Evidence · 15–32 mmHg

The science of compression

Medical compression is one of the oldest therapies in vascular medicine — and one of the best studied. This page summarises what the peer-reviewed literature actually shows, with full citations, and introduces the professional societies that shape the field across Europe. No marketing claims; just the evidence.

How graduated compression works

A certified compression stocking is knitted to deliver a measured pressure at the ankle — 15–21 mmHg in Class I, 23–32 mmHg in Class II — that decreases gradually up the leg, following the profile defined by the RAL-GZ 387 standard. This gradient narrows the veins from outside, helps their one-way valves close properly, and supports the calf-muscle pump that returns blood to the heart.

That is why the fit is measured, not guessed: the certified pressure only exists on a leg whose ankle and calf circumference match the size chart. Every Piumella stocking is a CE-marked medical device under EU Regulation 2017/745.

Measure yourself in 60 seconds

What the research shows

Five areas where graduated compression has been tested in randomised trials, meta-analyses and consensus statements. Each card links the underlying literature — and the stocking built for that use.

Long flights & travel

A Cochrane review of randomised trials found high-certainty evidence that graduated compression stockings substantially reduce symptomless deep-vein thrombosis and leg swelling in airline passengers on flights of four hours or more.

The Knee-High · Class I · Guide: flying with compression

Clarke MJ et al. Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021, CD004002.
Scurr JH et al. Frequency and prevention of symptomless deep-vein thrombosis in long-haul flights: a randomised trial. The Lancet 2001; 357: 1485–1489.

Varicose veins & chronic venous disease

The European consensus statement led by Rabe and Partsch grades the evidence for medical compression stockings across venous disorders: symptom relief and oedema control in chronic venous disease are among the strongest indications, with 23–32 mmHg the clinical standard after diagnosis.

The Knee-High · Class II · Guide: varicose veins

Rabe E, Partsch H, Hafner J, Lattimer C, Mosti G, Neumann M, Urbanek T, Carpentier P et al. Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: an evidence-based consensus statement. Phlebology 2018; 33(3): 163–184.

Pregnancy

Compression stockings worn from early pregnancy reduce the emergence of varicose veins and relieve heaviness and swelling — a low-risk, drug-free prophylaxis recommended routinely in antenatal care.

The Thigh-High · Class I · Guide: compression in pregnancy

Thaler E et al. Compression stockings prophylaxis of emergent varicose veins in pregnancy. Swiss Medical Weekly 2001; 131: 659–662.
Rabe E, Partsch H, Hafner J, Lattimer C, Mosti G, Neumann M, Urbanek T, Carpentier P et al. Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: an evidence-based consensus statement. Phlebology 2018; 33(3): 163–184.

Sitting & standing work

A meta-analysis of randomised trials in people with occupational leg symptoms found that light graduated compression reliably reduces evening oedema, heaviness and discomfort after long seated or standing days.

The Pantyhose · Class I · Guide: compression for desk work

Amsler F, Blättler W. Compression therapy for occupational leg symptoms and chronic venous disorders — a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2008; 35(3): 366–372.
Rabe E, Partsch H, Hafner J, Lattimer C, Mosti G, Neumann M, Urbanek T, Carpentier P et al. Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: an evidence-based consensus statement. Phlebology 2018; 33(3): 163–184.

Sport & recovery

Two meta-analyses agree: worn after strenuous exercise, compression garments measurably reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness and perceived fatigue. During exercise the honest finding is comfort, not speed.

The Leggings · Class I · Guide: sport & recovery

Pressure classes on this site follow the RAL-GZ 387 standard for medical compression hosiery; all products are CE-marked medical devices under Regulation (EU) 2017/745.

The professional field

Compression therapy is anchored in an active international research community. The Union Internationale de Phlébologie federates more than 70 national societies of vein specialists; the 2018 European consensus statement cited above was authored by leading phlebologists from Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, France and beyond.

Union Internationale de Phlébologie (UIP) ↗

At European level, the field is organised by these independent bodies — their congresses, journals and guidelines are where the evidence on this page comes from:

Union Internationale de Phlébologie (UIP) ↗European Venous Forum (EVF) ↗

The societies and researchers referenced on this page are independent professional authorities. We cite their publicly published work; they have no affiliation with Piumella and their mention is not an endorsement of our products.

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