~4.jpg&maxwidth=760 "The Best Lymphedema Pumps")
Compression therapy, which uses controlled pressure to increase blood flow in your legs and to your heart, has been in use for decades. There are lots of options for compression garments, but sometimes compression machines for home use are called upon to decrease leg swelling (lymphedema), reduce the pain that often accompanies it, and prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These machines are also useful for post-surgery recovery, varicose veins, cramps, muscle fatigue, and knee and foot pain.
 | Pneumatic Compression Sequential Circulator with 8 Chambers by Bio Compression View Product |
 | Intermittent Compression System with Leg Sleeves - Bio Arterial Plus by Bio Compression View Product |
| Pneumatic Compression Sequential Circulator with 8 Chambers by Bio Compression View Product |
Leg compression machines vary in design and features and you should consult with your doctor to determine which models will offer you the optimum treatment for your condition. Some things to consider include:
Levels of compression are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), using the same scale used to measure blood pressure. Your doctor can work with you to determine the best compression level for your condition, so you can select the most beneficial device for your needs.
The garments attached to the leg compression machine pump vary in the area they cover. Some cover the whole leg, some extend from ankle to knee, and some cover the foot. Keep in mind that longer garments require more space to use them.
Closed cuffs could be too tight for you if your legs are larger, and they might not deliver enough compression if your legs are small. Hook-and-loop closures are usually used to provide adjustability to get a good fit.
Where you will be using the leg compression machine impacts what size will work best for you. If you are only going to be home, size isn’t an issue, since some of these devices take up a lot of room. But if you travel or plan to take the machine to use during your workday, you might want to consider a more compact design. There are a few models that work with a handheld control that doesn’t require a large motor.
Leg compression machines are used to treat:
Depending on your individual situation, you should have treatment at least once a week. Since it’s so much easier to have a therapeutic session with a device at home, you can use it up to an hour a day in total. This would amount to three 20-minute sessions throughout the day.
Yes, the compression therapy delivered by leg compression machines has been used for decades, and research backs up the fact that compression therapy has proven benefits in increasing circulation, moving fluids through the lymphatic system, and easing pain and discomfort from swelling.
The intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) of leg compression machines is delivered through inflatable sleeves worn on your legs. This treatment is also called sequential compression. Every 20 to 60 seconds, the sleeves inflate and then deflate via an air pump, stimulating circulation and providing the feeling of a leg massage.
This compression therapy helps the lymphatic system drain toxins and waste and reduces the chance of DVT. This is especially important when you’re unable to be active and maintain proper blood flow due to trauma, injury, recovery from surgery, or mobility limitations.
Insufficient circulation can lead to DVT, which can be fatal if a blood clot breaks loose in the leg and travels to the lungs or brain. Lymphedema causes leg pain and raises your chances of infection because the cells that fight infection get crowded out of the affected area and wounds might heal more slowly.
The benefits of compression therapy are well-documented, and any of the leg compression machines on our list will serve you well to increase circulation and decrease lymphedema and the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Without further ado, let's get to the list!
 | Intermittent Compression System with Leg Sleeves - Bio Arterial Plus by Bio Compression View Product |
An all-inclusive option is the Bio Arterial Plus Compression System from Bio Compression Systems. The adjustable pressure and time cycle range are ideal for lymphedema and peripheral artery disease, delivering 120 mmHg of pressure to increase circulation in the legs. For most people, two or three treatment sessions for a total of an hour a day are very effective. The Bio Arterial Plus System delivers compression for 4 seconds followed by a resting period of 16 seconds. The pressure can be adjusted, and this system can be set for timed or continuous treatment. It is quick and easy to switch between its two cycles.
Its compact size makes this leg compression machine easy to transport and store, and it comes with two leg garments available in narrow, standard, or wide to fit almost any body type. The connectors between the garment and the motor are simple to attach for proper use and security.
With user-friendly controls, switches, and tube connections, this durable leg compression machine is covered by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and the garments have a 1-year warranty.
For excessive foot and calf swelling, lymphedema, and peripheral artery disease, this high-quality system has many options to ensure you’ll find the size garment, level of pressure, and preferred timing to best fit your needs.
 | Pneumatic Compression Sequential Circulator with 8 Chambers by Bio Compression View Product |
The 8-Chamber Bio Compression Sequential Circulator lymphedema pump from Bio Compression Systems, applies sequential pressure to push the flow of lymph fluids back into the lymphatic system.
The gradient compression therapy applies progressive pressure to redirect fluid movement, reducing discomfort and pain that comes with fluid buildup caused by lymphedema. It can also be used to treat chronic venous stasis ulcers, venous insufficiency, and general swelling in the legs.
This lymphedema pump is very user-friendly, with easy-to-read controls and pressure gauges and a locking pressure adjustment knob for safety and security. Its hose connections are color-coded to ensure correct attachment and it’s easy to adjust the pressure with one knob. It delivers compression therapy through any of its 8 segregated pneumatic chambers. Pressure settings are adjustable and it has a variety of modes to create a customized experience.
This high-quality leg compression machine is built to last. If you are looking for a user-friendly, versatile device to relieve the symptoms and discomfort of lymphedema, this pump’s adjustability delivers a treatment option that will fit your individual needs.
For more information on lymphedema pumps, leg compression machines, or any number of rehab-related products, please visit us at Caregiver University!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
