Applying, wearing and caring for a tubular bandage

Cut the appropriate length, open the tubular material and gently work it over the affected area. Smooth out wrinkles and bunching so the material sits evenly. Follow the product instructions for single- or double-layer application.

Cut enough material to cover the desired body area with the overlap recommended by the product instructions. A longer piece is required when folding the product back to create two layers.

Yes. Continuous-roll tubular bandages are designed to be cut to the length required. A pair of bandage shears is included with every Medcore roll.

This depends on construction. Knitted tubular bandages are generally designed to be cut for customised lengths, but follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding cut edges.

Many elastic tubular support products can be folded back to create a double layer, but the resulting compression is greater than a single layer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Mölnlycke's published pressure values for Tubigrip are based on double-layer application.

It depends on the intended support and the particular product. Two layers generally create more compression than one, so do not automatically double the material if your healthcare provider or the product instructions recommend a single layer.

Be cautious. Cutting holes can alter the structure of elastic tubular material and may affect pressure distribution. Clinical references caution that cutting the continuous elastic thread can alter the pressure gradient.

Correct sizing is the main factor. The bandage should sit evenly without wrinkles or folds. A product that consistently rolls or slides may be too loose, too short or positioned incorrectly.

Common reasons include an oversized bandage, reduced swelling since it was fitted, inadequate length, or loss of elasticity from repeated use.

It should feel supportive without creating symptoms of impaired circulation. Excessive pain, numbness, tingling, coldness or blue or white discolouration of fingers or toes are warning signs to remove the compression.

Yes. Incorrect sizing or excessive layering can result in excessive pressure.

Tingling, numbness, coldness or colour changes can indicate excessive pressure or impaired circulation. Remove the compression. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice.

No. Blue, white or unusually cold fingers or toes are warning signs that the bandage should be removed.

Instructions for night-time wear depend on why compression is being used and what a clinician has recommended. For acute sprains and strains, several NHS hospital instructions advise removing tubular compression at night. Clinically managed conditions can have different prescribed schedules.

Wear time depends on the application, compression level and healthcare instructions. Remove it and reassess if you develop significant discomfort, numbness, increased swelling below the bandage, or circulation changes.

Clinical instructions commonly recommend removing tubular compression for bathing or showering unless a specific product or healthcare professional directs otherwise.

Hospital guidance commonly recommends removing a wet tubular bandage and drying it before reuse.

Many elastic tubular support bandages are washable and reusable. Medcore bandages are machine washable. Always check the care instructions for the particular product.

Some products allow machine washing while others recommend hand washing. Medcore bandages are machine washable. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for other brands.

Heat may damage elastic fibres in some products. Hospital care guidance recommends hanging tubular bandage to dry rather than using a dryer.

Wash frequency depends on usage, skin condition and the product instructions. Hospital guidance recommends regular washing, and washing whenever it is soiled.

Replace it when it is damaged, excessively soiled, or no longer returns to shape and provides the intended fit.

Elastic materials can lose stretch with repeated use and washing. Replace the sleeve when it no longer provides the intended fit or support.

Remove it if you notice numbness, tingling, unusual pain, cold fingers or toes, or blue or white discolouration. A smaller size is not automatically better.

No. Tubular bandages are designed to stay in place without traditional bandage clips or tape.

Yes. Roll-style tubular bandages are made to be cut to length. Every roll is 33 feet of continuous tube and ships with a pair of bandage shears.