jag1jag1 - the reason the roll down with such hose is OK is that they do not provide very much compression

GaryCA - if your stockings are rolling into bands they are not properly fitted.

Ironically, since this topic began I was diagnosed with a DVT and now wear honest to goodness compression stockings (Sigvaris brand, fitted professionally) when I fly.

With the mention of coumadin/warfarin let me hasten to add that this is not something that one should use without close medical supervision - i.e., do NOT borrow some from a friend. It is also pointless to pop some before a flight, as it takes anywhere from days to weeks for the required level to build up in your blood, with dosage requiring adjustment based on individual response.

Compression socks that roll, have bands, cut in back of the knee do more harm than good.

I just refreshed my knowledge by reading several studies on-line about aspirin pre-flight and DVTs. The research is still mixed. A single aspirin before hopping on a flight does not seem to be effective - most studies found 1 aspirin per day for 2-3 days pre-flight as more effective. But more interesting that risk of clots, although very very small for healthy individuals, was twice as high for those on window versus aisle seats.

However, most articles I read remind that aspirin is most effective in preventing clots in arteries, not veins - and DVTs are clots in veins.

And swelling feet has nothing to do with DVTs.

For my long flights LAX-Dulles-Addis-Kilimanjaro this past summer I used compression stockings AND took two doses of Lovenox each way.

I've had a minor DVT in the past, and my legs got really swollen when we flew to Hawaii two years ago, so I was worried. The first dose of Lovenox didn't really seem to do much, but the second dose definitely thinned my blood.

It helped as well to get up and walk around. I told the steward that I needed to walk a little to prevent leg swelling and they didn't seem to mind. I did several laps around the aisles and galleys and some other people got up and joined me. We all ended up laughing about our "mile-high power walk"

I wear compression socks on all flights and they certainly help the swelling that I have-I also walk around a lot and do the exercises

gail - suspect the higher DVT odds ratio with window seats is associated with less movement? For example, those who choose them so they can snuggle against the window and sleep, those who are reluctant to get up because it means crawling over fellow passengers.

You hit the nail straight on Seamus.

Travel socks are available but depending on where you buy it they call it travel socks, but they are more commonly referred to as compression socks. They are meant to increase blood circulation in the lower legs to help prevent leg swelling. Depending on the degree of compression the sock or stockings has, they are mostly recommended for people who want to prevent leg problems associated with poor blood circulation in the lower legs brought about by prolong sitting – such as long travel drives or flights and prolong standing. These types of socks are designed to help improve leg health by increasing blood flow in your legs.
They have compression gradients in different range to help increasing the speed and volume of blood flowing in the veins, and prevent leg swelling due to pooling of blood in the superficial leg veins (varicose) and /or edema. They are designed in such a way that the socks or stockings are tighter at the heel and gradually get looser up the leg. With consistent use, stockings compress the superficial veins thus promoting the flow of blood through the leg veins and prevent fluid accumulation in the tissues of the legs.
I suggest you invest on a good brand of compression socks. It is very useful not only for travelling but for daily use as well. If you find yourself subjected to long standing or sitting, use one to keep vein problems away. I am regular compression athletic sock user, my feet just feel great after a day of work or activity. M<y feet feels less tired and heavy even after a long day. I buy my compression stockings online at www.LegsTherapy.com I find it more convenient and ordering is so easy, plus they carry almost all brands at a very good price too.
Good Luck!

Although this thread began several years ago, discussion points are still valid. Jobst makes a good compression stocking ..... of course, the caveat that one should understand how to choose correct size. Have bought thru Discount Surgical site.
http://www.discountsurgical.com/land...FYoP2godcz3cdw

I asked my doctor about the compression socks, and she told me that women need to wear compression pantyhose so that the top of the thigh is covered.