Jobst Stocking Donner, Aid for Putting on Compression Socks

I’ve used compression socks since 1970 due to impaired circulation in my legs the result of wounds. As I’ve aged and arthritis has impaired my hands, it’s getting more difficult to get the socks on straight. I never heard of this device until I saw it on a YouTube video about rehabilitation after a total shoulder replacement, and I realized I’d need to put on knee length compression socks (20-30 Hg) after surgery with only one arm. There are lots of ways to do it, a life mate to help if you have one, using plastic grocery store bags and so forth. Notwithstanding that, I bought this device because it looked like it worked on the YouTube video. It works exactly as shown and as advertised. You load the socks on the device, insert your foot into the foot-part of the sock, hold the sock with one hand on the back part of the frame, then step down to the floor. The cage threads the calf-part of the sock over the calf. Even now that I have use of two arms and two hands, I still use it because it helps get the sock on straight. If you thread the sock on the device straight, the sock will go on straight. If you think you want one of these, I suggest that you review the videos available on YouTube before purchase. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always send it back. I kept mine. I think this device would be particularly useful for caregivers who regularly must help patients put on high compression socks. This greatly simplifies the process.

This is an excellent piece of equipment for anyone who has mobility issues or weakness in the hands and needs to wear compression stockings. Not only does it help to stretch the stocking so that you can insert your foot, but it helps to pull the stocking up your leg. I've used it to stretch 15-20 compression stockings that I couldn't possibly stretch enough to insert my foot without this donner. If you have back or joint issues that make it difficult to reach your toes, this is a lifesaver. You just need to stretch the open stocking over the top of the curved, rigid metal, slide it down the sides, put your toes in and push your foot to the floor and then pull up on the handles to pull the stocking up your leg. I bought the donning gloves, but don't even need them with this equipment. I've become dependent on this to easily put on my compression stockings. It can't be compacted, but I'd readily make room for it in my suitcase if traveling. I would most definitely recommend this item.

I saw the video on how to use this simple wire frame device. The problem I ran into is that when i guided and pulled down the sock over the frame. The elasticity of the sock keep the sock going up. It became a challenge to keep the sock on the frame. It took more effort than to put the sock on by hand. But I did find a easier way to put my open toed compression socks on that might work for some. First I put a little hand cream on the bottom of my feet and rubbed it in good till it was dry. Then I took a clear sandwhich baggie and put it over my toes (smallest sandwhich bag you can get at any grocery store). I pulled my compression sock inside out just above the heal portion. I pulled it over the baggie and it slides on fairly well not perfect but not a fight. Then after I got my sock on I rolled back the toe portion of the sock back a little and removed the baggie and refitted the bottom of my sock. If you have leg mobility this might work out for you too.

This is a long posting, but includes lessons learned in using the device successfully, and some indications when it probably will not work. My friend had lower back surgery and was restricted from bending his spine for 12 weeks--something that had not been mentioned in the pre-surgery consults, even though he wears compression socks up to his knees. His wife quickly mastered the challenge of putting those stockings on in the morning, but she had to go to California on business for a few weeks. Paul scheduled several friends to help in the mornings, which was an inconvenience for all since none lived near him. One week into that, I bought this sock donner device and took it over with a new pair of "JOBST Relief Knee High 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks, Closed Toe" which I hoped would be a little less snug than Paul's regular ones. Paul was skeptical, but I persisted--and it was a complete failure. The slippery new socks (like womens' nylons) slipped off the device's frame before the foot was well into them. We swithched to Paul's old compression socks, which had a rougher texture, and to our mutual surprise it worked perfectly on the first try! Being able to get those socks on by himself was a morale booster for Paul. Other lessons learned: The user needs at least moderate hand and arm strength to get the socks on the donner frame. When putting the socks on one's feet with the device, sit in a chair with good upright back support. If the user has critical restrictions on his/her body motions, somebody should coach and monitor their use of the donner device for the first few morning to avoid inadvertent violations of the restrictions. People with long legs and short arms may not be able to use it without bending their back some. Strangely, Jobst sells this device without another for removing the compression socks. There are some extra long shoe horns with a small hook protruding from the backside near the bottom for doing that fairly easily.

I agree with other reviewers that this is a sturdy, well-made product. It greatly facilitates the chore of donning regular or compression socks and stockings. However, this would be a better tool if the cylinder that is supposed to surround the calf came in two or three sizes. My calf is 15 inches at its fullest point, and it is too large to use the product as intended. I can thread my compression socks onto the holder easily, and I can get the socks onto my foot and over the ankle using the donner. From that point I have to pull the socks up to my knee and smooth them by hand. Fortunately my back has improved to the point that I can now reach my ankles to do this. That was not the case when I first received this product, so I ordered the Sock Aid from Essential Medical Supplies. Essential Medical Supply Everyday Essentials Deluxe Hard Plastic Sock Aid Threading the stocking onto the Sock Aid is a little harder. (The suspenders are rather useless and fiddly.) However, for my purposes I would say that it works as well as the Jobst product, but at half the price, and it's more packable for travel and storage.

Brought it for a friend who needed one a size larger than mine. She says she loves it.

Works fine for these 15 to 20 range compression socks that go to the knee. Much harder to get the 20-30s on there and I couldn't even get the 20-30s on in small, med or large size. This thing works fine but the main problem is getting the socks ONTO the unit and for an elderly person or someone very weak, that can be a real chore each day. I've managed to do it and really, w/o this device, it'd be very difficult for me. I place the sock heel facing the curve with curve facing me then I pull it down over the middle part all the way till the top of the sock (the top meaning the seam that goes around under your knee when it is fully on) is at the bottom of the unit. Then just pull evenly on both sides till the heel shows up and then I stop because I do NOT want my toes pressing hard against the end of the sock. I put foot in, press leg down, bend foot upward to stretch sock BEFORE pulling the unit up. Then once you get it on you just adjust with a few finger pinches if it's too far up. work it back down to your ankle however you like. That's it.

This is not a good product for compression socks. The tight front bend creates to much tension and will result in the fabric tearing at the point where the heel section meets the sock ankle. I have tried this with two different highly rated expensive compression socks rated at 20-30mmg and also 30-40mmg and they both resulted in tearing at the same point. It would be a great product except for the abrupt bend that causes to much strain on the sock. I recommend buying one of the same basic design that has a more graceful and more smooth bent to the front like the one the the picture I supplied

Life savers. Saves me so much time and effort!

Es imprescindible para la colocación de medias de presión. Fácil de usar por adultos mayores o auxiliares

très bon produit facile à utiliser et fait très bien la job.

super y funcional

Es demasiada la fuerza que se necesita ejercer para poner la media de presión, mi mamá no pudo hacerlo, lo peor es que al querer hacer la devolución me dice que no se permite, cuando al comprarlo no comenta que no hay devolución, aparte de que lo mandan en una caja demasiado justa y hace que se rompa en paquetería y llega un poco raspado como se puede ver en algunas fotos de otros compradores, gracias a Amazon que me ayudó con este problema