What should you know about nighttime compression garments?

Nighttime compression garments are softer, low-stretch garments worn during sleep to help control lymphoedema between daytime treatments. They are fitted for the affected body area and should feel supportive rather than painful, numb, or restrictive. A lymphoedema specialist should confirm the garment, fit, wearing schedule, and skin-care plan.

The garment provides gentle, sustained pressure while you rest. Its fabric and panels can help limit fluid accumulation and support the changes achieved through movement, skin care, and other lymphoedema treatment. It does not cure the underlying lymphatic problem, and the correct design differs for an arm, leg, chest, breast, or another area.

A suitable garment should stay in place without rolling, cutting into skin, or causing tingling. Swelling, body shape, scars, and skin sensitivity can change, so the fit may need review over time.

Put it on exactly as demonstrated, checking that seams and fasteners are positioned correctly. Inspect the skin before and after wearing it, wash and dry the garment as instructed, and keep a spare if your clinician recommends one. Remove it and contact your therapist if you develop pain, numbness, colour change, new swelling, blisters, or skin damage. Read more about [Compression Garment](/materials/compression-garment/) and [Lymphoedema Therapy](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/lymphoedema-therapy/).

Get urgent medical help for sudden one-sided swelling with chest pain or breathlessness, or for a limb that becomes hot, very red, and rapidly more painful. Contact your lymphoedema team promptly for a garment that leaves persistent marks, causes numbness, or no longer fits after swelling changes. Fever or a spreading red area may signal infection and needs prompt review.

Is nighttime compression appropriate for my type of swelling? Which garment and pressure level should I use? How should I check the fit while asleep? What skin changes mean I should remove it? When should the garment be measured or replaced?