Fabric mechanical-surface properties of compression hosiery and their effects on skin pressure magnitudes when worn

Compression hosiery (CH) is one kind of mechanical therapeutic approach for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous disorders in the lower limbs. Their compression functional performance and comfort sensations are largely related to their material properties. The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the mechanical and surface properties of CH fabrics and their effects on corresponding skin pressure magnitudes in practical application. The mechanical testing of the material and skin pressure objective measurements applied to different kinds of CHs with four pressure levels were carried out using the Kawabata Standard Evaluation System and Multichannel skin pressure measuring system. This study shows that significant differences in material properties existed in CH fabrics with different pressure levels. Tensile energy (WT), tensile strain (EM), shearing stiffness (G) and bending rigidity (B) are key mechanical material indices, significantly correlative to skin pressure magnitudes; CHs fabrics with higher levels of pressure were rougher, stiffer and had less extensibility, but they had better dimensional stability. Significant differences in tensile, compression and surface properties existed between CHs fabrics in series A and those in B. The hosieries in series A produced more linear correlations between the key material indices and skin pressure magnitudes, which can be attributed to their fabrics having a smoother surface, greater elasticity, resilience and better dimensional stability. Moreover, proper surface properties of the material and hose design may enhance the pressure functional performance of compression hosiery products.