FAQ About the Compressure Comfort® Bra
Q: Is the Bellisse Compressure Comfort® Bra a mastectomy bra?
A: No, the Compressure Comfort® Bra is NOT a mastectomy bra. Mastectomy bras are designed to hold prostheses securely in place. The Compressure Comfort® Bra does much more. It is a compression garment for the truncal area, which is defined as the torso, with or without breasts. (We call it a bra simply because it can comfortably accommodate breast tissue if it is present.)
The Compressure Comfort® Bra was specifically designed to provide comfortable compression for patients with truncal lymphedema, which is the painful retention of lymphatic fluid in the torso. Mastectomy bras are simply not designed to provide compression in all the areas that can be affected by truncal lymphedema, such as under the arms and on the back. Moreover, depending on their design, some mastectomy bras may be contraindicated for lymphedema, because they may cut into tender, swollen tissue and/or block the drainage of lymphatic fluid.
Click here for a comparison of the Compressure Comfort® Bra with some leading mastectomy bras
Q: Why does the Compressure Comfort® Bra provide compression?
A: Compression is a standard part of the treatment of lymphedema, and helps to keep lymphatic fluid from building up in the truncal area. The fluid build-up can be very painful, so the Compressure Comfort® Bra can make an enormous difference in patients’ quality of life.
Q: Can the Compressure Comfort® Bra perform the function of a mastectomy bra?
A: Absolutely. But it’s important to remember that while the Compressure Comfort® Bra makes an effective and comfortable prosthesis holder, a mastectomy bra cannot substitute as a compression garment. (Analogy: while you can wear high-tech running shoes to the supermarket, you cannot run a race in a pair of high heels!).
Click here for a comparison of the Compressure Comfort® Bra with some leading mastectomy bras
Q: Can’t one get compression from a regular sports bra?
A: Regular “compression” sports bras are designed to flatten the breasts against the chest wall in order to help minimize their movement during exercise. There is no consideration of lymphatic flow or surgical scarring. For women with lymphedema, this kind of compression is inadequate, and may sometimes even exacerbate the problem.. In addition to providing much more comfortable compression than can be obtained from a sports bra, the Compressure Comfort® Bra is specially designed to allow drainage of lymphatic fluid as needed. Regular sports bras, depending on how they are designed, can actually block fluid drainage, making lymphedema patients even more uncomfortable.
Click here for a comparison of the Compressure Comfort® Bra with some leading sports bras
Q: What features make the Compressure Comfort® Bra so different from mastectomy bras, sports bras, or regular bras?
A: The Compressure Comfort® Bra is so unique that it has been granted a Utility Patent by the U.S. Patent Office. To understand all the details that go into making this an effective compression garment, go to http://www.bellisse.com/comfort_bra/features.shtml. Or, click here for a comparison of the Compressure Comfort® Bra with leading post-surgical, mastectomy, and sports bras.
Q: What sizes does the Compressure Comfort® Bra come in?
A: There are 26 different over-the-counter sizes. Band sizes go from 32 to 48. Our three distinct cup sizes are A/B, C/D, and DD/E.
Q: What size should I choose?
A: Because the Compressure Comfort® Bra has a longer-line silhouette (i.e. it comes down lower on the torso than regular bras), it has special sizing instructions. While the wearer’s regular bra size is a starting point, it is not definitive. Check our easy fitting guidelines on our website at http://www.bellisse.com/comfort_bra/fitting.shtml.
Q: What about mastectomy patients, or patients who choose not to wear a prosthesis – will the Compressure Comfort® Bra fit them?
A: Yes, because of our unique Natural Stretch ConformCup™. We know that not every breast is a perfect match to its partner, if it has one. Not every woman’s body is perfectly symmetrical. The ConformCup forms itself comfortably to the breast/chest wall regardless of size or shape. Our A/B cup is perfect for mastectomy patients and women who elect not to wear prostheses.
Q: When should patients wear the Compressure Comfort® Bra?
A: From the first hint of any symptoms of truncal lymphedema onwards. (Please see below for more about the symptoms of truncal lymphedema.) The bra can also be worn simply to increase comfort following surgery or during radiation treatment. After surgery, patients can use the Compressure Comfort® Bra as soon as drains are removed in order to increase support of swollen tissues while healing is taking place. During radiation treatment, the Compressure Comfort® Bra can support swollen tissues, protect skin, and hold dressings in place.
Some therapists also recommend that the Compressure Comfort® Bra be worn preventatively in order to help reduce the risk of developing truncal lymphedema. For instance, some patients choose to wear it while flying, when changes in cabin pressure may make the development of truncal lymphedema more likely.
Of course, you should always consult your health care professional.
Q: Is the Compressure Comfort® Bra covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Many private insurance companies are covering it. For help with insurance submission guidelines go to
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