Airplane compression socks, or flight support socks, are ideal for long flights to another continent. Anyone who has taken a long flight can relate to the problem. You sit still for hours in an uncomfortable position, in a cramped space, and your legs eventually start feeling tired and heavy, causing your ankles to swell and your shoes to become tight. Your energy level also decreases significantly, leaving you feeling somewhat fatigued and groggy upon reaching your destination. During flights longer than five hours, there is even an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. Good compression airplane socks provide relief for these issues.
- What is the purpose of compression socks for airplane flights?
- What causes discomfort during a long flight?
- Preventing deep vein thrombosis
- Benefits of Sockwell compression airplane socks
- Buy airplane socks now?
What is the purpose of compression socks for airplane flights?
Sockwell stockings are designed with moderate compression. The 4-zone graduated compression in the socks gradually decreases pressure from the ankles to the knees, promoting optimal blood circulation and moisture-wicking from the feet and legs.
The compression socks fit snugly around the feet, ankles, and lower legs, enhancing blood flow to the legs and oxygen supply to the leg muscles. The socks help remove deoxygenated blood, waste products, and excess fluid more efficiently. This prevents swelling and the feeling of heavy, tired, or even painful legs. By wearing airplane socks, many people experience a boost in energy upon disembarking from a long flight.
Wearing compression socks during flights, especially on long-haul flights, alleviates a multitude of discomforts and helps you arrive at your destination feeling more vital. However, wearing these compression socks also offers benefits during long bus, car, and train rides. Class 1 compression is generally sufficient when purchasing airplane socks. However, if you have slim calves or experience more severe discomfort during long-haul flights, you may opt for class 2 compression, which provides increased pressure for additional support. These socks will fit tighter around the legs.
What causes discomfort during a long flight?
At high altitudes, the air is much thinner than at sea level. Despite the presence of a pressurized cabin, which ensures suitable atmospheric pressure for human occupation, the air during a flight is significantly thinner than on the ground. The air pressure in the passenger compartment at cruising altitude is approximately 800 millibars, equivalent to the air pressure at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,500 meters in the mountains. Due to the lower air pressure during the flight, there is less oxygen available for our bodies. Consequently, our blood absorbs less oxygen, and the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
Additionally, during a (intercontinental) flight, you remain seated in a confined space for an extended period. You adopt an uncomfortable posture with bent legs, limiting movement for several hours. This results in reduced blood circulation, and fluid starts to accumulate in the feet and lower legs, causing them to swell. Together with the muscles in the legs receiving less oxygen, this leads to a tired, heavy feeling in the legs.
Preventing deep vein thrombosis
Especially on flights longer than five hours, there is an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. During long-haul flights, it is essential to keep the legs and feet in motion as much as possible to maintain proper blood circulation. This can be achieved through certain exercises within the limited space available and taking regular short walks. However, this is not always easy in a cramped aircraft. Narrow aisles often have cabin crew members pushing trolleys, and if you are not seated in an aisle seat, you may inconvenience your seatmates by trying to stand up, especially if they are asleep.
This is why airplane socks are ideal during a long flight. However, we still recommend moving your feet and legs regularly, even when wearing airplane socks. The compression socks serve as a tool for relieving discomfort.
Benefits of Sockwell compression airplane socks
In addition to providing compression, Sockwell airplane socks offer additional benefits. They are made from a unique combination of materials, including merino wool and bamboo. These socks possess antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating properties. They keep the feet dry, at a constant temperature, and prevent unpleasant odors caused by sweaty feet. This is particularly useful when you want to take off your shoes.
If you have ever taken a long flight, you may be familiar with the dilemma of wanting to remove your shoes because they start to feel tight after a while. The tightness occurs due to the swelling of the ankles/feet. However, you hesitate to take off your shoes and inconvenience your fellow passengers with your sweaty feet. This dilemma becomes a thing of the past with airplane socks. Thanks to the compression that counters swollen ankles and feet, and the natural materials that prevent the smell of sweaty feet.
In addition to merino wool and bamboo, the socks are made of stretch nylon and a small percentage of spandex. The stretch nylon ensures a good fit. The socks snugly fit around the feet and legs, staying in place without creasing. The seamless construction prevents skin irritations.
Looking for flight support socks?
At Sockwell, you have a wide range of colors and prints to choose from. These socks are not only functional but also fashionable, hip, and trendy for both men and women. Of course, you can also opt for solid basic colors. In our men's collection, we even have socks with airplane prints. How fun is that for airplane enthusiasts? So, if you are looking for airplane socks, take a look at our collection of airplane socks and choose your favorite pair(s).