Lymphedema garments--compression bras
Bellisse Bra
 
Reviewed by OneBadBoob:
The Bellise Bra's price tag of approximately
$200.00 plus is steep, but well worth the quality of the bra. There are 26 sizes ranging from 32 A/B to 48 DD/E.
There are several fitting techniques that allow an almost custom fit for
everyone, within the size ranges. There are two front hook and eyes that
make putting it on independently easy even if you have limitations such
as arthritis. After the hook and eyes are closed, zipping it up the
front is also easy, making getting it on and off hassle free. The back is adjustable with three sets of hook and
eyes, to vary the compression of the bra. The fabric is soft and
comfortable.
The fit of any compression product is a big deal.
So make sure the fit is correct. It should never squish your breasts up
and out
the top of the bra, your breasts should never be pressed toward the
collar bone (this happened to me from my first fitter!!) I was not happy
with THAT Bellisse Bra. I had no idea that this was an improper fit!
I was fortunate enough to meet Lesli Bell at a
research study at NYU. When I told her how unhappy I was with the
Bellisse Bra, she asked me to bring it the next day to our meeting where
I could try it on with her.
Lesli Bell was appalled by the fit of the bra and
said it was no wonder I was uncomfortable and unhappy with the bra. (I
had been fit by the fitter with a 34 A/B. Lesli measured me and I was a
38 C/D. Lesli had that size with her, and I tried it on. I gave a huge
sigh of relief that this size really felt good. Now I love
the Bellisse bra!
I also happen to have edema in the cleavage area.
I have tried many pads for padding in that area. Most recently I tried a
new cleavage pad by Jovi Pak. It is the best one so far. See pictures. If you feel the bra flattens your breasts too much (that is why it
works for compression. . .) slip some "puffy's" or over the counter enhancers (Victorias
Secret. . . etc) between the inner compression and the outr skin of the bra,
or just put it in the open pocket on the side. This helps the silhouette
be more curvey.
Breasts don't have to be tender for years after
your treatment!! After three and one-half years, I saw an excellent
lymphedema therapist (my third LE therapist--don't give
up ladies! There are good ones out there, you may have to try a few to
get the results you need). She treated my scars (very important!!), my
swelling and taught me how to manage my condition. I no longer have pain
in my lymphedema breast. It is comfortable beyond what I could have
imagined.
Please download the
http://www.bellisse.com/pdf/comparison_chart.pdf
to see some of the features to look for in
compression bras, and to see those features compared to the features of
the
Bellisse Bra.
Do keep in mind that this chart was prepared by the Bellisse Bra people,
so keep an open mind and discuss with your therapist your exact
compression needs in your breast/chest/trunk areas.
Just to be safe, if you have had
reconstruction or a unilateral mastectomy, we recommend that that
Swell Spots™ and
/or Jovi Paks or Foam Padding be used in the cleavage
area so fluids do not collect in that area causing fibrosis, especially
during airplane flights. The
Bellisse Bra
tends to "push" the breasts together and
for women with larger breasts, this can definitely push the fluids into
the cleavage area, so make sure you use a pad in that area to fill
the air space of the cleavage if you have that problem.
This bra is long enough in the trunk so even if
you have fluid problems in the lower torso area due to DIEP/TRAM
reconstructions, it does a good job compressing this area.
This should all be thoroughly discussed with your
lymphedema therapist to make sure this is the compression bra for you
and your compression needs.
Also, make sure the place you order any
compression bra from will take it back for a full refund within thirty
days if it is not a good fit.
Gabriella Compression Bra
Please click on picture to be taken to the
Designer
Veronique to see additional views of the back,
sides, shoulders and other particulars of this compression vest.
Designer
Veronique
Reviewed by Binney:
This compression garment is well-made,
but the fabric is a bit coarse, flexible but not soft. The
straps are wonderfully adjustable, but the front closure has
far too many hooks to fasten. If your fingers lack strength
or dexterity – or if you lack the patience to fasten a
couple dozen tiny hooks – then this compression vest is not
for you.
Reviewed by OneBadBoob:
Although indeed there are lots of hooks to fasten
in the front closure of this garment, this bra is not bad. It is cut high in the armpits (for those of us who tend to
accumulate fluid in that area) and it is nice and long, covering the
full torso, for those of us who have had TRAM/DIEP reconstructions and
need full torso compression.
The straps are nice and wide and adjustable, and
the way this bra is made, it does not tend to "push" larger breasts
together at the cleavage area, but tends to "separate" them somewhat
with the thick front panel.
Just to be safe, if you have had
reconstruction or a unilateral mastectomy, we recommend that that
Swell Spots™ and
/Jovi Paks (TM) or Foam Padding be used in the cleavage
area so fluids do not collect in that area causing fibrosis, especially
during airplane flights.
Sophia Breast Contouring Compression Vest
Please click on picture to be taken to the
Designer
Veronique website
to see additional views of the back, sides, shoulders and other
particulars of this compression vest.
Designer
Veronique
Josephine Full Coverage Support Bra
Designer
Veronique
Please click on picture to be taken to the
Designer
Veronique website
to see additional views of the back, sides, shoulders and other
particulars of this compression vest.
Expand-A-Band Compression Bra
Expand-A-Band
 
Jobst Surgical Vests with or without cups
Jobst
Reviewed by OneBadBoob.
These Jobst bras are
definitely not worth the $70.00 price tag in our opinion. The fabric
is scratchy and uncomfortable. The seams are serged improperly (I am
a sewer, and I have three sergers, and I can see an improper tension
setting from a mile away.) Because of that, the threading on the
serging done on the right "v neck line" is already coming loose and
threads are hanging off.
Also, the straps attach to the
bra at the front by Velcro--problem is, instead of using appropriate
Velcro on each side, one loops and one side hooks, only the "hard"
stuff is used on one side attached to the bra top, and there is no
other side of the Velcro whatsoever on the strap itself--so it is
simply fabric (which is not even nubby) that it attaches to the one
sided Velcro, and it "pops" off as soon as you move.
Juzo Compression Bra
Juzo
Reviewed by Binney:
The Juzo Compression Bra is fairly
comfortable, completely adjustable, and sturdily made. The fabrics
are nice, so it feels good against the skin and wears well. But
there is no way in the world you can get this thing on by yourself.
It's constructed in two layers sewn together in the front, both of
which fasten in the back with long Velcro bands that have to be
adjusted to your body shape along their entire length.
If you value
your independence, this is not for the bra for you. Also, the double
Velcro layers make for a bulky back profile (unless you plan to wear
only sweatshirts). If you're a hugger, be prepared for a puzzled
expression on the face of anyone who hugs you when their hands
encounter that thick, stiff Velcro running down your back.
Mini Compression Vest
Bella Jane
Bella Jane will also custom make any of their
products for you for only a slightly larger cost than off the shelf.
Anita Compression Bra
Anita USA
This bra does not really provide therapeutic compression,
it is soft cotton lycra that does well to hold your bandages in place.
 Wearease Compression Bra
Wearease
Reviewed by Binney:
Silky, easy-to-wear fabric combines
with a soft, wide bottom band to give this bra a very high
rating for comfort. The discreet front zipper has an
underlining to protect sensitive skin, the prosthesis
pockets are well-designed and very easy to use, and the
straps adjust at the shoulder with small and secure hooks
instead of the usual stiff and bulky Velcro. The sizes range
from XXSmall to 3X, so there's something for just about
everyone. Pair this with a Silique Comfort-Lite breast form
for a fit that looks great and feels even better, with none
of the lymphedema discomfort that heavier forms can cause.
Content and
Care:
Made of a
double layer
of specially
finished
Naturexx
(83%
nylon/17%
lycra) this
bra keeps
you
comfortable
all day.
Washing
Instructions:
Machine wash
gentle cold.
Do not use
bleach or
fabric
softener.
Hang to dry
only.
Long Sleeve Bolero
Designer
Veronique
Please click on picture to be taken to the
Designer
Veronique website
to see additional views of the back, sides, shoulders and other
particulars of this compression vest.
Short Arm Sleeve Bolero
Designer
Veronique
Please click on picture to be taken to the
Designer
Veronique website
to see additional views of the back, sides, shoulders and other
particulars of this compression vest.
Contour
Contour also has a large selection of compression garments and shapewear
for both men and woman.
Page Last Modified
07/15/2011
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