Effect of a new compression garment on adherence: results of a patient satisfaction survey

Traditionally, knee-high compression stockings apply a slightly higher pressure at the top band to keep them in place. However, some patients find this uncomfortable, which can affect adherence. The Jobst Opaque SoftFit stocking contains a silicone yarn in the top band, which is designed to keep it in place without exerting extra pressure. A survey was undertaken to determine if the SoftFit stocking was more acceptable to patients than the compression stockings they had worn previously, and to identify its effects on the symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD). Patients with CVD living in the community were recruited from four federal states in Germany. They wore the test stocking for 7 days. Data collected on days 1 and 7 compared their perceptions of the test stocking with those of the conventional compression stockings worn previously. The results showed that, compared with the previous stockings used, the majority of patients considered the test stocking to be more comfortable at the top band and more likely to stay in place, while many no longer experienced some of the clinical symptoms of CVD such as heavy legs, pain in the legs and itching or dry skin.