Compression for long-haul flights is as significant as bringing your ID and passport when it comes to traveling. Gravity pulls on your blood and slows your circulation when you sit or stand for a period of time. This could put you at risk for a medical emergency.
According to Empire Vein, studies say the risk of developing a blood clot during a long-distance flight is anywhere between 3% and 12%.
People who are considered healthy can develop blood clots as well, but the risk is greater for people with certain medical conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with a genetic predisposition for clotting, a BMI greater than 30, and those on hormonal therapy are more likely to develop a blood clot when flying.
One of the best ways to prevent a health scare is by wearing compression garments on your legs. Travelers should wear compression socks or tights for flights longer than three hours to help increase blood circulation.
Below is a list of the best compression items for long-haul flights.
Keep in mind that in addition to compression socks, health experts at Mayo Clinic recommend doing more than wearing compression.
Travelers should wear loose-fitting clothing, take a short walk every hour, and flex their ankles and knees frequently while seated. You should also shift your position in your seat as much as possible, avoid crossing your legs, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and avoid alcohol and sedatives, which could make you too sleepy to walk about the aircraft.
PRO Compression Marathon Socks
What PRO Compression does right is provide a compression sock that’s comfortable to wear. Its unique design will help relax and reduce muscle pain in your feet. These unisex socks are designed with athletes in mind, particularly those who run marathons. This means comfort is vital to the design. These work just as well for people who are flying as they provide ample support while accelerating recovery, reducing soreness, and assisting in lessening swelling and symptoms of varicose veins.
Another key feature is they’re designed with moisture control to keep your feet dry.
Wanderlust Everyday Use Compression Socks
Wanderlust Everyday’s compression socks are made with travelers in mind. Not only do they promote blood flow, circulation, and performance, they’re designed with a seamless toe box to eliminate the friction that causes blisters and corns.
There is extra soft foot padding that absorbs impact while providing Arch & Achilles heel support. These are made from breathable, premium cotton to slide on and take off with ease.
Charmking Compression Socks for Women & Men
If you’re looking for a pair of socks that don’t compromise style, Charmking has an eight-pair pack that allows you to express your creativity while keeping you safe.
Even with the fun colors, this multicolor combo pack doesn’t compromise effectiveness. Charmking’s design allows you to move faster, react quicker and use less energy. The targeted compression zones provide varying levels of support from moderate to extra firm.
Charmking knee-high compression socks’ material is upgraded with nylon delivering 360 degrees of stretch for greater flexibility and durability.
Medical Compression Leggings for Women
For women who like to dress in leggings for flights, there are leggings that also provide compression. SZKANI has opaque medical compression leggings to help prevent and relieve pain, stiffness, soreness, swelling, varicose and spider veins, DVT, blood clots, and more by improving blood flow and circulation.
These leggings are lightweight, breathable, durable, sweat-absorbent, and anti-slip while matching your everyday clothing.
Men’s Elite Power Recovery Compression Tights
2XU’s compression technology is proven to improve performance and speed recovery. These over-the-foot stirrups increase blood flow and drive circulation, making them perfect for compression.
These are designed with what the creators call power-weight-flex (PWF) signature fabric that provides an unparalleled combination of powerful compression, lightweight feel, and maximum flexibility.
The moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry, and the flatlock seams help prevent chafe.
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