Reid Sleeve as treatment for lymphedema

[cpthomas]

Hello Everyone,

I recently received a question about the benefits of using a Reid Sleeve for treatment of lymphedema. I thought I would post my answer here in case anyone else had the same question. The answer specifically addresses arm lymphedema but both Reid Sleeve and Jovipak make products for the legs as well.

The Reid sleeve was designed specifically to be used for lymphedema. I believe it was originally intended to be a substitute for night-time bandaging, especially for people who had trouble getting the bandages on their arm by themselves. Therapists have since begun to use the Reid sleeve not just for people who cannot or don’t like to bandage, but also as part of an overall treatment regime for lymphedema. The Reid sleeve is made with soft convoluted foam and is made to give consistent compression from the hand to the top of the arm. An added benefit of the foam inside the sleeve is that it gently pushes into areas of hardening (sometimes called fibrosis) within the arm and helps to soften these areas as well as remove edema.

When fitted properly, which must be done by a qualified Reid Sleeve fitter/therapist, the Reid sleeve definitely works to provide consistent compression and to break down areas of fibrosis. For some people it is an absolute God-send because they just can’t or don’t like to self-bandage. Some people complain that the sleeve is too bulky and if it is too large or small it can be uncomfortable. I have used it often with patients and find it to be an excellent tool for lymphedema management when it is used in conjunction with both Manual Lymph Drainage and compression bandaging.

Here is the Peninsula Medical website, they are the manufacturers of the Reid Sleeve. Here you can see what the sleeve looks like as well as some excellent videos on how it can be used:

http://www.noblemed.com/rsleeve.htm

Another alternative to the Reid Sleeve is the Jovipak…another foam device that can also be used in conjunction with or in lieu of bandaging. The Jovi does not provide as much compression as the Reid Sleeve, but it is also much lighter and, for some, more comfortable to wear to sleep. You can view this product at:

http://www.jovipak.com/ready.shtml#

Select “See Image” under arm sleeves, UE-P-AG1

If anyone has more specific questions please don't hesitate to post them here and I'll do my best to get them answered.

Thanks!
Christine Thomas

[MaryR]

I'm having trouble finding any information on self massage/MLD or excercise for lymphedema of the pelvic region. I assume I can't really use any kind of bandaging.
The lymphedema affects, to a moderate level, my left arm and certainly both legs. Not noticebly swollen to others, but painful to sit at my computer for long periods, especially towards the end of the work day.
And I notice that I feel spacey and muscle tired when my lymph levels are high... is this common?

I've twice had cellulitis of the vulva in the 5 years since my anal canal cancer/radiation. Now the lymphedema - which I'm just learning about, seems to be present all the time.

Is there anyplace I can get specific info for this arrangement?

[kekuss]

I have to tell you -- the best thing ever !!!! I received my Reid Sleeve Classic about a month ago and it is absolutely tremendous. I still need to do some more experimenting to get the right daytime stocking, but my leg is near perfect size now every morning. I have on occassion skipped the daytime stocking since the off the shelf 30-40 isn't working well (need to order custom) and the 40-50 is so tight...even without wearing the daytime stocking, my leg is significantly better. It is amazing !!! The sleeve is quite comfortable and not as hot as I imagined it would be....I've got to say, this thing is truly awesome. It did take a bit of time to work with my insurance company to get it approved and paid at the in-network rate, but the provider was helpful with that pursuit.

I have primary lymphedema in my lower right leg, I have the "boot" style Reid Sleeve Classic that goes up to the knee.

No more compression wrapping, no more foam, no more bandages, taping, rolling bandages back up... This SAVES SO MUCH TIME. Because it is so easy and so effective, I use it every night without fail. I've spent a lot of money on MLD by a lymphedema therapist, plus every brand of 30-40 stocking -- this Reid Sleeve Classic ROCKS ! It was expensive, but fortunately my insurance covered at 80%....and even if it didn't, it would have been money well spent. If anyone is interested to learn more, let me know.

[peppi]

I am a very happy Reid Sleeve user. I am on my second one. I have an extra duffle bag custom make by Peninsula Medical to carry the Sleeve in. I use it when I travel; it is very handy. I only need one. Do you or anyone you know need one? I would be happy to give it to someone for the cost of shipping it (they cost $50 if sold separately; now I think they ship with the Sleeves). I would also be happy to sell it for $10-$15 plus shipping. Thanks.

[jgrease]

I am on my second Reid Sleeve, and it is a godsend! I still bandage occasionally if my swelling is bad, but for the most part I wear a compression sleeve/glove during the day, and the Reid Sleeve with finger wraps at night. While my upper arm is still pretty bad, I feel the difference in terms of less fibrosis. My forearm has reduced some, and my hand is almost always good - just some puffiness in the morning when I remove the sleeve and wraps. Still, so much quicker and easier than wrapping every single night.

[marianna]

hallo everyone.
i am italian, 35, with secondary lymphoedema on both legs.
i'd like to buy the reid sleeve for both my legs to wear at night. i can see from the website that they have a classic version which is a made to measure and another style, called RM, a bit cheaper and with fixed sizes. i was wondering if anyone could give any advise. i am desperately trying to keep the swelling at bay. daytime stockings is not enough and although bandages improve the situation, all the benefits are quickly lost and can never maintain the volume.
i'd love to hear from you all, any sort of suggestion, especially encouraging comments!!! feeling really really low at times!

[Trish]

I'm not a therapist; however, I've learned some things about compression garments.

You said that the garments you are using don't work so you need to look for alternatives. These are some of the garments that my therapist suggested.

]Her first response was a big NO! Do not wear a knit garments when you are sleeping. They can slip, or twist and block the circulation.

There are some brands that are quilted that you can have custom made. If you are can considering these be certain to have the measurements taken by a trained fitter.

The National Lymphedema Net Work (NLN) [www.lymphnet.org/] has new guidelines that include exercise and nutrition. These can help too.

Trish

[marianna]

thank you Trish,
and what do you?your therapist think about using the reid sleeve at night? it is like having multilayer bandages, only it's a lot quicker and easier.
xxx

[daniel]

I typically have some swelling in my legs after standing for extended periods of time. Nothing too serious however I'm thinking about moving up to a higher grade compression. I prefer a tighter fit but don't have insurance right now and haven't really seen a doctor. Any suggestions/advice besides the typical "go see a doctor" and "stop self diagnosing yourself?"

Here are some of the compression socks that I've been looking at. Leaning more towards the Therafirm 30-40mmHg.

[seaguy]

DanielI haven't been to a Dr yet that actually knew much about LD. Got the usual..."why don't you try some support socks or get an appointment for therapy?" Sound familar? I shop on the internet for the best deal on Jobst compression hose. Usually can get a pair for around 25 bucks. Deffinately start using them. I didn't hoping a solution would appear but it don't. Now my legs look like stovepipes and the cp hose just keep me where I am so sooner is better and massaging helps a lot in the beginning but good luck with that unless you pay someone.

[LymphedemaGirl]

I am on my second Jovipak now, the first one was too short as it turned out I need it to go all the way up to the hip. I am not impressed, it hasn't provided a smaller leg, it just barely keeps it at bay. I'd like to get a Reid sleeve, have heard good things about it.
The Jovipak is allright to sleep with, it is soft and comfy.