PRESSURE SPECIFICATION GUIDE
Compression Levels Explained: EU vs US mmHg Ranges for Buyers
A practical procurement guide for brands, distributors and medical-device companies defining a compression hosiery brief for Europe, the United States or a custom market program.
Start with the target market, not a universal class name
Compression hosiery is commonly specified by an ankle-pressure range expressed in mmHg, but class names and numerical bands are not identical across markets. A buyer should therefore avoid treating a European class and a US range as automatic one-to-one equivalents.
The product brief should state the destination market, intended channel, requested pressure band, garment construction, size system and the test or documentation expectations that apply to the program. MAIZI then reviews knitting feasibility and the appropriate verification method before sampling.
| Program | Pressure ranges available | How buyers should specify it |
|---|---|---|
| European-oriented | 15–21 / 23–32 / 34–46 mmHg | State the required range and target-market documentation |
| US-oriented | 15–20 / 20–30 / 30–40 mmHg | State the commercial range and intended product channel |
| Custom development | Buyer-defined profile | Provide target values, measuring points and approval criteria |
Pressure range is only one part of the specification
Two stockings with the same stated ankle range can still differ in gradient, length, knit structure, yarn, sizing and fit. These variables affect both wearer experience and repeatability in production, so they should be reviewed together rather than after the sample is made.
- Below-knee, thigh-high or pantyhose construction
- Open-toe or closed-toe design
- Standard S–XXL sizing or a buyer-defined size architecture
- Top-band, silicone, lace and waist attachment requirements
- Nylon/spandex selection, color and functional knitting zones
- Care label, instructions for use and packaging format
How an OEM pressure program is verified
A qualified project begins with a controlled knitting specification. Trial pieces are checked at defined points and compared with the approved range and gradient. Fit, dimensions and appearance are reviewed alongside pressure performance before the sample becomes the production reference.
MAIZI uses Swiss MST, US BOLAM/CMD-100, UK HATRA Mk2A+ and a jointly developed multi-point testing system according to the project and target market. The selected method, sample plan and acceptance criteria are confirmed with the buyer rather than assumed from a class name alone.
What to include in an RFQ
A complete RFQ lets the engineering and commercial teams confirm feasibility, MOQ, sample timing and documentation scope without repeated clarification.
- Destination country and sales channel
- Requested mmHg range or approved reference sample
- Product length, toe style, size range and quantity
- Logo, color, label, IFU and packaging requirements
- Required test method, reports and market documents
BUYER FAQ
Questions buyers ask before sampling
Are European and US compression classes directly equivalent?
Not automatically. The numerical ranges overlap, but buyers should specify the target market, pressure band and applicable testing or documentation requirements rather than relying only on a class name.
Can MAIZI manufacture custom pressure levels?
Yes. Buyer-defined pressure profiles can be evaluated for qualified projects after the intended use, measuring points, construction and approval criteria are confirmed.
Does this guide provide medical advice?
No. It is a B2B product-planning guide. Intended use, clinical claims and market compliance must be reviewed by the buyer's qualified clinical and regulatory teams.
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We will confirm the suitable construction, MOQ, sample plan, testing route and production timing.
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