stephanl wrote:
So-called 'recovery boots' are for the most part an additional sales channel for a product that has existed for decades: sequential circulator to treat lymphedema. These supposedly medical-grade systems sell for thousands of $s, and require a prescription. By changing the range of available compression the prescription requirement is by-passed, and voila, a product for the masses exists. Most name-brand so-called recovery systems are an off-spring of a medical device parent: for Normatec Recovery, see http://www.normatecusa.com/. For SportPump http://www.sportpump.com/, see http://biocompression.com/. Etc. Even visually, it's easy to see the similarities. The so-called 'recovery' system is merely a re-badged version of the medical one. Of course the manufacturers don't tell you that, and they also don't tell you that via e.g. craigslist you can find the medical version for pennies on the dollar. For example, the SportPump SP4 pump retails on their site for $1199. Two leg sleeves will set you back another $300+ (depending on size). The medical version (BioCompression) does not list a price, from what I have seen they sell for 2x or more. Funny thing is, in my local craigslist I see a full BioCompression system (pump and two leg sleeves) for $240. They keep coming up, frequently and regularly. The difference? Branding, and the 'medical' version does not have any flashy logo with the term 'sport' in them.
A couple years ago when I became interested in these systems I called SportPump, chatted a while with a rep, and he basically told me that yes, they are selling technically identical and merely re-badged product.
Disclaimer: I am no medical professional or anywhere close, the above is based on personal research from a couple of years ago, and may or may not be considering all applicable details. That said, the BioCompression pump I bought for a couple hundred $$s off craigslist a couple years ago still pumps strong, and has the desired effect. YMMV.
Most of those devices are saying:
Venous insufficiency, that means compression socks or stockings work exactly the same, the difference is probably in pressure, having said that, boots will apply higher pressure Normatec 50-250mmHg and release in series of intervals vs stockings 50-60mmHg constant pressure.
What is better ? Who knows? someone would have to do some research, for sure one look more "pro" in the pump up shoes, but while wearing the stockings you can do a lot of other things while you recover, and you are always running the risk of being taken as cross dresser but hey...it might be fun :)
Constant pressure of the stocking my be better than higher but pulsation based pressure of the pump shoes, I'm sure both sides will argue, and both sides are right wrong.
Simplest way to recover, just lift your legs up on the wall. Traveling with huge shoes and the box is just PITA, I have seen somewhere pic of the guy that puts those on on the plane....Can you imagine distraction he creates, he is THE Athlete for entire flight BSing about his shoes and how fast he is. Instead of wearing special flight compression stockings, but then nobody would see it and ask questions....He would not be "The Flight Athlete", but simple guy in stockings :)