Evidence · 15–32 mmHg

The science of compression

These studies concern compression in general, not clinical testing of the XZ products sold here. Results depend on the population, garment and outcome studied; they do not establish suitability for an individual customer.

How graduated compression works

XZ's manual specifies ankle pressures of 15–21 mmHg for compression class I and 23–32 mmHg for class II. These ranges do not establish RAL certification and must not be treated as interchangeable with a different pressure range. Choose compression with professional advice.

Measure all circumferences and lengths required for your model in centimetres, using the points in the manufacturer’s diagram. cB is the narrowest ankle and cC the widest calf. Shoe or clothing size is insufficient.

Measure yourself in 60 seconds

What the research shows

Long flights & travel

Cochrane found high-certainty evidence of fewer symptomless deep-vein thromboses on long flights, but only low-certainty evidence for reduced swelling. Effects on symptomatic thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or death could not be assessed.

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 Rabe consensus supports compression for selected venous symptoms and oedema. It does not establish prevention of disease progression. The diagnosis, pressure and garment must be assessed individually.

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

The small Thaler 2001 trial found improved leg symptoms, but did not show that compression stockings prevent new varicose veins during pregnancy. Discuss suitable compression and sizing with your clinician.

Guide: compression in pregnancy

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.

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

Hill (2014) and Brown (2017) report benefits for some recovery outcomes after exercise. Outcomes and garments differed; optimal pressure remains uncertain. These studies do not prove that these XZ stockings improve sporting performance.

Guide: sport & recovery

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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