I do not, they're swollen for several days after the flight. Sometimes at the end of a flight without the compression socks, I can't even fit my feet into my shoes! I have no circulation problems and my feet do not swell at any other times. I suggest you look at your local pharmacy an see what other ones they sell for less $$
It is definitely worth it!

Posted by
658 posts

They're compression socks and as such I can say that I never fly long haul without wearing compression socks.

Nothing like Hiking socks.

$20.00 seems a bit steep. Any old compression socks work fine. I wear black ones that cost me about $6.00 in your money.

Posted by
808 posts

I think Compression Socks are a good idea. They are especially important if you fly frequently as we Crew do...

IME, you can get similar quality for less money if you look around...I'd only go for the name brand if you're lucky enough to be reimboursed for them as most Flight Crew are...Otherwise, I'd shop around and see what you can find...

I've seen them at Factory Outlet Stores on occaision when I've been in the US. Sometimes they change packaging or something trivial which does not reduce the quality of the merchandise inside...When I find a deal like that I stock up!

Posted by
242 posts

Otherwise known as TED-Hose/Anti-embolism stockings?

Same thing or not?

Thanks

Posted by
3 posts

Try Footsmart - they have some compression trouser socks, etc. I'm planning on buying some before my trip to Europe this September.

Posted by
242 posts

Nancy, thanks. I'll see if I can find some in black. No WAY am I wearing jeans with white socks! LOL!

B~

Posted by
2792 posts

I have something like this I bought years ago at Magellen's. They really do make a difference.

To the Flight Crews on here? How often should these be replaced. I thought last time I flew that mine seemed to be losing their "compression" LOL! Am I just crazy?

Posted by
990 posts

Carol, You say that you bought them years ago. Elastic doesn't last forever, so it's quite possible that they're starting to become less effective. I treat mine like lingerie--never put them in the drier and mainly wash by hand. That will prolong their life.

Posted by
2792 posts

JER,
Thanks. I have not been that nice to mine. While they are only worn a couple of times a year it's probably time to invest in some new ones. Plus I am getting ready to start a job with more long distance travel. Will have to go look for some sales!

Posted by
1 posts

TED hose are not the same. TED hose are for people who are non-ambulatory (i.e. not capable of walking; bed bound).

At the age of 42 I do not have circulation problems either, but I have used compression hosiery for years when I am on my feet for long periods or on long flights. I to, experienced the shortcomings of not using them when I was on a flight from New Zealand to LA back in 2006. I was stuck in the middle of the plane, did not get up as often as I should, and when I tried to put on my slip on shoes my toes were being pinched so tight it almost brought tears to my eyes. That was a first (and last) for me.

My suggestions are to get a good pair of Jobst or similar. You can find a large selection online at http://www.supporthosiery.com/. Over the calf is usually preferred for comfort, but over the knee is available also. Compression ranges from 8-15 mmHg, 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg in various colors. I use what is considered a medical grade 20-30 mmHg over the calf recommended by my doctor which is unfortunately usually found only in beige. I do find these a bit more comfortable than the “ribbed” Jobst though.

If you have any questions you should ask your doctor. A “light” compression hose though doesn’t hurt anyone and most find their legs feel less tired at the end of the day. You should be aware that at first you will feel they are uncomfortable and a bit tight. This is normal and you will get accustomed to them quickly.

On a final note; the elasticity of the hose does not last forever. The frequency of use and the age of the garment determines largely on how often you should replace them. Once they start loosing the elasticity they start loosing their effectiveness.

Hope this helps. Good luck and safe travels!

Posted by
36 posts

As a nurse, TEDS or JOBST they both will accomplish the same thing. TEDS are cheaper. Remember to wash them in the sink and hang dry to retain the function.

Posted by
10344 posts

People wearing these often do so because they have a reason. Hopefully the reason has been referred to a doctor for professional advice from an expert. There are prescription socks and part of the prescription prescribes the distance between your heel and the bottom of your knee, as just one example. If the socks you buy over the counter are too long and you have to double fold the top under your knee, it might create more problems than it solves.If you're having a problem with DVT, or think you might be at higher risk for it, get advice from a professional.

Posted by
440 posts

Kathy, Scholl also have flight socks...they look more like knee high tights. It's a bit like the old American Express advertisement -'Don't keave home without it (them).

Posted by
360 posts

Glad to find this thread as I was just thinking about buying some I found in Travelsmith. They're by Spanx & sell for $10. I'm wondering if they're any good since that's the price their regular knee highs sell for. Anyone used Spanx compression socks?

Posted by
43 posts

I purchase from Ames Walker which has great sales. I have always paid less than $10/pair and have medical grade in both black and brown. They look like regular socks but feel MUCH better.

Posted by
2 posts

I have used spanx in the past and they didn't provide me with enough compression. I have had the best luck at Therawear.com. They have great sales and the customer service is great if you ever have a question and need to call.

Posted by
10344 posts

Rose is asking the right question: do $10 socks provide the kind of compression and other medical effect that you need? Isn't it true that only your doctor, who knows your medical situation, can answer that question?I'm not a medical professional, but here's what I've read about DVT and compression socks: If you're actually at risk for DVT or have a pre-existing condition, you should see your doctor to get her/his advice about whether you need a sock, whether you need to do more than that, and--if you need a sock--then what type of sock you need, the sizing of the sock, etc. What I've read is that the kind of non-prescription sock you buy at a store can either be ineffective to really protect you, or in some cases can actually make the situation worse, for example, if the sock is too long and you fold it over at the top under your knee it can possibly cause too much constriction at the point under your knee where it's folder over and maybe cause more problems than it solves. There is a question in my mind about whether a sock you buy for $10 is going to provide what you need? This is a situation where you need medical advice, especially if you're actually at risk or think you might be at risk for DVT, which can potentially be very serious.