How to Care for Your Compression Sleeves: Best Practices for Maintenance and Longevity

With proper care, you can ensure the maintenance and longevity of your compression sleeves, allowing them to provide optimal support for your needs. Consider the following best practices to help maximize the effectiveness and extend the lifespan of your compression sleeves.  

Best Practices for Compression Sleeve Care 

1. Clean regularly.

Compression sleeves come into contact with sweat and dirt, so regular cleaning is essential. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing your sleeves. Nufabrx compression sleeves may be hand or machine washed with mild soap and cold water. Ensure you rinse them thoroughly to remove all soap residue. 

2. Use gentle detergents.

Harsh detergents can damage the fabric and elastic fibers of compression sleeves. Instead, opt for mild, fragrance-free detergents specifically designed for delicate fabrics. These detergents are usually gentle on the materials and help maintain the compression properties of the sleeves. 

3. Avoid hot water and high heat.

Exposing compression sleeves to hot water or high heat can cause shrinkage and damage the elasticity. Always use cold or lukewarm water when washing them. Additionally, do not use a dryer or direct heat source to dry them. Instead, lay the sleeve flat to air dry naturally. 

4. Store properly.

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the shape and elasticity of compression sleeves. Roll them up loosely or lay them flat in a clean, dry place. Avoid folding or creasing them tightly, which can weaken the elastic fibers. It's also a good idea to keep them away from sharp objects or surfaces that could cause snags or tears. 

5. Inspect for wear and tear.

Regularly inspect your compression sleeves for signs of wear and tear. Look for fraying threads, thinning fabric, or stretched-out elasticity. If you notice any significant damage or a loss of compression, it's time to replace them. It's important not to ignore signs of wear, as it can impact the effectiveness of the compression. 

6. Avoid excessive stretching.

When putting on compression sleeves, avoid excessive stretching. While they should fit snugly, pulling them too hard can strain the fabric and elastic fibers. Nufabrx provides instructions for each type of compression sleeve to help you put them on correctly. 

7. Replace when needed.

Compression sleeves have a limited lifespan, and their effectiveness diminishes over time. Replace them when you notice a significant decrease in compression or signs of wear and tear. It's important to have properly functioning sleeves to receive the desired benefits.  

Common Compression Sleeve Care Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 

When caring for compression sleeves, there are some mistakes that people often make. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your compression sleeves. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them: 

1. Laundering sleeves improperly (or not at all).

Because compression sleeves come into contact with sweat, dirt, and bacteria during use, failing to wash them regularly can lead to hygiene issues and decreased effectiveness. To avoid this mistake, follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and cleaning your compression sleeves. 

Remember that harsh detergents and fabric softeners can degrade the fabric and elastic fibers of compression sleeves. Opt for mild, fragrance-free detergents when washing them. Never use bleach, and avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue affecting the sleeve's compression and breathability. Also, recall that hot water or high heat can damage the elastic fibers and reduce their effectiveness. Wash in cold or lukewarm water, and let the sleeves air dry rather than using a dryer or direct heat source. 

2. Storing sleeves haphazardly.

Haphazardly storing compression sleeves can lead to stretching, deformation, or damage. Rather than folding or creasing them tightly, roll them up loosely or lay them flat. Beware of sharp objects or surfaces that could cause snags or tears, and if you engage in activities where contact with a rough surface is likely, consider wearing a protective layer over your compression sleeves. 

All compression sleeves have a limited lifespan, so inspect your sleeves regularly for signs of fraying, thinning fabric, or stretched-out elasticity. If you notice any significant damage or a loss of compression, it's time to replace them. 

3. Sharing compression sleeves.

Sharing compression sleeves with others is unhygienic and can lead to the spread of bacteria, fungi, or infections. Avoid borrowing or lending your sleeves to others. It's best to have separate compression sleeves for each individual. 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can maintain the quality and durability of your compression sleeves, ensuring they provide the necessary compression and support for your needs. Always refer to the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you're taking proper care of your compression sleeves. 

How to Properly Care For and Maintain Your Nufabrx Compression Sleeves

Nufabrx products are laundry safe, aside from the back and neck wraps which are handwash only, and reusable. We recommend washing them in cold water, laying them flat to dry, and never using bleach. In addition, each garment is infused with pain-relieving medicine and delivers a controlled dose of active pain relief directly into your skin. The estimated cumulative wear time is 150+ hours. 

Our extensive testing has shown that the active ingredients in our compression sleeves can be delivered in sufficient amounts into skin to provide efficacy up to 15 or more washes. And, even after the medicinal ingredients are no longer active, you can still wear your sleeve for compressive support. However, if you'd like to continue benefiting from our pain-relieving medicine, we have a simple re-ordering process as well. 

By following these best practices, you can ensure the maintenance and longevity of your compression sleeves, allowing them to provide optimal support and compression for your pain-relief needs! Shop our complete collection of medicine-infused, pain-relieving compression wear at Nufabrx.com.