FAQs: About LympheDIVAs Garments

Popular categories:
Sizing & Fitting
DIVA Diamond Band
Compression Classes
Care Instructions
Garment Lifespan

What makes LympheDIVAs products better than other compression garments?
How do I know what size to order for my LympheDIVAs fashions?
Do I have to wear a gauntlet with my compression sleeve?
Does LympheDIVAs offer sleeves of different lengths?
Do LympheDIVAs garments come with a silicone border?
What is the DIVA Diamond Band?
What classes of compression does LympheDIVAs offer and how is that compression defined?
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 compression?
How do I care for my LympheDIVAs garment?
How long do LympheDIVAs garments last?
Can I request a custom-made sleeve?
I have lots of ideas on how to make my sleeve more comfortable. How do I share my ideas and suggestions for future LympheDIVAs products?
When do I wear my LympheDIVAs sleeve?
Can I wear LympheDIVAs products on my unaffected arm or if I do not have lymphedema?
Are LympheDIVAs products covered by my health insurance?
I am a male with upper extremity lymphedema; can I wear your products?
How often do you introduce new patterns?

What makes LympheDIVAs products better than other compression garments?
The main ingredients in LympheDIVAs products are compassion, insight, technology, with the objective to improve how YOU feel about treating your lymphedema. With this in mind, LympheDIVAs products include moisture-wicking technology, which pulls sweat away from the body and is fast drying! LympheDIVAs products are also outfitted with encapsulated aloe vera, which moisturizes your skin and keeps your arm cooler! LympheDIVAs products are comfortable and breathable. They provide the proper grade of graduated compression for the management of lymphedema, Class 1 (20-30mmHg) and Class 2 (30-40mmHg) compression available. Our fabrics are latex & silicone-free and offer 360° stretch, which allows our products to fit a wide range of sizes and will stretch as your arm bends and flexes.   
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How do I know what size to order for my LympheDIVAs fashions?
We recommend that you consult with your physician, physical therapist or certified fitter to measure your hand and arm. Check out our store locator to find a store location near you. You may also refer to our sizing chart to assist you in determining your size. A proper fitting is essential for proper care! You may not fit into LympheDIVAs fashions, but have no fear; we are constantly researching and will be expanding to fit a wider array of sizes in the future.   
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Do I have to wear a gauntlet with my compression sleeve?
The answer to this question will depend on the nature of your own condition. We suggest that you consult your doctor or physical therapist on the topic, specific to your lymphedema. Currently, the National Lymphedema Network position paper on exercise recommends that you wear a gauntlet and sleeve during exercise if you have been diagnosed with lymphedema. Dr. Andrea Cheville, Associate Professor of Physical Medicine at the Mayo Clinic wrote a position paper about the importance of sleeve and gauntlet combination wear, read it here.  
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Does LympheDIVAs offer sleeves of different lengths?
Due to our 360° degree stretch LympheDIVAs sleeve fit a wide range of arm lengths. At this time we do not offer short or long sleeves.  
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Do LympheDIVAs garments come with a silicone border?
DiamondBand1
LympheDIVAs garments come with something better – the DIVA Diamond Band, which we say offers you “bling & cling.”A latex-free, silicone-free alternative, the DIVA Diamond Band is printed directly on the sleeve and not applied to an elastic band and sewn in. The DIVA Diamond Band will keep your garment in place and your skin less irritated.  
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What is the DIVA Diamond Band?
DiamondBand2
The DIVA Diamond Band is a latex-free & silicone-free gripper applied directly to the top cuff of the sleeve. The purpose of the band is to help the sleeve stay up and to prevent rolling. All sleeves are available with or without the DIVA Diamond Band.  
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What classes of compression does LympheDIVAs offer and how is that compression defined?
We currently offer Class 1 and Class 2 sleeves and gauntlets which have graduated compression with the highest pressures as the palm and wrist, the gauntlet is specially made to have no compression at the wrist to avoid double compression when if overlaps the sleeve. Class 1 garments have between 20-30mmHg pressure at the sleeve and palm and have about 5-10mmHg at the arm cuff. Class 2 garments have between 30-40mmHg pressure at the palm and wrist and have graduated pressure to 5-10mmHg at the arm cuff.  
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What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 compression?
If you are unsure of your compression class, please consult your doctor or physical therapist. Class 1 (20-30mmHg) compression is generally for preventative to mild lymphedema. Our Class 1 sleeves are not recommended for severe swelling. Class 2 (30-40mmHg) compression for more severe lymphedema. Like other compression devices that utilize graduated compression, the pressure is highest at the palm and wrist and gradually reduces at the top cuff and upper arm, moving the fluid toward the body.  
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How do I care for my LympheDIVAs garment?
Wash the sleeve every day of use, either by hand or machine in warm water using a gentle fabric detergent. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing during the hand wash. Use a lingerie bag in the machine. Do not wring dry. May be dried flat, drip-dried or machine dried at medium-high heat. Do not iron. Do not dry clean. Do not use any chemical solvent or bleach. Do not use fabric softener or any other laundry additive. Frequent washing prolongs the useful life of the garment and maintains the ideal compression characteristics. Using creams, oils, and lotions will soften the life of the garment. With proper care, your LympheDIVAs sleeve and gauntlet should last up to six months.  
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How long do LympheDIVAs garments last?
All compression garments should be replaced after four to six months of regular daily wear. LympheDIVAs garments last up to six months with proper care.   
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I found a loose thread at the wrist or in the cuff of my sleeve and I am afraid the sleeve will run. What should I do?
If you do find a loose thread, trim it and apply a small dab of clear nail polish or Fray-Chek (available at Walmart,) just as you would with pantyhose. If you notice a manufacturing defect within 30 days of purchase, please contact us for an exchange.  
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Can I request a custom-made sleeve?
At the moment LympheDIVAs is not offering custom-made sleeves. However, we are listening to your concerns and recommend that you contact us. Any information we can gather from lovely DIVAs from all over the world will help us create the finest products. We do offer custom-designed sleeves, please contact us for a quote.
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I have lots of ideas on how to make my sleeve more comfortable. How do I share my ideas and suggestions for future LympheDIVAs products?
We know that DIVAs out there have all sorts of ideas on how to improve the existing compression garments. We are constantly coming up with new ideas and we’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Contact us and let us know what you’re thinking. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!  
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When do I wear my LympheDIVAs sleeve?
LympheDIVAs sleeves are not intended to be worn at night. The amount of time and degree to which you wear your LympheDIVAs sleeve will depend on the severity of your own lymphedema. Consult with your therapist or physician to determine how often you need to wear your sleeve. Divas embrace the challenges life throws at them with style and grace!  
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Can I wear LympheDIVAs products on my unaffected arm or if I do not have lymphedema?
Yes! LympheDIVAs sleeves are extremely fashionable and stylish! Compression apparel is known to improve performance – just take a look at Allen Iverson. By wearing LympheDIVAs products as a fashion accessory of performance enhancer, you help prove that the sleeve is more than just a medical device.  
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Are LympheDIVAs products covered by my health insurance?
When you order online or over the phone, we cannot process your insurance reimbursement. However, when you go to your local DME or breast cancer boutique that regularly works with insurance, your garment may be covered depending on your plan! Many of our web stores also process insurance. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover any compression garments.  
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I am a male with upper extremity lymphedema; can I wear your products?
If you fit within our sizing chart, of course you can!  
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How often do you introduce new patterns?
LympheDIVAs introduces patterns twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. We look for current fashions and try to incorporate those styles into our sleeve selection. We also survey our DIVAs for their favorite patterns! To sign up for our bi-annual survey and to be put on our e-mail list click here.  
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