What should you know about upper body compression garments?

Treatment involving lymph nodes, breast tissue, or the chest wall can affect fluid drainage. A compression vest, bra, shirt, sleeve, or combined garment may apply controlled support to an area affected by swelling or heaviness. The design should match the body region involved; a garment for an arm may not suit swelling across the chest or breast.

Compression is usually one part of care. Skin protection, movement, posture, and lymphoedema therapy may be included after assessment. New swelling should not be assumed to be lymphoedema, because infection, a clot, treatment effects, or another cause may need different care.

Ask a lymphoedema clinician or trained fitter to assess the affected area and measure you. The garment should feel supportive without causing pain, numbness, breathing restriction, deep marks, or skin rubbing. Put it on smoothly, without folds or rolled edges, and inspect your skin after removing it. Follow the wearing schedule given to you rather than adding extra layers or tightening it yourself.

Wash and dry the garment according to its instructions so its shape and support are maintained. Tell the fitter if your body shape, swelling, scars, wound, or treatment changes. A fresh fitting may be needed when the garment no longer lies flat or feels different.

Remove the garment and contact your care team if you develop pain, tingling, numbness, colour change, coldness, skin damage, difficulty breathing, or swelling that increases while wearing it. Seek urgent help for sudden swelling with chest pain or breathlessness. Promptly report hot, red, tender skin, fever, or rapidly increasing swelling, because these signs can indicate infection or another problem needing assessment.

Which body areas need support, and what garment style is appropriate? What pressure and wearing schedule should I use? How can I protect a scar or sensitive skin? What should I do if breathing or movement feels restricted? When should the fit be reviewed?