Fitter's Product Notes
Our corsetry notes can help you choose the right lymphoedema bra.
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 Low Compression…Medium to Low Coverage…High Comfort Index…Everyday multi-functional bra…sleep in…bra…transitioning from a higher compression garment post surgically or in lymphoedema management…’
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 Vida 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?
As lymphoedema bra specialists, we’ve learnt that what a bra looks like on a model isn’t a very reliable way to tell if the Fitted Shape is right for your lymphoedema treatment and management needs.
To make it easier to compare lymphoedema bras, regardless of brand, this is how the shape of the Prairie Wear Hugger Vida 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 cups create a more rounded breast shape and reduce the risk of compression marks. The less structured, universal size cup may result in differences in compression depending on breast size. The lower compression bra style may not support a larger breast or breast form.
Cleavage The high cleavage fully encapsulates the breast, provides more 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 wide, soft 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 wider back band improves wear comfort by distributing compression more evenly around the chest and across the back.
Straps The medium width adjustable shoulder straps improve wear comfort and fit. Being openable, the straps can also be crossed over at the back to increase strap stability and/or to suit the shape of a top.
What Parts of a Bra Affect Fit?
When fitting lymphoedema compression bras we’ve found the following parts of the Prairie Wear Hugger Vida Lymphoedema Bra can play an important role in achieving a good fit needed to treat and manage lymphoedema.
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 Front zip has a starter clip and loop to hold the zip together whilst being closed. A front zip fastener without a starter clip tends to spread and jam.
Band Adjustment None. The Prairie Wear Vida Extender can be fitted into the zip if size adjustment is needed.
Strap Adjustment A hook and loop clip allows the straps to be opened and fitted over the shoulder after breast surgery. Sliding buckles on the back of the straps allow for the adjustment that is often needed to position the bra band on the chest just under the breast.
Why Question Bra Performance?
Why question supplier product performance and certification claims? Because we’ve learnt that marketing statements are not always verified. This is what we know about the Prairie Wear Hugger Vida Lymphoedema Bra.
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: Medium to Light Compression. Our fitting experience supports this 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.
Wherever you are in Australia, if you’d like to talk about a product, your size or how it might fit, call the STUDIO (08) 9361 1300.
If you're in WA, drop-in for a Fitting. Our STUDIO is centrally located in the Perth suburb of Burswood.
If you're flying into Perth, our STUDIO is on the way from the Airport to the City.
Measure & Size Notes
When treating or managing lymphoedema, a bra that’s too tight can do more harm and a bra that’s too loose might not give you any benefit.
For lymphoedema bras, sizing can be more difficult when swelling results in an uneven breast size, or a massage pad is needed to treat localised swelling.
Our lymphoedema bra sizing and measurement notes can help you get the size and fit right.
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.
Your Hugger Vida Bra Size
The Prairie Wear Hugger Vida Lymphoedema Bra has what we call a Product Specific (ProdSpec) Sizing Chart. Why? Because the measurement used for Bra Sizing differs from other Bras and it has Universal Cup Sizing.
To help you get the size right, our Australian ONLINE Fitting STUDIO provides you with a where to measure illustration, a Prairie Wear Sizing Chart, a using the Sizing Chart Example and an Inches to Centimetre Conversion Chart.
If you recently purchased the Hugger Vida Lymphoedema Bra and it’s a good fit, then use the size you’re wearing. If it’s been a while, the bra may have stretched and your swelling may have changed, so measuring and using our Prairie Wear Sizing Chart is the better option.
If you haven’t worn this bra before, the Hugger Vida sizing is based on an Above the Chest measurement that doesn’t correlate with traditional Underbust and Bust measurements, there are ‘measurement gaps’ in the sizing chart and the bra has a universal cup size.
As shown on our Prairie Wear Sizing Chart Example, Prairie Wear suggest you go to the smaller size if your Above the Chest measurement (e.g. 74cm) doesn’t fit into a measurement range (e.g. 76-81). This can result in a more accentuated size change.
Prairie Wear say their Hugger Vida universal cup size suits AA to D Cup breast sizes. Our experience suggests the fit may vary for smaller and larger breast sizes. Prairie Wear say to go up a size for DD+ Cup breast sizes.
If your breasts are a different size, the universal cup size should fit both breasts. Fitting a Cup Pad(s) into the pocketed cup can balance a less noticeable difference in breast size and fitting a Partial Form can balance more noticeable differences in breast size.
If there is localised swelling, a Massage Pad can be fitted under the bra for targeted compression. The universal cup size may accommodate the thickness of the pad
Bra Measuring Tips
In the Fitting Room we use a flexible cloth tape and measure to the nearest centimetre.
If you don’t have a cloth tape, use non-stretch fabric or a belt, mark the size and then measure the length with a metal tape or ruler. Avoid string because it presses into the skin and flexible metal tapes because they wrap unevenly.
We find having someone else measure is quicker and more accurate. If self-measuring, a mirror is a good way to check that the tape is wrapped firmly (but not tightly) around the body. When measuring, stand still and upright, relax, breathe out, then measure.
The Above the Chest measurement is taken whilst only wearing a fashion bra.
We asked Prairie Wear for clarification about their Above the Chest measurement. They confirmed it can be used for the natural breast or after breast reconstruction, after a unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed) or bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), after a lumpectomy or any other breast surgery, and when treating lymphoedema.
Whilst the universal cup should accommodate difference in breast size, if you would prefer to balance uneven breast size, we suggest you do not try to measure. Calling the STUDIO, organising a Virtual Fitting or dropping into the STUDIO can be a better way to decide on the Cup Pad or Partial Form needed to balance your breast shape.
Wherever you are in Australia, if you’d like to talk about a product, your size or how it might fit, call the STUDIO (08) 9361 1300.
If you're in WA, drop-in for a Fitting. Our STUDIO is centrally located in the Perth suburb of Burswood.
If you're flying into Perth, our STUDIO is on the way from the Airport to the City.
