By body part

Tubular bandage for elbow, forearm and arm

Elastic tubular bandages come in widths suitable for elbows and arms. The right one depends on circumference and the level of support intended.

Which size

What size tubular bandage for elbow or forearm?

Wrap a flexible tape around the widest part of the area the bandage will cover, without pulling it tight. Match that number to a size. If a dressing goes underneath, allow for the extra bulk.

Tubular bandage for arm swelling

For arm swelling the same rule applies as anywhere else: measure the widest part the sleeve will cover and match it to a range. Unexplained or one-sided arm swelling should be assessed before relying on compression.

Questions

What size tubular bandage should I use for my forearm or elbow?

Two sizes cover most arms:

  • Size C — fits 9–13.5″, for forearms and smaller elbows
  • Size D — fits 10.5–15.5″, for larger forearms and elbows

Measure around the widest part the sleeve will cover.

What about a child's arm?

Size B fits 6 to 11.5 inches and Size C fits 9 to 13.5 inches, which covers most children's forearms and elbows. Measure the child rather than choosing by age, and check for tightness more often than you would on an adult.

Can it hold a dressing on an arm?

Elastic tubular support can help retain dressings in certain applications. A non-sterile support bandage should not be the primary wound-contact layer — use an appropriate dressing underneath.

Do I need clips or tape?

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

Not sure? Measure first.

Arms vary less than legs, but a size either way still changes how it feels over a full day.