The Solidea Compression Sleeve, My Review

How I liked the Solidea Compression Sleeve

*Disclosure: I received a Solidea compression sleeve in order to review the product and write this post. This article contains affiliate links that will generate a commission if a purchase is made by using them. My thoughts and comments about this product are my own.

I've been struggling with lymphedema for a few years now. My lymphedema is rather mild (in comparison to how intense this ailment can become for some patients) and I handle the swelling in my arm by use of compression sleeves, self-massage and light exercises.

I need this black color and a gauntlet too.

I've been a big fan of the LympheDivas compression garments for years now, primarily because they are very fashionable and can be purchased in a variety of colors and prints. They've been my go-to compression garments for years and I believed that they were as good as it gets with this medical necessity. But, that was before I tried the Solidea sleeve.

The Solidea compression sleeve is different... in a good way

The Solidea Compression Arm Sleeve is actually pretty amazing. When I spoke with the company about the sleeve, I was excited but apprehensive. What was described to me sounded strange and really unlike anything else I have seen in compression garments. The ridges in the sleeves sounded cute, but I figured they would be ineffective. Still, I gave it a try.

Pulling it out of the package was shocking. I still wasn't sure how a sleeve that covered both arms would help me with lymphedema in one arm. And the fact that it went over my shoulders and across my back was... well, confusing. But whatever they did to this sleeve was the right thing to do because it really works.

My other sleeves kept my arm at a certain size. My arm swelling would fluctuate a bit depending on my activities. But it rarely went down from the starting point of swelling. Solidea was different. Not only does it reduce my swelling if/when I over exert myself and my arm gets larger... but it has been really helpful in reducing the overall swelling.

What happened when I went back to the old sleeves

Recently I found myself wearing my old sleeves for a couple of days and the swelling was not contained as well. I pulled out my Solidea sleeve and within a short time, my arm leveled out and the swelling and discomfort went away.

I'm not saying that this is a miracle apparatus, but I have to say that it has worked well for me. I do have a few concerns though.

These ridges are really amazing. Makes it all worthwhile.

Some things to consider about these sleeves

First, wearing a full sleeve on my unaffected arm is slightly uncomfortable. My arms are not the same circumference so a sleeve that fits comfortable on my swollen arm is too large for my unaffected arm. I end up pulling and shifting the sleeve on my unaffected arm a lot.

Second, the ridges itch. And they do leave impressions on your skin. It takes a bit to get accustomed to the feeling. But, on the flip side, you do feel it working. Unusual but definitely tolerable. 

Third, I'm not sure about the sizing. You choose the size of your garment based on the measurements of your swollen arm. However, the part that goes across your back doesn't adjust and for me, it was too wide and it kept getting bunched under my clothes. The sleeves are pretty long - and I've got long arms - so if you're a more petite woman, this could be really uncomfortable or awkward. 

Finally, they only come in a few colors. This isn't a big deal but after wearing sleeves for years that were more fashionable, reverting to a sleeve that comes in just a few colors was disappointing. The color closest to the color of my skin... wasn't very close at all. Medicinal beige is limiting and ugly. The ridges aren't that cute to look at either. I can live without my tattoo sleeve or the florals, but the near-perfect skin tone match is going to be really hard to live without. 

The back of my sleeves never looked this neat. LOL

This is a GREAT product and I highly recommend it

Overall, despite the few drawbacks, I highly recommend the Solidea compression sleeve. The effectiveness makes it worth the financial investment and the fashion risk. 

Solidea makes a variety of compression garments (for the trunk, legs, ankles, etc.) and I do recommend that people who need to wear them to check them out and make the purchase. I have to say again, this sleeve really works to help my lymphedema. It really does. I would like another set, in a smaller size though (though I'm wondering if a smaller size would fit over my swollen arm).

These garments seemed a bit pricey to me, slightly more than I usually spend. But if they will help to reduce my lymphedema, its worth the price. Compression garments are an investment in your health regardless since you have to change them regularly and replace them several times each year. I simply chalk it up to the cost of surviving breast cancer. 

You can click any of the hyperlinks or pictures in this post to purchase the compression garment.

(Disclosure: these are affiliate links and this blog will earn a commission if you chose to purchase using the links. Your price will not be affected by that commission.)

If you've worn these compression sleeves before, please leave a comment below. If you liked this review, please share this post with anyone you know who suffers from lymphedema or who has had a mastectomy. Lymphedema is a possibility for all of us who have had that surgery.

Thank you for reading and sharing.

Bye for now, 

Nic