Someone tells you to "get some compression socks," and that is usually where the explaining stops — a wall of numbers, a dozen brands, no guidance. The decision really comes down to three things: how firm, what size, and whether you can actually get them on in the morning.
The short version
- Graduated matters. A real compression sock is tightest at the ankle and eases off as it climbs.
- mmHg is the strength. Millimetres of mercury, sold in ranges. Every compression sock we stock is 20–30 mmHg.
- Size is measured, not guessed. Calf circumference drives the fit: too big does nothing, too small digs in.
- Morning is the moment. Put them on before you get out of bed; take them off at night unless told otherwise.
- They wear out quietly. When a pair slides on easily, the stretch — and the compression — has gone.
What "graduated compression" actually does
An ordinary tight sock squeezes your leg evenly. A graduated compression sock does something different on purpose: the firmest squeeze sits at the ankle, and the pressure steps down as the sock rises toward the knee. That gradient works with the veins, nudging blood upward rather than letting it pool around the ankles.
Which is why fit matters. A sock rolled down into a tight band, or bunched behind the knee, is no longer graduated — smoothing out wrinkles is the whole mechanism, not fussiness.
Slide two fingers under the top band. If they do not fit comfortably, the sock is too small or pulled too far up. If the band leaves a deep ring in the skin, bring it in and we will check the sizing.
Compression levels, in plain numbers
Compression is measured in millimetres of mercury and sold in bands rather than single numbers, because the pressure changes along the leg. Here is how the common levels are usually described.
| Level | How it feels | Generally described as suiting | At Must Medical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–15 mmHg | Light | Tired, achy legs at the end of a long day | Not currently stocked |
| 15–20 mmHg | Mild but noticeable | Long flights, long shifts, mild puffiness | Not currently stocked |
| 20–30 mmHg WHAT WE CARRY | Firm — you will feel it going on | More noticeable swelling, vein concerns, recovery | All six styles on our shelves |
| 30–40 mmHg and up | Very firm | Usually fitted and supervised by a clinician | Not stocked — ask us |
Those middle columns are general descriptions, not a recommendation. Which level belongs on your legs is a clinical call — worth two minutes with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist first.
Getting the size right
This is where most people go wrong. Compression socks are not sized like regular socks: shoe size is secondary, and calf circumference drives everything.
- Measure first thing in the morning. Legs swell through the day, so an afternoon measurement sends you a size too big.
- Find the widest part of the calf and measure around it, snug but not pulled tight.
- Measure both legs — they are often not identical, and you size to the larger one.
- Use that brand's chart. Truform sizes and CSX sizes are not interchangeable.
- Save the numbers on your phone. You will want them again in six months.
Bring your tape measure to our Surrey showroom, or text us the numbers. Better five minutes of checking than a pair unused in a drawer.
Putting them on without a fight
Firm compression is genuinely hard to pull on, and that is the most common reason a pair gets abandoned. Do not grab the top and haul. Turn the sock inside out down to the heel, slip your foot in, then roll it up the leg a little at a time, smoothing as you go. Household rubber gloves grip far better than bare hands, and a stocking donning aid does most of the work for sore hands or limited reach.
Morning
Put them on before you get out of bed, while the legs are least swollen. Easier to do, and the benefit lasts all day.
Night
Off at bedtime unless your provider says otherwise — lying flat already does the job compression does standing up.
Heading into surgery? Sort this out beforehand — our guide to getting your home ready for hip or knee replacement recovery covers the rest.
Washing, wearing and replacing
Compression lives in the elastic fibres, and three things quietly destroy them.
Heat
Hot water and a hot dryer break the elastic down. Cold water, gentle cycle, air dry or tumble on low.
Fabric softener
Coats the fibres and takes the spring out of them. Mild detergent only.
Bleach
Attacks the stretch directly. Keep it away from the whole drawer.
Even treated well, a pair does not last forever. Truform's own guidance is that daily wear stretches the fibres out over roughly three to six months. The tell-tale sign feels like good news: the socks suddenly go on easily. That is not your technique improving.
When to check with your clinician first
Firm compression is not right for every leg.
- Diabetes, reduced sensation in the feet, or any concern about arterial circulation in the legs: talk to your provider before starting 20–30 mmHg socks.
- Numbness, tingling, colour changes or pain: take the sock off and get advice rather than pushing through.
- A history of blood clots: let your provider steer the choice of level.
- Broken or weeping skin on the lower legs needs looking at before any sock goes on.
The 20–30 mmHg socks we carry are sold over the counter. That is a purchasing point, not a medical one: no prescription required, but a conversation is still a good idea.
The compression socks we carry
Truform 8865 Compression Stockings 20–30 mmHg, Knee High
Smooth microfiber knit, closed toe, unisex in beige or black. Made in the USA.
Truform Aloe Compression Stockings 20–30 mmHg, Knee High
Aloe-infused yarn for dry or itchy skin, plus enhanced stretch yarn that makes these easier to pull on.
Truform Men's Compression Dress Socks 20–30 mmHg
A rib-knit in soft nylon-spandex that reads as an ordinary dress sock.
CSX Compression Sport Socks 20–30 mmHg
Athletic build: V-Guard shin panel, calf cradle, arch support band, seamless toe.
See the full range in our Truform compression stockings and Touch & CSX compression socks collections. Setting up at home after surgery? We rent equipment too, and our own team delivers and sets it up across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Your quick checklist
- Ask which compression level you need before you shop.
- Measure both calves first thing in the morning.
- Match your numbers to that brand's size chart.
- Buy two or three pairs so one is always clean.
- Keep rubber gloves or a donning aid beside the bed.
- Diarize a replacement check in three to six months.
Common questions
Do I need a prescription to buy compression socks in BC?
No. The 20–30 mmHg socks we carry are sold over the counter, online or at our Surrey showroom. If they are meant to manage a specific condition, confirm the level with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist first.
Will MSP or my insurance pay for compression stockings?
That depends on the plan, and we cannot promise what any plan will pay. Our guide to what MSP covers for medical equipment in BC is a starting point; for a motor vehicle accident, workplace injury or veterans' benefits, see who pays for home medical equipment in BC.
Can I wear compression socks overnight?
Generally they come off at bedtime, since compression is designed to counteract gravity while you are upright. If you have specifically been told to wear them at night, follow your provider.
How do I know when a pair is worn out?
They get easy. When a sock that used to take real effort slips on without a struggle, the elastic has stretched and the compression faded. Truform's guidance is roughly three to six months of daily wear.
Not sure which size or level you need?
Come see us at our showroom at 12987 80 Ave, Surrey, or call or text us anytime. We will measure, explain the options and help you order the right pair. If you need equipment at home too, we rent or sell, with 0% financing available.
Call 604-240-2450 See compression socksThis article is general information, not medical advice. Follow the guidance of your doctor, nurse or occupational therapist for your specific situation.
