For a study, researchers sought to employ a laboratory bench test to evaluate the properties of two commercially available compression systems: the dual-compression bandage system (DCS) and the traditional two-layer bandage (TLB).
A computer-controlled tensile test was used to assess the compression systems and produce force-deflection curves for each sample. The compressive work and theoretical pressure delivered to the leg were determined at a stretch recommended by the manufacturers and the maximum stretch recommended by the different compression bandages. The TLB stretch was determined using information from the product’s datasheet. The DCS maker offers reference points on how far the bandage should be stretched to generate the necessary pressure.
Layers 1 and 2 combined results for the DCS demonstrated greater load & work than the TLB at both the maximum & advised stretch. Less than 50% of the deflection up to the breaking point was the suggested stretch for DCS & TLB.
When applied to the lower limb, the two layers of the DCS implied a greater range of performance than the TLB, especially after the limb volume had originally been compressed to minimize it. Additionally, the computed pressure met the manufacturer-specified expectations utilizing the tensile test and the DCS reference points on layers 1 and 2. To ascertain if the reference points offered by DCS are helpful for producing reproducible values, human tests should be carried out.
