One of the most common methods of maintenance for venous disease is to wear compression stockings. However, many people mistake true medical compression stockings for thrombo-embolic deterrent (T.E.D.) hose. There are three major differences between the two: the level of compression, reason for wearing them, and physical appearance.
Medical Compression Stockings
- Level of compression: >15 mmHg
- Purpose: Improve blood flow in extremity through gentle squeezing – utilized mainly for venous disease including varicose veins, edema, and stasis skin changes
- Come in many different colors and styles
T.E.D. Hose 
- Level of compression: 8-15 mmHg
- Purpose: Prevent pooling of blood to ultimately decrease the risk of getting a blood clot
- White with a “hole” designed for easy monitoring of a patient’s circulatory status
An easy way to remember the difference between true medical compression stockings and T.E.D. hose is to ask the question is the patient on bed-rest (non-ambulatory) or are they able to get up and move around (ambulatory)? If a patient is non-ambulatory, they typically require T.E.D. hose. “T.E.D.s are for beds”. If they are ambulatory, medical compression stockings are most likely what the patient needs.
