What are TED Hose and Stockings?

What are T.E.D. Anti-Embolism Stockings?

T.E.D. stockings are an abbreviation for "thromboembolism-deterrent". They are stockings designed and worn to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg, which means when you are recovering in bed these stockings will help stop blood clots from forming. If you are non-ambulatory then the gradient compression is combined with the actual muscle pump effect of your calf, these two things work together to help circulate blood and lymph fluid through your legs. T.E.D. stockings are available in knee and thigh length. As far as which you should wear, you will want to speak to your doctor about which is better for your hospital stay as well as your recovery. Blood clots can form for up to six weeks following surgery or an extended hospital stay so you will want to continue using T.E.D stockings after you leave the hospital. T.E.D. stockings are like all compression stockings and socks, in order for them to work they require accurate sizing. It is a good idea to learn how to take accurate measurements from a compression stockings and socks buyer's guide.

Are T.E.D. Stockings the same as T.E.D. Hose?

Yes, T.E.D. stockings are known as stockings or hose, different people call them different things. I have seen both used interchangeably and sometimes they are used interchangeably even on the same web page. I have noticed over time that many things in the medical community have different names that are almost used with equal frequency. Take disposable underpads as an example. They are called underpads and they are also called, "Chux" or "Chucks". Ostomy patients have to deal with their flange and/or wafer being called a barrier, baseplate....you get the idea. Sometimes the name difference seems to be linked to the different styles of anti-embolism compression. For instance if they are knee length, then they are called "stockings" or if they are thigh length, then they are called "hose". However, this is not always the case and you should always read the product description before purchasing to make sure you are getting the correct version. The important part of the name is, "T.E.D.", because that will help you ensure you are getting actual anti-embolism stockings or hose whether they are made by Covidien or Jobst.

What Compression Level are T.E.D. Stockings and Hose?

Anti-embolism stockings and hose work differently than traditional compression stockings and socks. T.E.D. hose changes compression levels as it goes up the leg. The highest compression is at the ankle and then the compression gets less as the stocking moves up your leg. You can expect 18mmHg at the ankle, 14mmHg at the calf, lower thigh will be around 10mmHg, and then 8mmHg at the upper thigh. anti-embolism stockings and hose are meant to be worn when you are recovering from an illness or any time you will be bed bound for any length of time such as a prolonged sickness or a hospital stay. They are not meant to be worn when you are up and moving around. For daily active wear you will want to get regular compression stockings or socks.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep Vein Thrombosis, commonly referred to as "DVT", is when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body. Generally, the blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg. Deep Vein Thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling but sometimes DVT causes no symptoms at all. Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious medical condition because blood clots in your veins can break loose and travel through the blood stream. The blood clot can become lodged  inside your lungs and block blood flow. This is called a pulmonary embolism. Anti-embolism stockings, like T.E.D. hose, are designed to prevent the forming of these blood clots. Deep Vein Thrombosis can be caused by a variety of medical conditions however they are commonly caused by being confined to bed or if you are unable to move for long periods of time. This is why you see TED hose being worn by patients in hospitals. Hospitals have their patients wear anti-embolism stockings in order to reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.

How Do I Care for My T.E.D. Stockings?

The easiest way to care for T.E.D. anti-embolism stockings is to rinse them out with cold water after you take them off each day. After a few days of wear, hand wash them with a gentle cleanser such as Jobst Jolastic Compression Washing Solution, if they become soiled you will need to wash them with the cleanser more often. Removing dirt and oil from them will keep them in top working order. The packaging says you can wash them in cold water in your washing machine. However, I have found that they last longer when they are hand washed. To dry them, hang them or lay them flat. Do not put them in the dryer because it will damage them and shrink and warp the fabric. It is best to have two or three pair of stockings so you can rinse or wash them each time you wear them and still have time for them to dry completely before wearing them again.