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?
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?
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?
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.
