Last reviewed: September 21, 2026 · Compression Socks Canada Team
The most common pressure decision Canadian compression shoppers face is the choice between 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg. Together, these two ranges cover the majority of everyday and clinical compression needs. 15-20 mmHg is the entry-point class — comfortable, easy to don, broadly tolerated, and effective for travel, work-day wear, mild symptoms, and preventive use. 20-30 mmHg is firmer, more clinically oriented, and the standard recommendation for many diagnosed venous conditions. Choosing between them is not always obvious. This article walks through how each class actually feels, what they are typically used for, how the comfort and donning differ, and how to think about the decision when shopping for the first time. It is general educational content and not a substitute for medical advice.
What the numbers actually describe
The mmHg range is the pressure the stocking applies at the ankle, measured in millimetres of mercury. Graduated compression means the pressure is highest at the ankle and decreases up the leg. The labelled range describes the ankle pressure window the manufacturer designs around. A stocking labelled 15-20 mmHg delivers ankle pressure in that range when correctly sized and donned; a 20-30 mmHg stocking does the same for its range.
Higher pressure does more mechanical work to reduce venous pooling but is also harder to don and less comfortable for long wear. The choice is not "which is better" but "which matches the situation."
What 15-20 mmHg is used for
15-20 mmHg is the most commonly used class for everyday and preventive scenarios. Typical use cases:
- Travel: long flights, long drives, RV trips, cross-country migrations. Browse the flight socks collection.
- Work-day wear for healthcare workers, dental professionals, retail staff, office workers, salon workers, and similar occupations.
- Mild varicose veins without significant symptoms.
- Mild end-of-day ankle swelling.
- Pregnancy and early postpartum for general support.
- Mild athletic recovery support.
- Restless legs syndrome adjunctive use.
- Senior adults who tolerate mild but not moderate compression.
- Daily wear during low-acuity medical conditions.
Browse 15-20 mmHg compression socks. This class is the entry point for almost every daily-use scenario that does not involve a diagnosed medical condition requiring firmer compression.
What 20-30 mmHg is used for
20-30 mmHg is the most common pressure class for diagnosed venous conditions. Typical use cases:
- Diagnosed chronic venous insufficiency.
- Moderate to significant varicose veins.
- Post-sclerotherapy and post-ablation recovery.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome after DVT.
- Significant end-of-day swelling.
- Lymphedema (often paired with broader care).
- Some lipedema cases.
- Pregnancy with significant venous symptoms.
- Postpartum after caesarean delivery (sometimes).
- Athletic post-event recovery for some athletes.
- Spider vein cluster management.
- Some POTS and autonomic conditions.
Browse 20-30 mmHg compression stockings. This class is the workhorse of medical compression and the most commonly prescribed range for venous disease.
How the two classes feel during wear
Subjective feel matters as much as the technical pressure. Common reports:
15-20 mmHg
- Feels supportive but not noticeably tight.
- Easy to wear for a full day from morning to evening.
- Most first-time wearers adapt within hours.
- Donning is relatively easy for most adults.
- Removal is straightforward.
- Many wearers describe a pleasant "hugged" sensation through the day.
20-30 mmHg
- Feels firmer at the ankle; clearly perceptible compression.
- Tolerated well by most adults for full-day wear once accustomed.
- Some first-time wearers take a few days to adjust.
- Donning requires more effort than 15-20 mmHg.
- Donning aids become more useful in this class.
- Many wearers describe more noticeable symptom relief at the end of the day.
Donning comparison
The difference in donning effort is real:
- 15-20 mmHg stockings are donned by most adults without assistance.
- 20-30 mmHg stockings can be donned by most adults but benefit from donning aids and proper technique.
- For older adults with arthritis, pregnant adults late in pregnancy, or post-surgical patients, the difference can be significant.
See our donning aids article.
Health considerations that affect the choice
Several health factors push the choice in one direction or another:
Toward 15-20 mmHg
- Fragile skin.
- Mild peripheral artery disease (with clinical review).
- Concerns about donning capacity.
- No diagnosed venous condition.
- Preventive and travel use.
Toward 20-30 mmHg
- Diagnosed venous insufficiency.
- Visible varicose veins with symptoms.
- Persistent ankle swelling at the end of the day.
- Post-procedural recovery from vein treatments.
- Post-DVT use and management of post-thrombotic syndrome.
The right choice for any diagnosed condition belongs with a physician or trained compression fitter.
The PAD consideration
Peripheral artery disease changes the calculation. In legs with significant arterial compromise, high-strength compression can cause harm. The standard non-invasive screen — the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) — provides a snapshot of arterial flow before medical-strength compression is started. See our PAD article. In some PAD scenarios, 8-15 mmHg may be more appropriate than 15-20 or 20-30.
What 15-20 mmHg does well and where it falls short
15-20 mmHg works well for:
- Most travel scenarios.
- Mild work-day symptoms.
- Preventive use during high-risk activities.
- People who would not wear higher-pressure stockings consistently.
15-20 mmHg falls short for:
- Diagnosed venous insufficiency where firmer pressure is recommended.
- Significant established varicose veins.
- Post-procedural protocols that specify 20-30.
- Severe end-of-day swelling that does not respond to mild compression.
What 20-30 mmHg does well and where it might be too much
20-30 mmHg works well for:
- Diagnosed venous disease.
- Active symptom management for varicose veins.
- Post-procedural recovery.
- Athletes wanting firmer post-event compression.
20-30 mmHg may be too much for:
- Pure preventive use with no symptoms.
- Wearers with significantly fragile skin.
- Some adults with mild PAD.
- Adults who cannot don it comfortably and would otherwise abandon compression.
Stepping up or stepping down
It is common to start at one class and reassess. Two patterns appear:
- Starting at 15-20 mmHg and stepping up. A wearer with mild symptoms tries 15-20 mmHg first; if symptoms persist, they move to 20-30 with clinical guidance.
- Starting at 20-30 mmHg and stepping down. A wearer prescribed 20-30 may step down to 15-20 once acute symptoms resolve and lighter compression becomes appropriate.
Both patterns are reasonable depending on the situation.
Mixing classes in a working collection
Some wearers benefit from owning both:
- 20-30 mmHg for medical days and active symptom management.
- 15-20 mmHg for lighter days, travel, or evenings.
- Different classes for different occupations or activities.
A mixed collection lets the wearer match the class to the day.
Cost considerations
Pricing for 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg products is broadly comparable within most brand lines. The pressure class itself does not significantly change the price; specific product line (fabric, knit, brand) is the larger driver. Most extended health benefit plans in Canada cover medical compression at both pressure classes when prescribed.
Practical scenarios
Office worker with mild end-of-day ankle swelling
15-20 mmHg knee-high stockings worn from start of work to evening. Combined with movement breaks, this often handles the symptoms.
Patient diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
20-30 mmHg knee-high or thigh-high depending on where the symptoms sit. Combined with elevation, movement, and any treatments the physician recommends.
Frequent flyer with no medical history
15-20 mmHg knee-high for the duration of flights and the recovery hours after arrival.
Pregnant adult in the second trimester
15-20 mmHg knee-high or maternity-specific compression for daily wear; 20-30 may be considered if symptoms become significant.
Patient recovering from sclerotherapy
20-30 mmHg knee-high for the recovery period as specified by the treating clinician. See our post-sclerotherapy article.
Older adult with fragile skin and mild swelling
15-20 mmHg or even 8-15 mmHg may be more appropriate than 20-30. See our chronic edema in older adults article.
Putting it together
The choice between 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg is one of the most common compression decisions Canadians face. 15-20 mmHg is the everyday workhorse — comfortable, broadly tolerated, easy to don, and effective for travel, work-day wear, mild symptoms, and preventive use. 20-30 mmHg is the medical workhorse — firmer, more clinically oriented, and the standard for diagnosed venous conditions, post-procedural recovery, and active symptom management. The right choice depends on the specific situation, the wearer's body, and any diagnosed conditions. For most everyday situations without a clinical indication, 15-20 mmHg is the sensible starting point. For diagnosed venous conditions, 20-30 mmHg is usually the more appropriate class, in consultation with a physician. With the right pressure matched to the right situation, daily compression delivers exactly what it is engineered to do — graduated mechanical support that the body actually tolerates across hundreds of wear days.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20-30 mmHg always more effective than 15-20 mmHg?
For situations where firmer compression is indicated, yes. For mild or preventive use, 15-20 mmHg is often equally effective and more comfortable.
Can I start with 15-20 mmHg and move up?
Yes. This is a common pattern, especially for new compression wearers.
Do I need a prescription to buy 20-30 mmHg?
No. In Canada, no prescription is required to purchase any pressure class. A prescription may be needed for benefits coverage in some plans.
Is 20-30 mmHg harder to don?
Generally yes. Donning aids become more useful at this class.
Can I wear 20-30 mmHg for travel?
Yes, especially if you have venous indications. 15-20 mmHg is the more common choice for general travel use.
Can I wear 15-20 mmHg overnight?
Generally no. Most clinicians recommend removing compression at bedtime.
Related reading
- Different types of compression socks: grades
- How to read a compression sock package
- Finding the perfect fit: sizing guide
This article is general educational content. For diagnosed conditions, the right pressure class belongs with a physician or trained compression fitter.
