title: Loss of interface pressure in various compression bandage systems over seven days.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Manufacturers' instructions of multi-component compression bandage systems inform that these products can remain up to 7 days during the therapy of venous leg ulcer. This implies that the pressure needed will be sustained during this time.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present research investigated the persistence of pressure of compression systems over 7 days.
  
  
  METHODS
  All 6 compression systems available in Germany at the time of the trial were tested on 35 volunteering persons without signs of venous leg disease. Bandaging with short-stretch bandages was included for comparison. Pressure was measured by using PicoPress®.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Initially, all products showed sufficient resting pressure of 40 mm Hg checked with a pressure monitor, except for one system in which the pressure fell by at least 23.8%, the maximum being 47.5% over a period of 7 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The currently available compression systems are not fit to keep the required pressure. Optimized products need to be developed.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, CWC - Comprehensive Wound Center, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Protz
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Heyer
authors.forename: Ida
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Verheyen-Cronau
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Augustin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D058128:Compression Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult