TED hose are designed exclusively for immobile patients to prevent blood clots during bed rest, while compression socks are for active individuals managing circulation issues. Using the wrong type can be ineffective or even dangerous.
This guide explains the critical safety differences, helps you determine which type is medically appropriate for your situation, and provides clear guidance on proper use and when to contact your doctor.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- The critical safety differences between TED hose and compression socks
- How to determine which type you need based on your mobility level
- Understanding TED hose and their specific medical applications
- Understanding compression socks for active recovery
- Proper sizing and fit to ensure safety and effectiveness
- Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention
Quick Comparison: TED Hose vs Compression Socks
The most important difference between these two types of compression garments is mobility status. TED hose are designed for patients who are NOT walking, while compression socks are for people who ARE mobile and active.
| Feature | TED Hose | Compression Socks |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Thrombo-Embolic Deterrent Stockings | Graduated Compression Stockings |
| Primary Purpose | Prevent DVT in immobile patients | Improve circulation in mobile patients |
| Compression Level | 8–18 mmHg (uniform) | 15–40+ mmHg (graduated) |
| Compression Pattern | Even throughout leg | Strongest at ankle, decreases upward |
| When to Wear | During bed rest/immobility ONLY | While active and mobile |
| Typical Users | Post-surgery bedridden patients | Varicose veins, travel, chronic conditions |
| Appearance | White/beige, medical-looking, inspection hole at toes | Various colors, looks like regular socks |
| Cost Range | $15–$40 per pair | $20–$100+ depending on compression level |
Which Type Do You Need?
Your mobility status is the single most important factor in determining whether you need TED hose or compression socks. Use the following decision framework:
You Need TED Hose If:
- You are bedridden or chair-bound after surgery
- You are not walking or standing for extended periods
- Your doctor specifically prescribed “anti-embolism stockings”
- You are in the hospital or immediate post-op recovery (Days 1–5)
- Your primary concern is DVT prevention during immobility
You Need Compression Socks If:
- You are mobile and walking regularly
- You have chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins
- You need circulation support for travel, work, or athletics
- You are in post-surgical recovery and have been cleared to walk
- You need long-term daily compression for medical conditions
You Are in a Transition Period If:
- You just started walking after surgery (Days 4–7 post-op)
- You're mobile during the day but bedridden at night
- Your doctor said “compression” without specifying type
Important: Contact your surgeon or healthcare provider before switching between types. This timing is critical for safe recovery.
Understanding TED Hose: When and Why They're Used
TED hose serve a very specific medical purpose that is fundamentally different from regular compression socks. They are engineered for patients who are immobile and need uniform pressure to support venous return during periods of inactivity.
What TED Hose Do
TED hose provide gentle, uniform compression (typically 8–18 mmHg) designed specifically for patients who are immobile. Unlike graduated compression socks, TED hose apply even pressure throughout the leg to prevent blood from pooling when the calf muscle pump is inactive.
Medical Situations Requiring TED Hose
Post-Surgical Recovery:
- Orthopedic surgeries (hip replacement, knee replacement)
- Abdominal surgeries
- Cardiac procedures
- Any surgery requiring 24–48+ hours of bed rest
Hospital Stays:
- Extended bed rest due to illness
- ICU recovery
- Stroke or neurological impairment affecting mobility
How Long to Wear TED Hose
Most patients wear TED hose for 2–7 days post-surgery while immobile, then transition to compression socks once cleared to walk regularly. Always follow your surgeon’s specific timeline.
Physical Characteristics of TED Hose
- White, beige, or black medical-grade fabric
- Inspection hole near toes
- Knee-high or thigh-high lengths
- Open-toe design
- Smooth uniform pressure (not graduated)
- Medical-looking appearance
Understanding Compression Socks: When and Why They're Used
Compression socks are designed for active patients who need circulation support while walking or standing. They use a graduated compression profile that works with the calf muscle pump to push blood upward.
What Compression Socks Do
Compression socks use graduated pressure—tightest at the ankle and decreasing up the leg—to improve blood flow back toward the heart while you're active.
Medical Situations Requiring Compression Socks
| Use Category | Specific Applications |
|---|---|
| Post-Surgical (Mobile Phase) | After cleared to walk (Week 2+), during hospital→home transition, DVT prevention while mobile |
| Chronic Conditions | Varicose veins, spider veins, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, PAD (doctor approval required) |
| Preventive Use | Travel, pregnancy swelling, standing jobs, athletic recovery |
Compression Levels Explained
| Compression Level | Use Case | Prescription Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 8–15 mmHg | Mild swelling, travel, pregnancy | No |
| 15–20 mmHg | Varicose veins, post-surgical mobile phase | Usually no |
| 20–30 mmHg | Moderate venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic syndrome | Sometimes |
| 30–40 mmHg | Severe venous disorders, lymphedema | Yes |
| 40–50 mmHg | Severe lymphedema, chronic venous ulcers | Yes |
How Long to Wear Compression Socks
- Post-surgical: 2–6 weeks or as directed
- Chronic conditions: Daily during waking hours
- Preventive: As needed (travel, standing work, exercise)
Most providers recommend wearing compression socks during the day and removing them before bed unless instructed otherwise.
Proper Sizing and Fit
Correct sizing is absolutely critical for both safety and effectiveness. Compression garments that don’t fit properly can be dangerous or ineffective.
Why Correct Sizing Matters
Compression that is too tight may restrict circulation or cause numbness, discoloration, or skin damage. Compression that is too loose provides inadequate therapy.
How to Measure for TED Hose
- Ankle circumference: narrowest point above ankle bone
- Calf circumference: widest point of calf
- Leg length: heel to knee bend (knee-high) or heel to gluteal fold (thigh-high)
Best time to measure: Morning, before swelling begins.
How to Measure for Compression Socks
- Use same measurement points as TED hose
- Measure later in the day after moving around
- For thigh-highs, also measure thigh circumference
Sizing Tips for Safe Fit
- Hospital-fitted TED hose may not match retail sizing — remeasure
- If between sizes, consult a provider rather than guessing
- Socks should feel snug but never painful
- You should be able to insert one finger under the top band
- Never roll or fold garments down
When to Contact Your Doctor
Certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation, as they may indicate DVT or improper compression use:
- Leg pain, warmth, redness, or swelling
- Numbness, tingling, or discoloration
- Increased pain while wearing compression
- Skin irritation, blisters, or wounds
- Questions about transitioning between devices
- Uncertainty about which device to use
Never switch between TED hose and compression socks without medical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If you are immobile, TED hose provide the correct compression pattern for DVT prevention. Compression socks are for mobile patients and won’t protect during bed rest.
Typically when cleared to walk regularly (Days 4–7 post-op), but always follow your doctor’s specific timeline.
Generally no, unless directed by your doctor. Compression socks are for daytime use while active.
Most last 3–6 months with proper care. Replace them when compression loosens or fabric shows wear.
Yes — both TED hose and compression socks qualify as medical devices, and HSA/FSA cards work at checkout.
Safe Recovery Starts with the Right Compression
Understanding the difference between TED hose and compression socks is essential for safe recovery. TED hose protect immobile patients from DVT, while compression socks support circulation once you begin walking.
The key to safe therapy is using the right product at the right time. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific recommendations for when to wear each and how to transition safely.
At Rescue Legs, we understand that post-surgical recovery can feel overwhelming. Our American-made compression socks combine medical-grade effectiveness with superior comfort to support your recovery once you are cleared to walk.
Shop Medical-Grade Compression Socks