With all of the hype about these I am always amazed when i get onto an aeroplane that i seem to be about the only one wearing them. I know this because I see people in their shorts, although it's more tricky to decide on business flights when people are suited and booted.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
When on an aeroplane, the long periods of inactivity, combined with often cramped conditions and dehydration can cause circulatory problems including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT risks increase as you get older, during pregnancyand with a previous history of blood clots, but it is recommended that everyone wears the socks unless medically advised against it. These socks are apparently medically proven to help prevent DVT by helping to improve the flow of blood and ensure correct circulation. They will also help reduce the build up of fluid and alleviate heavy aching feelings in the legs which you can experience after a long flight
WHO ARE THEY FOR?
They are designed for men and women of all ages and come in a range of sizes from shoe size 3 to shoe size 12.
THE SOCKS THEMSELVES...
The socks come in a sealed plastic packet with lots of information on the bag and a scary leaflet inside telling me all the dangers of DVT. The socks themselves are described as being discreet and comfortable and like normal socks. Not so! They are long (up to the knees0 and look like the very thickest of support tights. In fact, even if I catch a glimpse of my feet, I can see they are most definitely not normal socks. I have the black socks, and when i do don my rather attractive garments, they do feel quite comfortable and if it weren't for they fact that they look so shocking, i could forget I am wearing them.
HOW TO PUT THEM ON...
Because these incorporate compression it's important that they are worn correctly. Firstly, ensure you have the correct size. There are 3 different sizes taking into account foot calf and ankle size, so tape measure at the ready! The socks should, without forcing them, be pulled to just below the knee, and when I put them on they are not like normal socks because they are tighter and have to be pulled up more carefully. Make sure there are no wrinkles, and don't roll them down while wearing them because there will be a build up of compression.
LOOKING AFTER THEM...
These can be washed at 40 degrees and you can use them and wash them afterwards for 30 washes, so you do get your moneys worth.
WARNINGS:
Consult a health profession before wearing them if you have heart or circulatory problems, are pregnant, have sever varicose veins or reduced mobility. There are also several warnings on the leaflet about walking about during the flight, keeping hydrated and keeping an eye on your legs and temperature when you leave the aeroplane.
THE PRODUCTS
As I mentioned before the socks are available in 3 sizes, and 2 colours (black and sheer medium. I would imagine they both look as bad as each other!
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Available in airports and chemists ,they cost around they £12 mark but if you take into consideration they are good for 30 flights 9assuming they are washed after each flight) then they are not an expensive purchase.
MADE BY
They are made by scholl, but the socks can be bought online by doing a general search for scholl flight socks
VERDICT
It has become quite a habit of mine to wear them regardless of the length of the flight. My most recent flight was Newcastle Heathrow and naturally I donned my socks for an hour. They are comfortable to wear and reagrdless as to whether they are helping me, I feel better when I wear them, but I am one of those people who does the in flight exercises! They are easy to take care of and whilst not the best looking things, as long as I wear trousers, i am sure I'm not offending anyone.
As I have been using these flight socks (not these specific ones0 for many years, i would recommend anyone who wants to reduce the risk of DVT to wear them.
Thanks for reading Daniela x
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
My in flight exercise usually consists of my right arm only to raise the plastic drinks container to my lips ! LOL. Good review of a product that has become relevant nowadays.
SweetTooth93 22.08.2008 18:54
They do sound quite useful. I often get cramps during flights xx
Product Properties:To help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in flightClinically proven ... more
graduated compression system to improve circulationHelp to prevent swollen ankles and tired aching legsAntimicrobial protection keeps feet fresh and odour free
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours......
Product Properties:To help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in flightClinically proven ... more
graduated compression system to improve circulationHelp to prevent swollen ankles and tired aching legsAntimicrobial protection keeps feet fresh and odour free
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Product Properties:To help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in flightClinically proven ... more
graduated compression system to improve circulationHelp to prevent swollen ankles and tired aching legsAntimicrobial protection keeps feet fresh and odour free
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Product Properties:To help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in flightClinically proven ... more
graduated compression system to improve circulationHelp to prevent swollen ankles and tired aching legsAntimicrobial protection keeps feet fresh and odour free
Postage & Packaging:£2.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Product Properties:To help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in flightClinically proven ... more
graduated compression system to improve circulationHelp to prevent swollen ankles and tired aching legsAntimicrobial protection keeps feet fresh and odour free
Postage & Packaging:£2.50 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Product Properties:To help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in flightClinically proven ... more
graduated compression system to improve circulationHelp to prevent swollen ankles and tired aching legsAntimicrobial protection keeps feet fresh and odour free
Postage & Packaging:£2.50 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Scholls flight socks: Compression 14-17 mmHg.Use a clinically proven graduated ... more
compression system to improve blood flow. This can help to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), swollen ankles, and tired aching legs.About DVTA Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can be caused when blood is not returning to the heart properly and gathers - or clots - in the lower limbs. Long periods of inactivity or sitting in cramped conditions (such as on an aircraft) can hamper the normal flow of blood as the process of returning blood to the heart from the legs is normally assisted by the movement of the leg muscles.A DVT is not actually dangerous in itself, it's the complications arising from it that can be life-threatening. If the clot detaches itself from the veins and makes its way through the bloodstream to the lungs, you could suffer from chest pains which are exacerbated by breathing and, in some cases, the coughing up of blood. In rare instances, if the clot is large, it can travel to the heart and lungs, interrupt blood flow and result in sudden death.
Postage & Packaging:£1.80 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Description: Long Periods of inactivity, combined with the cramped conditions and ... more
dehydration which can occur on long journeys, can cause a number of circulatory problems including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - blood clots. Scholl Flight Socks Sheer are medically proven to help prevent DVT by helping to improve blood flow. Designed for continuous comfort, they effectively help relieve tired aching legs and swollen ankles so that you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and your legs feel revitalised. Scholl Flight Socks Sheer are ultra soft with a reinforced toe to ensure longer lasting wear. UK 6 1/2 - 840 - 42Calf: 15'' - 17'' (38cm -431/2 cm)Ankle:93/4'' - 111/2'' (24 1/2cm - 29cm) Caution Text If you are suffering form, or have a previous history of, bloody clots, a blood clotting disorder, heart or circulatory problems (e.g. arterial or venous insufficiency), diabetes, severe varicose veins, cancer, reduced mobility or if you have recently undergone major surgery or are pregnant, you should consult a healthcare professional about the suitability of this product. Compression level 14-17 mmHg (18.7-22.7hPa). Made to conform to Bristish Standard:BS6612:1985. Fibre content 80% polymide, 20% Elastane.
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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