Altiform®
Altiform® Product Overview
Altiform British Standard compression stockings are specifically designed to improve blood circulation in the legs. They provide graduated compression which gently squeezes the leg, pushing the blood back towards the heart.
Altiform stockings give exceptional stretch which makes them easy to slip over the heel and ankle while maintaining the required compression. The stockings have a unique elasticated toe and heel for extra comfort and the fabric is soft, light and feels silky smooth to the touch, so your patients are more likely to wear them regularly. Latex-free product.
Available in both stock sizes and Made to Measure, Altiform® is manufactured in our UK based factory.
Altiform® meets the requirements of British Standard BS 6612:1985 and conforms to Drug Tariff Technical Specification No. 40 for the provision of Class I, II and III graduated compression.
Made To Measure
Well-fitting compression stockings can make all the difference to a patient’s well being and improve concordance. As Altiform® Made to Measure stockings are individually made for each leg, they give your patient a more precise and comfortable fit. Right and left leg measurements are often significantly different and as you may need two pairs of stock hosiery to take account of these differences, buying Altiform® Made to Measure stockings can help reduce your costs too.
Benefits of Altiform® Made to Measure Stockings:
Bespoke stockings made especially for your patient can improve concordance and their quality of life.
- 72 hour despatch from receipt of your order*
- Made in the UK
- Latex free
Prescribing Altiform® Made to Measure Stockings:
When writing the prescription for Altiform® Made to Measure, please state the product name along with the class, style, colour and quantity required. For example, Altiform® Made to Measure, Class II, Thigh Length, Closed Toe, Soft Beige, 2 pairs
Altiform® Made to Measure Order Form
Try our service for size. We despatch within 72 hours of receipt of the order*, so it won’t take long before the patient benefits.
Download and fill in an order form here, then fax back to us on 01509 501721.
Altiform® Made to Measure Order Form
The success of Altiform® Made to Measure compression hosiery speaks for itself
“Since changing to Altiform® Made to Measure from ‘off the shelf’ hosiery, my ulcer has remained healed. Altiform® Made to Measure is so comfortable, I forget I’m wearing it!” N.W (Derbyshire)
“My new Altiform® Made to Measure stockings are a nicer material and much more comfortable to wear. Since I have been wearing them the swelling in my legs has gone down. They are much, much easier to get on.” P.R (Suffolk)
“From a nursing point of view the Altiform® MTM is a lot easier for me to put on my patients legs, saving me time and effort.” R.P (Practice Nurse) (Suffolk).
*Subject to forces beyond our control.
Products
Altiform® is available in four stock sizes, as below knee or thigh length stockings and in Soft Beige or Black. Closed and open toe is available.
Patient Infomation
Altiform® Compression Hosiery is often prescribed following the healing of a leg ulcer to prevent recurrence and is also an effective treatment for varicose veins and swelling.
How does it work?
In your lower leg, blood flows from superficial veins into deep veins. This movement is assisted by one-way valves in the veins and the calf muscle, which acts as a pump. If the veins or the valves are damaged, blood can collect in the lower part of the leg causing tired, heavy legs, varicose veins and in the worst cases, venous leg ulcers.
Altiform® stockings is a British Standard Compression Hosiery which provide graduated compression. This means that the compression is higher at the ankle and gradually reduces up the leg. Graduated compression stockings gently squeeze the legs to improve blood flow. The aim of the stockings is to counteract the raised pressure in the leg veins.
It may be that you will have to wear compression stockings throughout your life, so we have made Altiform soft and comfortable with a silky feel. The stockings contain Lycra® Soft giving a superb fit and exceptional stretch to make them easier to slip over your heel and ankle. If you do have any problems putting your stockings on, our Sockaid application aid will help you.
If your legs become more itchy, painful or hot, the stockings feel tighter than they did or you lose sensation in your toes, please remove the stockings straightaway and consult your Healthcare Practitioner. They will help you with any questions you have about your compression hosiery.
Symptoms of damaged valves include:
- Tired, aching or heavy legs
- Swollen ankles
- Varicose Veins
- Red/brown staining above the ankle
- Ulcers within the stained skin
- Wounds that are slow to heal
Caring for your Altiform® stockings
Avoid damage to your stockings by smoothing rough edges from finger and toe nails and removing jewellery when putting them on or taking them off. We also advise that you wear footwear whenever possible to help prevent excessive wear on your stockings.
Altiform® stockings are designed to last for a minimum of 3 months if cared for correctly. Single Patient use.
Altiform® stockings should be hand washed at 40°C and left to dry flat away from direct heat.
Do not iron, tumble-dry, dry clean or bleach your Altiform® stockings.
Disposal: Product – non-recyclable due to material composition; Bag – non-recyclable plastic; IFU – Paper, recyclable; Out carton and case – Paper/card, recyclable.
If you have any questions about using or caring for your hosiery, please contact your Healthcare Practitioner.
Method of Use
Applying your Altiform® compression stockings
Altiform® compression stockings are designed to provide the optimum fit, compression, and comfort when applied correctly according to the recommended application guidelines.
Application Guidelines:
- Put on your Altiform® stockings first thing in the morning before any swelling has had a chance to build up in the legs, ankles and feet
- Slide your hand into the stocking and turn it inside out as far as the heel pocket
- Fit the stocking over the foot, ensuring the heel is correctly fitted into the heel pocket and the toes are not restricted
- Ease the stocking up the leg in small sections – don’t pull it up from the top
- Below knee stockings should come to just below the knee bend and thigh length to mid-thigh
- Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the hosiery
- DO NOT roll back the top of the stocking as this may cause restriction in blood flow
- Ensure you can “wriggle” your toes comfortably
- Altiform® stockings are designed to last for a minimum of 3 months if cared for correctly.
It is important that you wear your Altiform® stockings every day, or as you have been advised by your healthcare professional.
Caution
If you have any concerns about the use of compression hosiery, or if your legs become itchy, painful or hot, the stockings feel too tight or you lose sensation in your toes, or you notice colour changes to your skin consult your healthcare professional immediately for advice.
Clinician Information
Altiform® British Standard Compression Hosiery aids venous return and can help prevent venous leg ulcer recurrence. It is available in both stock sizes and Made to Measure and patients should have a full holistic assessment and be measured to determine which stockings are the most suitable.
Indications
The Altiform® British Standard Compression Hosiery Range is available in three classes of graduated compression.
Class I – Light support (14 – 17mmHg compression at the ankle)
Superficial or early varices, varicosis during pregnancy, swollen or aching legs and ankles. Suitable for long distance travel.
Class II – Medium support (18 – 24mmHg compression at the ankle)
Varices of medium severity, venous leg ulcer treatment and prevention of recurrence, mild oedema, varicosis during pregnancy. Suitable for long distance travel.
Class III – Strong support (25 – 35mmHg compression at the ankle)
Gross varices, post thrombotic venous insufficiency, gross oedema, venous leg ulcer treatment and prevention of recurrence.
Contraindications
- Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), confirmed with an ABPI (Doppler) reading of less than 0.8
- Acute or unstable Heart Failure
- Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), also called Coronary Artery Disease
- Untreated Cellulitis or Phlebitis of the Lower Limb
Proceed with caution in those patients who have:
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
These patients may require referral to a specialist for advice and additional assessment. Close supervision may be necessary in line with local policies/pathways.
Altiform Made to Measure Pack Insert
Altiform® Made to Measure Order Form
Try our service for size. We despatch within 72 hours of receipt of the order*, so it won’t take long before the patient benefits.
Download and fill in an order form here, then fax back to us on 01509 501721.
*Subject to forces beyond our control.