New method to measure compression stockings transparency

Abstract

Compression stockings are one of the best known therapies for venous disorders. This treatment is efficient as long as the stockings are worn by the patient. In order for them to be worn, they will have to fit the patient, in terms of comfort and appearance. The aim of this work is to develop a measurement technique adapted to stretchable textile items to evaluate stockings transparency. Our approach is to measure some of the colorimetric parameters of the stocking. Five commercial compression stockings claimed by the suppliers as supposed to present special transparency characteristics have been analyzed and compared. In order to compare stockings of different colours, a "transparency value" has been set. The developed method can help designing more transparent stockings which may be better "accepted" by patients. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nave.