Compression garments: a survey of healthcare practitioners and people living with lipoedema
Sophia Murden, Lucy Welsh, Lisa MacintyreBackground
Pain and reduced mobility are common among people living with lipoedema. While well-fitting compression garments can help alleviate these symptoms, poorly fitting garments may be ineffective and contribute to significant material waste.
Aims
This survey explored compression prescription experiences of healthcare practitioners and compared them with those of people living with lipoedema.
Methods
Online surveys were completed by 373 people living with lipoedema in 2024 and 24 healthcare practitioners in 2025. Follow-up interviews were conducted with two healthcare practitioners in 2025 and one brand.
Results
Chronic oedema/lymphoedema nurses normally measure for, and prescribe, compression to people with lipoedema. Lower compression classes (RAL CCL1/CCL2, 18-32mmHg) were most prescribed or used. Three specialist practitioners recommended that people with lipoedema could try compressive sportswear as a first step to ascertain tolerance to compression, and the usefulness of non-medical support before prescribing.
Conclusions
Greater awareness of lipoedema and access to appropriate resources are needed among general practitioners. Specialists reported confidence in measuring and prescribing compression garments, but patient satisfaction with prescribed garments was mixed. People with lipoedema similarly reported mixed satisfaction with their compression garments. Improved compression garments, designed specifically for people with lipoedema, are needed.
Implications for practice
Patients suspected to have lipoedema should be referred to specialist lymphoedema clinics where available. As fitting compression garments often involves trial and error, keeping a range of sample garments in the clinic allows patients to explore fabrics, fit and comfort to determine the most appropriate option.