NB: some systems contain latex - always read the manufacturers’ instructions. Whenever possible always choose a latex-free system Pressure British System Components Considerations Standard (mmHg) Wound contact layer Use the wool and extra if No compression necessary to shape the Orthopaedic wool layer limb, pay particular attention to Full compression Light support crepe bony prominences Four layer system Bandage too loose can Light compression class 3a 17-20mmHg cause slippage applied in a figure of 8 For ankle Bandage too tight can measurement of Light /moderate cause pressure necrosis 18cm - 25cm compression Both can delay healing 20-23mmHg Class 3b Applied Apply all bandages at 50% stretch spiral Remeasure limb after Full compression As above but add an application of wool for ankle extra wool layer Particular attention to measurement tibial crest below 18cm Wound contact layer Orthopaedic wool layer Light support crepe This combination For ankle Moderate compression measurement gives class 3c applied in a spiral approximate 25-30cm pressure levels of Light /moderate 40mmHg compression An increase in the ankle Class 3b Applied circumference reduces the spiral sub bandage pressure therefore the level of Wound contact layer compression should be This combination Orthopaedic wool layer increased with greater Light compression class 3a applied in a figure of 8 ankle For ankle circumference Moderate compression gives full measurement class 3c applied in a spiral compression at above 30cm Light /moderate approximately 40mmHg compression Class 3b Applied spiral
NB: some systems contain latex - always read the manufacturers’ instructions. Whenever possible always choose a latex-free system System Components Pressure British Standard (mmHg) Considerations Full compression Wound contact layer No compression Use the wool and extra if necessary to shape the limb, Orthopaedic wool layer pay particular attention to Light support crepe bony prominences Four layer system Bandage too loose can Light compression class 3a applied in a figure of 8 17-20mmHg cause slippage For ankle Bandage too tight can Light /moderate compression Class 3b Applied spiral 20-23mmHg measurement of cause pressure necrosis 18cm - 25cm Both can delay healing Apply all bandages at 50% stretch Full compression As above but add an Remeasure limb after for ankle application of wool measurement extra wool layer Particular attention to below 18cm tibial crest For ankle Wound contact layer This combination An increase in the ankle Orthopaedic wool layer Light support crepe Moderate compression class 3c applied in a spiral measurement gives 25-30cm approximate pressure levels of Light /moderate compression Class 3b Applied spiral 40mmHg circumference reduces the sub bandage pressure For ankle Wound contact layer This combination therefore the level of compression should be Orthopaedic wool layer increased Light compression class 3a applied in a figure of 8 with greater ankle circumference Moderate compression class 3c applied in a spiral measurement gives full above 30cm compression at Light /moderate compression Class 3b Applied spiral approximately 40mmHg