Tubigrip Sizes Guide

Tubigrip sizes range from size A (small wrist) to L (abdomen) and are available in a variety of lengths.

It is important to choose the right size for you to get the right amount of compression and support.

Tubigrip compression bandages are specially designed elasticated tubular bandages. They are really useful for reducing acute swelling after injuries or surgery or to help control chronic swelling. They are also great at providing support with muscle strains, ligament sprains and weak joints.

Here we will look at why tubigrip is better than a standard bandage, the different tubigrip sizes available, how to identify which size is right for you and how to use tubigrip most effectively. 

Tubigrip v Conventional Bandages

Tubigrip compression bandages are different to normal bandages in a couple of ways:

1. Tubular Shape: rather than a conventional roll of bandage material which has to be carefully wound around an area, tubigrip is tubular meaning that you simply pull it on and it encompasses the area evenly. 
   
   
2. Provides Compression: Tubigrip is a slightly thicker fabric than conventional bandages and contains small elastic threads which exert a pressure of 10-20 mmHg that is distributed evenly through the entire area it covers when worn double thickness.

Conventional bandages are typically used to keep dressings in place and cover wounds. They come in a range of lengths and widths and are applied by simply wrapping them around the relevant area.

Tubigrip can be used for the same reasons as bandages but where they really stand out is that they provide even compression making them much better at reducing swelling. Tubigrip sizes refer to the width of the bandage, and each size is available in three different lengths.

Tubigrip Sizes & Options

With twelve different tubigrip sizes to choose from, it is really important to get the right size for you. For example, a young child with a sprained wrist is going to want a different size tubigrip to a man with a swollen knee.

There are two things to think about with tubigrip sizes:

• Width: Tubigrip sizes vary from A-L which relate to their width
• Length: There are generally two lengths to choose from, 10m or 1m.

Please note, Tubigrip is the most common brand name for elasticated tubular bandage. Other manufacturers have different names for it such as Sterogrip, EasyGrip, Kin-Grip and Tubula but they are all essentially the same product and align to the same tubigrip sizes. Most brands contain some natural rubber latex, but not all of them do so if you have a latex allergy, make sure you check first.

Choosing The Right Size Tubigrip

When working out which of the tubigrip sizes is right for you in terms of width, you want to measure the circumference around the center of the joint that you are looking to cover.

For example, if you are looking to reduce swelling at the knee, measure around the center of the knee with the leg extended out straight. It is often worth measuring twice, just to make sure and as swelling often fluctuates, you may want to take measurements at different times of the day.

Once you have your measurement, have a look at our tubigrip size chart:

What Colours Are Available?

How To Use Tubgrip

Once you've worked out the correct tubigrip sizes for you, it's simple a case of putting it on.

In order to be most effective, tubigrip should run from the joint above the one you are wanting to support, right down to the joint below. For example if you have a swollen knee, the tubigrip should run from just below your hip to just above your ankle.

If you are using tubigrip to reduce swelling, you should wear it double thickness:

• Cut a length twice as long as the area you want to cover
  
  
• Pull 1 layer of tubigrip up to the correct height
  
  
• Fold it over at the bottom and pull the remaining tubigrip up so you have a double thickness layer
  
  
• If the tubigrip feels too tight at the top, make a small vertical slit so it can stretch out slightly

Tubigrip can be worn during the day for as long as it is comfortable, which should be a number of hours if you've got your tubigrip sizes correct! But tubigrip should always be removed at night. If you want to know more, check out our Top Tips on using Tubigrip.

Where Can You Buy Tubigrip?

Most of the different tubigrip sizes and lengths can be found in a number of sports and leisure stores and they are readily available on Amazon - see below. Prices tend to vary depending on tubigrip sizes, lengths and colour. 

#CommissionsEarned from Amazon on qualifying purchases

What Else Can Help?

You can find out loads more about how tubigrip works and answers to common questions such as how it feels, how to stop it rolling down, and how to wash it in the Tubigrip Overview.

Tubigrip is a great tool for helping to reduce swelling and provide support after injuries, but there are lots of other things that can help too. The following articles may be of interest

• How To Reduce Knee Swelling
• Common Knee Injuries And How To Treat Them
• Knee Pain Diagnosis: Get Help Working Out What Is Wrong

And remember, one of the most important thing with tubigrip is to make sure it fits properly, in terms of both width and length. So make sure you measure twice and cut once to ensure you have the right tubigrip sizes for you.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

• Swelling Above The Knee
• Swelling Behind The Knee
• Swelling Below The Knee
• Side Knee Swelling
• Knee Pain Diagnosis Chart

Page Last Updated: 23/01/24
Next Review Due: 23/01/26

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