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.
See
Leslie Bell's
video regarding compression and chest/breast/truncal lymphedema.
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 if it is not a good fit
and has not been worn by you, except for trying it on.
Reviewed by OneBadBoob
The
Intuition® Recovery Bra is designed to and
does provide all of the comfort, support and breathe-ability you would
expect from a top-rate compression bra. Sleek and stylish and fully
adjustable, the Intuition® Recovery Bra is totally made in America.
Here is a video about putting the bra on and
giving a great 360 degree view of the bra:
Video3-Putting On Bra.flv - YouTube.
The bottom of the bra is also adjustable.
Video2-Adjusting Bottom Straps.flv - YouTube
I am very impressed with this bra. As you
can see, the back coverage is wonderful for those of us who have
difficullt fluid problems on our back.
This bra gets my highest recommendation.
As a matter if fact, I liked it so much I just ordered two more!
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.
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 if it is not a good fit
and has not been worn by you, except for tryiing it on.

DESIGNER VERONIQUE has a large selection of compression
garments for men and women. We have only included a short
selection from their website here.
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.
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.
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 if it is not a good fit
and has not been worn by you, except for trying it on.
Sophia Breast
Contouring Compression Vest

Reviewed by OneBadBoob
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.
Very comfortable and
adjustable with three rows of hooks and eyes in the back.
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.
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 if it is not a good fit
and has not been worn by you, except for trying it on.
Josephine Full
Coverage Support Bra

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.
The Josephine bra has a
short bodice, adjustable
front hook & eye closure
and adjustable shoulder
straps. Available in
black and white colors
with a size range from
XS through 3X.
Material:
-
Nylon/Spandex
-
Lightweight &
Breathable Fabric
Short Arm Sleeve
Bolero

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.
Description:
This lightweight vest
provides excellent
compression to the
breast, axilla, back and
upper arm areas. Fully
adjustable hook & eye
closures on the front
and back for easy
application and short
arm sleeves. Available
in white and black
colors with a size range
from XS through 4X.
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.
This should all be thoroughly discussed with your
lymphedema therapist to make sure this is the compression bra for you
and your compression needs including the arms on the vest.
Also, make sure the place you order any
compression bra from will take it back for a full refund if it is not a good fit
and has not been worn by you, except for trying it on.
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.
This lightweight bolero
provides excellent compression to the breasts, axilla, back and
arms. Fully adjustable hook & eye closures on the front and back for
easy application and long arm sleeves. Available in white and black
colors with a size range from XS through 4X
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.
This should all be thoroughly discussed with your
lymphedema therapist to make sure this is the compression bra for you
and your compression needs including the arms on the vest.
Also, make sure the place you order any
compression bra from will take it back for a full refund if it is not a good fit
and has not been worn by you, except for trying it on.

Wearease
Wearease Compression Bra

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.

Contour also has a large selection of compression garments and shapewear
for both men and woman. We
have only included a short selection from their website here.

Reviewed by OneBadBoob.
The Women's Style 16V Compression Vest with molded
lace cups in the highest quality Lycra and lace fabrics provides
comfortable compression with a zipper front closure and Velcro
adjustable straps. The compression vest gives overall compression the
the upper torso. which helps with circulation, helps flush out harmful
fluids. It is high cut a tje axilla, and has full back coverage (not
shown).
We found this vest very soft and comfortable and
looks wonderful under clothing because of the gently shaped cups.

Female Compression Vest Style
6 (no cups) in soft Lycra
fabric features a reinforced front panel, zipper closure, and Velcro
adjustable shoulder.

The Male Vest by Contour.Style
11, provides each patient
with maximum compression and comfort with with soft-knitted 55 percent
Lycra Spandex material. The double-reinforced front panel and Velcro
adjustable shoulder straps provide a better fit and no underarm binding.
For greater comfort and donning the post surgical recovery garment
includes a padded hook-and-eye zipper closure and brushed inner lining
on the band.

The male compression tank provides comfort with
the comfortable, breathable fabric. Style 7501 male surgical vest
features a reinforced front panel with adjustable shoulder straps and is
latex free.

Marena Comfort Wear
also had a large selection
of compression garments for men and women. We have only
included a short selection from their website here.
Sleep Bra

Description (Taken from the
Marena Website)
Ingeniously designed for both maximum support and complete comfort,
the soft and sexy sleep bra has seven hook-and-eye front closures,
gathered bust stitching, and shape-enhancing seams. Molds to your
body like a second skin and mirrors your every move, the sensuous
sleep bra is actually more comfortable than wearing nothing at all.
Features
Constructed using F5 Certified Fabric
Three dimensional compression
INVISTA's LYCRASOFT® and TACTEL® fibers
Holds its shape even after 30 extreme washes
COOLMAX® certified
Built in antimicrobial protection
Full Coverage Bra with Seamless Cup

Description (from
Marena website)
The B14 is new from our Beautiful Science collection of seamless cup
bras made of F5 certified fabric. The B14 has a center front
zippered opening and Velcro adjustable shoulder straps.
Features
Seamless cups made for mastectomies
Breast prosthesis pockets in each cup
Wide shoulder straps for added comfort
Wide soft elastic with Marena logo at bottom
Full Coverage (Front & Back) Bra with
Zipper


While this
FVNSZ
full coverage
(front and back) is very comfortable, we would not recommend this
bra unless all of your clothing is extremely thick and loose. When
worn under clothing, the front seams that run right in front off an
accross the nipple area "stick out" and you can clearly see the seam
through your clothing.
We would instead recommend the
immediately above B14
Full Coverage Bra with Seamless Cup.

Bella Jane
also has a large selection
of compression garments for men and women. We have only
included a short selection from their website here.
Bella Jane
will also custom make any of their
products for you for only a slightly larger cost than off the shelf.
Mini Vest,
Pre-Molded seamless cups
Mini Vest with front
hook & eye closure and a Pre-Molded Seamless Cup. It comes with
comfortable wide straps. The garment's poly-directional elastic
fabric is very supportive, has long lasting controlled pressure, is
breathable and hypoallergenic.
Mini Vest,
pre-molded seamless cup.

A Mini Compression Vest, a
Stage One garment - immediate post surgery period (typically 2-8
weeks post-op) - provides excellent compression. It comes with a
support band around the lower extremity of the Bra providing extra
breast support. It has a hook & eye front closure.


Expand-A-Band Compression Bra
Expand-A-Band
The
Expand-A-Band Compression Bra is an easy to apply, durable and
attractive garment that provides excellent support and compression.
Soft, latex free, elastic and sheered material conforms to breasts
without binding or irritating sensitive tissue. A front hook and loop
closure facilitates easy use.


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.

J
uzo 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.

