ActiGlide®

Why Use an ActiGlide®?

Compression hosiery is highly effective at managing venous conditions, but many patients find the garments difficult to put on — particularly those with limited mobility, reduced grip strength, or conditions affecting the hands and joints such as arthritis or rheumatism. This can lead to patients not wearing their prescribed hosiery consistently, which reduces the therapeutic benefit.

ActiGlide® was developed by Lohmann & Rauscher specifically to solve this problem. It's a flexible application system that allows compression hosiery to glide effortlessly up the leg or arm, making daily donning quicker, easier, and less physically demanding. Both patients and healthcare professionals have praised ActiGlide® for helping improve compliance with compression therapy.

How Does ActiGlide® Work?

The ActiGlide® uses a simple but effective design. You place your compression stocking over the flexible applicator, slip your foot into the stocking, then use the attached handles or strap to pull the garment smoothly up your leg. The low-friction surface allows the hosiery to glide effortlessly into position. Once the stocking is in place, simply pull the ActiGlide® out from underneath using the attached strap.

The process works whether you're seated, standing, or lying down, and can be performed independently or with the help of a caregiver.

Who Benefits from ActiGlide®?

ActiGlide® is ideal for anyone who finds putting on compression hosiery challenging, including:

• Patients with arthritis or rheumatism affecting hand grip and joint mobility
• Those with limited flexibility who struggle to bend or reach their feet
• Patients with reduced hand strength or dexterity issues
• Elderly patients who need extra support with daily tasks
• Caregivers and healthcare professionals applying hosiery to patients
• Anyone who simply wants a quicker, easier donning experience

Even if you don't have a specific condition, ActiGlide® can make putting on tight-fitting compression garments significantly more convenient.

Compatible Garments

ActiGlide® is designed to work with a wide range of compression garments, including:

• Below knee stockings (open and closed toe)
• Thigh length stockings (open and closed toe)
• Compression tights
• Compression socks
• Arm sleeves for upper limb compression

It works with hosiery from the full Lohmann & Rauscher range, including Activa® British Standard hosiery and ActiLymph® garments, as well as compression hosiery from other manufacturers.

Key Features & Benefits

• Easy application — Compression garments glide effortlessly up the limb
• Versatile — Works with leg and arm garments, open and closed toe styles
• Long-lasting and durable — Built to withstand regular daily use
• Hygienic — Easy to clean between uses
• Supports independence — Helps patients manage their own compression therapy at home
• Caregiver-friendly — Can also be used when hosiery is applied by a helper
• Adaptable for larger limbs — For extremely large limbs, two ActiGlides can be used together by threading the eyelets at either end using the flexible plastic pin

Improving Compression Therapy Compliance

Consistent use of compression hosiery is essential for managing conditions like varicose veins, lymphoedema, DVT prevention, and venous leg ulcers. However, if putting on hosiery feels like a daily struggle, patients are less likely to wear their garments as prescribed.

ActiGlide® removes this barrier, helping patients wear their compression hosiery every day and experience the full therapeutic benefits. As L&R's specialist nurse Jeanette Muldoon notes, "Less agile and arthritic patients will really appreciate the benefits of using ActiGlide. It really is simple and easy to use."

Other Application Aids

If you're exploring options for easier hosiery application, browse our full range of application aids. Alternatives include frame-style applicators like the Sockaid™ which allow you to apply hosiery while seated without bending, and slide-style aids from Arion such as Easy-Slide and Magnide®.

For guidance on choosing the right application aid for your needs, visit our Application Aids Guide or contact our team for personalised advice.