But you’re not alone. You can always call the STUDIO to talk to a Fitter or organise a Virtual Bra Fitting. PHONE (08) 9361 1300.
If you’re in WA, you’re welcome to drop-in for a STUDIO Fitting.
Choosing the Right Lymphoedema Bra
Prairie Wear product description …Medium to High Compression…Low Coverage…High Comfort Index…Sports and active recovery support bra…Everyday active use bra…high-impact sports bra…’
This what we’ve learnt from fitting corsetry to treat and manage lymphoedema .
First, we ask if you’re seeing an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist and if they’ve nominated a lymphoedema compression bra as part of their treatment program.
Measuring comes next because we find fashion bra sizing is too inconsistent to rely on. If a bra hasn’t been nominated, we then look at bra style. Is a higher cleavage needed for breast compression or is a higher underarm shape better for targeting underarm (axilla) swelling? Do the straps and the other parts of the bra suit your body shape? And then, which colour?
This is what we’ve done to help you make better bra choices on our Australian ONLINE Fitting STUDIO .
To make it easier to find a lymphoedema bra with the shape and parts that suit your lymphoedema treatment or management plan, we put each of our bras on a mannequin, made side-by-side comparisons, then rated the outcomes. The shape and parts ratings for the Prairie Wear Hugger Luma Lymphoedema Bra are described below.
To aid your choice we cropped our product images because research suggests we make better choices when the eye is not distracted by the model and we show all the bra colours on the one product page so you can see them side-by-side.
To help you get the size right, our Fitter’s Size Guide explains how we do it in the STUDIO.
And don’t forget to check if you can claim for a lymphoedema compression bra on Private Health Insurance.
How Does Bra Shape Affect Fit?
To make it easier to compare lymphoedema bras, regardless of brand, this is how the shape of the Prairie Wear Hugger Luma Lymphoedema Bra compares with our other bras. The Fitted Shape description at the top of the page gives you a quick guide when browsing.
Cup Type & Shape Seamless moulded cup creates a more rounded breast shape and reduces the risk of compression marks. The less structured, universal size cup may result in differences in compression depending on breast size. The higher compression bra style may be sufficient to support a larger breast or breast form.
Cleavage The medium cleavage encapsulates the breast, provides even compression and reduces up and down breast movement for improved wear comfort. It can also allow a Massage Pad to be positioned on and/or around the breast for targeted compression.
Underbust Band The wider band reduces the risk of localised pressure under the breast and around chest.
Underarm Band The medium/high underarm provides compression to the side of the breast and chest. It usually covers underarm incisions, avoiding irritation caused by the top of the band sitting over an incision. The underarm is usually high enough when targeted compression to the axilla is needed.
Back Band The narrower back band is adjustable and, combined with an upper racerback strap configuration, evenly distributes the weight of the breast around the chest.
Straps The medium width adjustable shoulder straps improve wear comfort and fit. The racer back configuration increases strap stability and/or can suit more open shoulder tops.
What Parts of a Bra Affect Fit?
Non-underwire The wire free cup reduces the risk of localised pressure around the breast
Cup Pocket With the cup pad removed the pocketed cup can hold a breast form, partial form or shaper, or be used to position a compression pad when treating localised breast oedema or lymphoedema. However, our experience suggests the pocket opening used to fit a breast form is not wide enough and is likely to need alteration.
Fastener The front zip does not have a starter clip. It may be harder to engage and can tend to spread and jam when being closed.
Fastener Adjustment Whilst the front zip fastener does not allow for adjustment, the back band has a sliding buckle for band adjustment.
Openable & Adjustable Straps The openable straps allow for conventional and racerback strap configurations. The sliding buckle to the back of the straps allows for strap adjustment.
Label The printed label is worn on the inside.
Why Question Bra Performance?
Swelling Reduction No claim made. Fitting Room observations suggest lymphoedema treatment and management is likely to be more successful when frequent lymphoedema bra wear is combined with massage, exercise and care in choosing fashion and sports bras that do not restrict lymph flow. Talking to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist is a better way to determine the type of bra and frequency of wear that is appropriate for your circumstances.
Free of Harmful Chemicals (Latex) OEKO-TEX Ready-to-Wear Product Certificate No 2.1HCA.59324.
Australian Therapeutic Drug Administration (TGA) Approval ARTG 351357.
Material 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex.
Compression Claim: Strong Compression. Our fitting experience supports the higher compression rating.
Moisture Claim: Moisture wicking. When asked, Prairie Wear suggested this had been tested, but no information was provided.
Anti-Bacterial Claim: Antibacterial. When asked, Prairie Wear suggested this had been tested, but no information was provided.
Life of a Lymphoedema Compression Bra Claim: Lasts 10 x time longer than other bras. No information found. Research suggests that, with frequent wear, the medical efficacy (performance life) of lymphoedema compression bras is likely to be 6-12 months. Our observations suggest that appropriate care can extend the life of your lymphoedema bra.
Brand & Manufacture Canadian brand. Made in China.
