Compare Bellisse® Compressure Comfort® Bra to Substitutes

The only garment choice for truncal lymphedema, the best post-surgical choice and a smart alternative for affected mastectomy patients.

As you will see from the charts, garments that are not designed specifically for lymphedema are not appropriate for patients experiencing lymphedema symptoms. Even the best post-surgical, mastectomy, and sports bras lack some of the features that help lymphedema sufferers stay comfortable. Worse, they may have design elements that can actually exacerbate the swelling and discomfort of lymphedema.

The Compressure Comfort® Bra, in contrast, has been specially designed to address all of the challenges faced by lymphedema patients. There’s nothing else like it on the market – in fact, the Compressure Comfort® Bra is so unique that it has been granted both a Design and a Utility Patent!

The Compressure Comfort® Bra is a versatile garment that is the most appropriate available for lymphedema, and it also functions as a post-surgical, mastectomy, or medical sports bra. But the same is not true in reverse: mastectomy bras, post-surgical bras, and sports bras just do not provide the comfortable compression lymphedema sufferers need.

Think of it this way: A woman can easily go to the grocery store in either her running shoes or strappy high heels, but she can’t run a race in those high heels.

Don’t ask a truncal lymphedema patient to wear a garment not specifically designed for her needs!

Invest in the right garment the first time!

For more Information call toll free: 1.877.273.1683

Copyright © 2005 Bellisse®

Comparison of the Bellisse® Compressure Comfort® Bra with Post Surgical Bras/Vests/Camisoles

	MANUFACTURER / STYLE	BELLISSE® Compressure Comfort® Bra	AMOENA Post-Surgical Camisole	JOBST Surgical Vests	ANITA Compression Bras (1094,1095)	VERONIQUE Side-Arm Sleeve Bolero
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR	WHY YOU NEED THIS FEATURE
	MSRP	$282.86	$73.00	$37.00	$100-$123	$139.90
Delivers circumferential compression	Compression is standard in lymphedema treatment
Support for axilla	Sensitive post-surgery site
Longer silhouette	Covers affected quadrant; doesn’t block drainage
Modifiable compression	Compression needs may change with activity and climate
Multi-track adjustability	Responsive to lymphedema changes
Non-rigid cups	Will conform to individual breast size and shape, keeping swollen or post-surgical tissues comfortably in place		n/a			n/a
Wide shoulder straps	Increase comfort; distribute breast weight; allow lymphatic drainage					n/a
Padded shoulder straps	Prevents straps from cutting into tender shoulder skin					n/a
Non-roll lower band	Doesn’t bind; holds garment securely in place
Soft, gentle fabric	Gentle on swollen, radiated, or post-surgical skin
Inner pocket	Holds prostheses or treatment aids such as chip pads, foam, etc, in place
Versatility	Therapist may utilize with chip pads, surgical dressings, etc; allows therapist to enhance treatment effects					n/a
Can be worn by mastectomy patients with or without a prosthesis	Lymphedema may happen to mastectomy or lumpectomy patients
Unobtrusive under most clothing	Wearer feels most at ease
Ease in don/doff	Addresses acute or chronic mobility issues
Broad size selection	Better fit for more women
FEATURES TO AVOID	WHY TO AVOID IT
Wide, open-cut armhole	Tender, swollen, or scarring tissue left unsupported
Underwires	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Band right under the breasts	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Narrow shoulder straps	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Molded or rigid cups	Cannot conform to differing breast volumes, positions
Inappropriate seam placement (across cups, etc)	May impede lymphatic flow or irritate tender tissue
OTHER COMMENTS			Will hold drainage tube	Cups have seams across them, which can cut into tender tissue; very limited size availability	Designed for breast reduction or enlargement operations, not lymphedema	Construction inappropriate for Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) and Axillary Node Dissection (AND)

Click here to download this chart in PDF format.

(Note: Adobe Reader is required to view PDFs; you can download it for free by clicking here.)

Comparison of the Bellisse® Compressure Comfort® Bra with Mastectomy Bras Reported Used for Truncal Lymphedema

	MANUFACTURER/STYLE	BELLISSE® Compressure Comfort® Bra	JODEE Choices Bra (longline)	JODEE Embrace Bra (zymph)	CAMP front and back closure softcup (ca78)
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR	WHY YOU NEED THIS FEATURE
	MSRP	$282.86	$49.96	$47.00	$40.36
Delivers circumferential compression	Compression is standard in lymphedema treatment
Support for axilla	Sensitive post-surgery site
Longer silhouette	Covers affected quadrant; doesn’t block drainage
Modifiable compression	Compression needs may change with activity and climate
Multi-track adjustability	Responsive to lymphedema changes
Non-rigid cups	Will conform to individual breast size and shape, keeping swollen or post-surgical tissues comfortably in place
Wide shoulder straps	Increase comfort; distribute breast weight; allow lymphatic drainage
Padded shoulder straps	Prevents straps from cutting into tender shoulder skin
Non-roll lower band	Doesn’t bind; holds garment securely in place
Soft, gentle fabric	Gentle on swollen, radiated, or post-surgical skin
Inner pocket	Holds prostheses or treatment aids such as chip pads, foam, etc, in place
Versatility	Therapist may utilize with chip pads, surgical dressings, etc; allows therapist to enhance treatment effects
Can be worn by mastectomy patients with or without a prosthesis	Lymphedema may happen to mastectomy or lumpectomy patients
Unobtrusive under most clothing	Wearer feels most at ease
Ease in don/doff	Addresses acute or chronic mobility issues
Broad size selection	Better fit for more women
FEATURES TO AVOID	WHY TO AVOID IT
Wide, open-cut armhole	Tender, swollen, or scarring tissue left unsupported
Underwires	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Band right under the breasts	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Narrow shoulder straps	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Molded or rigid cups	Cannot conform to differing breast volumes, positions
Inappropriate seam placement (across cups, etc)	May impede lymphatic flow or irritate tender tissue

Click here to download this chart in PDF format.

(Note: Adobe Reader is required to view PDFs; you can download it for free by clicking here.)

Comparison of the Bellisse® Compressure Comfort® Bra with Sports Bras Reported Used for Truncal Lymphedema

	MANUFACTURER/STYLE	BELLISSE® Compressure Comfort® Bra	VERONIQUE Yesmina-Z (Style 457-Z)	CHAMPION Underwire (Style CH161F)	ACTION SHAPE (Style 072)
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR	WHY YOU NEED THIS FEATURE
	MSRP	$282.86	$51.90	$32.00	$36.00
Delivers circumferential compression	Compression is standard in lymphedema treatment
Support for axilla	Sensitive post-surgery site
Longer silhouette	Covers affected quadrant; doesn’t block drainage
Modifiable compression	Compression needs may change with activity and climate
Multi-track adjustability	Responsive to lymphedema changes
Non-rigid cups	Will conform to individual breast size and shape, keeping swollen or post-surgical tissues comfortably in place
Wide shoulder straps	Increase comfort; distribute breast weight; allow lymphatic drainage
Padded shoulder straps	Prevents straps from cutting into tender shoulder skin
Non-roll lower band	Doesn’t bind; holds garment securely in place
Soft, gentle fabric	Gentle on swollen, radiated, or post-surgical skin
Inner pocket	Holds prostheses or treatment aids such as chip pads, foam, etc, in place
Versatility	Therapist may utilize with chip pads, surgical dressings, etc; allows therapist to enhance treatment effects
Can be worn by mastectomy patients with or without a prosthesis	Lymphedema may happen to mastectomy or lumpectomy patients
Unobtrusive under most clothing	Wearer feels most at ease
Ease in don/doff	Addresses acute or chronic mobility issues
Broad size selection	Better fit for more women
FEATURES TO AVOID	WHY TO AVOID IT
Wide, open-cut armhole	Tender, swollen, or scarring tissue left unsupported
Underwires	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Band right under the breasts	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Narrow shoulder straps	May exacerbate lymphedema by impeding lymph drainage; digs into tender tissues
Molded or rigid cups	Cannot conform to differing breast volumes, positions
Inappropriate seam placement (across cups, etc)	May impede lymphatic flow or irritate tender tissue

Click here to download this chart in PDF format.

(Note: Adobe Reader is required to view PDFs; you can download it for free by clicking here.)

 

---

How to Order | Dealer Locator | Especially for Dealers | Links and Resources | Who We Are | Contact Us Search the Site | What does Lymphedema look like? | What Is Lymphedema? | FAQs about Lymphedema | Ask The Expert | The Compressure Comfort Bra | Features & Benefits | Fitting Instructions | Why a special bra? | Comparison page | FAQs about The Compressure Comfort Bra Testimonials | Especially for Healthcare Providers | Healthcare Provider Kit | Upcoming Training & Events | What's New | Bellisse on the Road | E-Newsletter | Other News | Sitemap

Informationen ueber Bellisse auf Deutsch!

Made In The USA / Patented for Utility & Design
©Copyright 2002-2007 Bellisse®
To order call 1-877-273-1683 |

Customer Service Address: PO Box 2221 - Williston, Vermont 05495-2221
Corporate Address: PO Box 1836 - Williston, Vermont 05495-1836
Toll free alternative phone: 802-862-0095 ext. 146
Fax Number: 802-658-1445

Community Registered Design Number 52378-0001.
Canadian Industrial Design Registration #103663 - Lightning 2, LLC
Vermont Web design, graphic design, and web hosting provided by Vermont Design Works

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER
The Bellisse® Compressure Comfort® Bra is designed to compress the chest wall and breast area comfortably and securely as well as provide an attractive undergarment that will meet your fashion needs. There is no established measure for the optimum compression of the chest wall or breasts, nor is there any established treatment that results in a complete cure for lymphedema of the chest wall or breast area. Bellisse® makes no claims that the use of the Bellisse® Compressure Comfort® Bra will provide extended or permanent relief. Bellisse® makes no claims that the Compressure Comfort® Bra will cure lymphedema or provide reduction in infection, swelling, or other conditions that may accompany this disease. If you notice any rash, redness, hardening or additional swelling on the chest wall, breast, or arms after surgery, please consult your physician immediately as this may be a sign of infection requiring emergency care.