CHOOSE REUSABLE, USE LESS

Choose reusable, use less

Choosing a reusable compression product instead of two-layer compression bandages, could be a more sustainable option when treating a patient with a venous leg ulcer (VLU). An adjustable compression wrap or a 2-in-1 compression system are reusable solutions that can help:^1-10*

reduce costs
reduce clinical waste to landfill
save nursing time
reduce risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries

We've done the calculations for you so you can see the impact of this change from a single-use compression product to a reusable compression solution. Choosing a reusable compression solution may also help your Trust align to NHS England's Clinical Waste Strategy.¹⁴

Patient applying the JOBST FarrowWrap 4000 adjustable compression wrap to his leg

What is a reusable compression solution?

Treatment for a patient with a venous leg ulcer (VLU) can be managed using a compression bandage such as JOBST Compri2. Two-layer compression bandages are single use only and must be changed with every treatment. For a patient with a VLU treated over six months, up to 72 bandage changes are needed based on three compression bandage changes per week.^1-10*

An alternative solution is a reusable compression product such as JOBST FarrowWrap 4000, an adjustable compression wrap or JOBST UlcerCare, 2 in 1 compression system. These compression solutions for venous leg ulcers can be reused for up to 6 months of treatment***, and can be considered as part of supported self-management.

Reduce clinical waste to landfill

How much compression bandage waste goes to landfill? Based on up to 72 bandage changes, the combined height of the two-layer compression bandages used is up to 2.8 Eiffel Towers (914.4 metres) per leg^1-10**. This clinical waste must go to landfill.¹⁴

How does this impact on your Trust or Health Board's sustainability targets?

Table comparing the costs of two layer compression bandaging to a wrap adjustable compression garment

Reduce costs

Compression bandages need to be changed up to three times per week^1-10*, meaning a significantly higher cost (£) of overall treatment - up to 16.5 times more^12,13. By switching to JOBST FarrowWrap or JOBST UlcerCare, you could save your Trust or Health Board up to £571.64 per patient, per leg^1-10.

JOBST FarrowWrap and JOBST UlcerCare have a six-month guarantee against garment failure caused by a manufacturing or material defect.***

Nurse knelt on the floor applying bandages to a patient's leg in his home

Reduce risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of sickness absence in the NHS.¹⁴ A study found compression bandaging exposed clinicians treating patients with lymphoedema or a leg swelling to moderate risk of MSK injuries, particularly affecting the neck, trunk and shoulders.¹⁸ NHS employers highlight the areas most likely to be affected by musculoskeletal injury as being:¹⁵

Lower back from lifting and forceful movements or bending and twisting (awkward posture)¹⁶
Shoulders, arms and forearms, wrists, hands and the neck from repetitive work (e.g. repetition with awkward shoulder posture)¹⁷
Hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet

Save nursing time

Applying compression bandaging requires specialist training. Up to 72 nurse visits are needed per patient with a venous leg ulcer treated over six months.^1-10* Each nurse visit takes approximately 45 minutes.¹¹

Choosing JOBST FarrowWrap or JOBST UlcerCare for leg ulcer management⁴, you could save up to 72 nurse visits which could be up to 54 hours of nursing time.^1-10****

specialist nurse training is not needed
patients can apply and adjust the garments themselves - as part of supported self-care
carers, or family members, can apply and adjust the garment for the patient (if the patient is unable to apply the garment themselves)

Supported Self-Care

Interested in learning more about supported self-care to understand how much you could save? Download our brochure.

Download brochure

Measuring forms

Download all JOBST Order Forms for Custom-Fit and Ready-to-Wear here.

Download measuring forms

How-to video guides

Watch our videos to learn more about how to measure, apply and remove JOBST compression garments.

Watch videos

*DISCLAIMER

The patient treatment plan utilising compression bandaging is indicated following an in-depth patient assessment and diagnosis. The frequency of bandage changes per week varies. The reported average is two to three times per week ^2,4-7. During the decongestion stage for lymphoedema management bandage changes may be required daily ^8-10.
**Comparison is based on JOBST Compri2 two-layer compression bandages stretched.
***Please refer to the instructions for use for ‘Care Instructions’
****Plus, the additional cost of fuel, wear on staff vehicles and administration/documenting each visit.

1 National Wound Care Strategy Programme: (2024) Recommendations for Lower Limb Ulcers. Read more.
2 NHS (2022) Treatment -Venous leg ulcer. Read more. (Accessed 9 Feb 26)
3 DOF6700-823 - Compri2 Bandaging Length + Surface Area Calculations. Data on file.
4 Damstra RJ & Partsch H (2013) “Prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of adjustable compression Velcro wraps versus inelastic multicomponent compression bandages in the initial treatment of leg lymphedema”, Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders,vol.1, no.1, pp13-19. Read more.
5 Mallow PJ. Health economic analysis of two-layer bandage system for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. JHEOR. 2023:10(2):39-43.doi: 10.36469/jheor.2023.82159. Read more. (Accessed 24 May 2024)
6 Moffatt CJ, Franks PJ, Hardy D, Lewis M, Parker V, Feldman JL. (2012) A preliminary randomized controlled study to determine the application frequency of a new lymphoedema bandaging system. Br J Dermatol. Mar;166(3):624-32. Read more. (Accessed 24 May 2024)
7 Partsch, H (2007) Assessing the effectiveness of multilayer inelastic bandaging. Journal of Lymphoedema, 2007, Vol 2, No 2. Read more. (Accessed 24 May 2024)
8 International Lymphoedema Framework (2012) Best Practice for the management of lymphoedema 2nd edition. Read more.
9 Wounds UK (2006) Technical Guide: Treating Lower Limb Lymphoedema with Compression Bandaging. Wound Essentials, Volume 1. Read more (Accessed 9 Feb 26)
10 Lymphoedema Framework (2006) Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema. International consensus. London: MEP Ltd. Read more.
11 Urwin S, Dumville JC, Sutton M, et al. Health service costs of treating venous leg ulcers in the UK: evidence from a cross-sectional survey based in the north west of England. BMJ Open 2022;12:e056790. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2021-056790. Read more.
12 NHS Electronic Drug Tariff (2026) Part IXA-Appliances. Read more.
13 Thomas S, (2017), “The use of compression wraps in the management of lymphoedema”, Journal of Lymphoedema, vol.12, no.1, pp32-38 Read more.
14 NHS England's Clinical Waste Strategy, NHS England, published 7 March 2023. Read more.
15 NHS Employers (2024) Musculoskeletal health in the workplace. Read more
16 NHS Employers (2024) Musculoskeletal health in the workplace - prevention and intervention. Read more
17 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2024) Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders. Read more
18 Jacquier-Bret, J., & Gorce, P. (2024). Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk Assessment during Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Compressive Bands among Physiotherapists. Healthcare, 12(1), 118. Read more.

CHOOSE REUSABLE, USE LESS