Long Flights and Compression Socks

PSU_Texan

Anybody regularly take international/long flights?  Can you recommend compression socks or tights that you like?  I've started getting more concerned about developing blood clots on these trips and think I need some compression socks/tights.  But there is a wide variety.  I typically like to travel in a casual dress with flip/flops so I need something I could put on once in flight.

*sparky*

Ah yes. I have recently had the privilege of rocking compression stockings during my PG. You can buy the full length stockings but the knee highs do the trick pretty well too and are easier to get on and off so that may be better for your needs. You can buy them at any drug store - I can't remember the brand I got but really they are all very similar. They have different levels of compression - if you are going on a really long flight you may want to go with medium vs. light.

They are hot, which is another reason I prefer the knee highs to the full stockings. If you go to a medical supply store/higher end pharmacy they do have a higher end brand but I don't think that is necessary for you if you are just buying as a precaution and not because your doc says you need them.

ss265

I fly to Asia fairly regularly and never felt the need to get compression socks. I personally don't like anything tight on my legs which could be why. I usually just try and walk around the flight as much as I can. I also try and walk around a lot if I have a stopover.

Avion22

I wore some on a transatlantic flight at 27 weeks pregnant.  I don't remember the brand, but they were knee-highs and I bought them at CVS.  They were okay, but my calves kind of muffin-topped over the top band.  I wore them with plain black leggings so I don't think it was very noticeable.  

aglenn

I have a history of DVT so I use them when traveling, when PG, and sometimes for random swelling. Given my history my doctor told me to use Jobst brand. I've ordered from compressionstore.com a few times and I get the medium strength ones. They are not fun to get on, but once they're on they are actually pretty comfortable and they come in some normal-looking styles that don't look too crazy.

I think any compression socks would be hard to put on in an airline seat, though. You have to tug at them IME, so I would recommend putting them on ahead of time and wearing pants.

housewifebecomesher

I agree with @aglenn‌, they would be hard to put on in a tight airline seat! I have used the ones CVS sells and also wore them with black leggings since they aren't the most stylish things. Also, I think they work best if you put them on first thing in the morning, when your legs are least swollen. Good luck! They really helped me when traveling while pg.