SUREPRESS COMPRESSION BANDAGE

CRITICAL SAFETY NOTICE: Compression bandaging is contraindicated in peripheral arterial disease. An ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) assessment must be performed and documented before the Surepress Compression Bandage is applied for the first time. ABPI below 0.6 is a contraindication to compression. ABPI between 0.6 and 0.8 requires reduced compression under specialist supervision only. This bandage must only be applied by a trained healthcare professional. It is not for patient self-application.

Venous leg ulcers arise from venous hypertension in the lower limb, where sustained elevated pressure in the venous system damages the skin and tissue of the lower leg. The primary clinical treatment is compression therapy: the application of sustained external graduated pressure to the lower limb that counteracts venous hypertension, supports venous return, and creates the wound healing environment needed for the ulcer to close. Surepress Compression Bandage is an elastic compression bandage from ConvaTec for venous leg ulcer management. 10cm x 3m. Visual indicator for tension guidance. Applied by trained clinical staff only. ABPI assessment required. No prescription required.

Surepress Compression Bandage is a regulated medical device from ConvaTec. It is an elastic bandage used as the compression-applying outer layer in a multilayer compression dressing system for venous leg ulcer management. Applied over an absorbent padding layer such as the Surepress Absorbent Pad, the Surepress Compression Bandage delivers sustained graduated compression to the lower limb throughout the dressing wear period.

A key feature of the Surepress Compression Bandage is its visual indicator system. The bandage has printed indicators on its surface that visually confirm when the correct tension is being achieved during application. When the bandage is applied at the appropriate tension, the indicator marks take on a defined appearance that confirms to the applying clinician that the compression being delivered is within the intended therapeutic range. This visual guidance supports consistent compression delivery across different clinicians and application occasions, reducing the risk of under or over compression resulting from variations in individual application technique.

Surepress Compression Bandage is part of the Surepress compression system from ConvaTec. It is applied as the compression layer within a complete dressing system that includes a wound contact dressing, an absorbent padding layer, and the compression bandage. Each layer serves a distinct clinical function. The compression bandage provides the therapeutic compression that is the active treatment for venous leg ulcers.

Peripheral arterial disease is a contraindication to compression bandaging. Applying compression to a limb with arterial insufficiency can cause ischaemic injury. ABPI assessment is mandatory before the first application. An ABPI of 0.8 or above is required for full high compression. ABPI between 0.6 and 0.8 permits reduced compression only under specialist supervision. ABPI below 0.6 is a contraindication. If pain, cold toes, numbness, colour change, or tingling develop after application, remove the bandage immediately and seek clinical assessment.

Graduated Compression

Surepress Compression Bandage applies graduated compression to the lower limb, with the highest pressure at the ankle reducing progressively toward the knee. This pressure gradient is the mechanism of venous leg ulcer treatment. The external pressure applied by the compression bandage exceeds the pressure in the superficial veins, preventing venous pooling and supporting venous blood return toward the heart. Counteracting the venous hypertension that causes venous leg ulcers creates the conditions for the wound to heal and reduces the risk of further ulceration.

Visual Indicator Tension System

The printed visual indicator on the Surepress Compression Bandage provides a practical guide to achieving consistent application tension. As the bandage is applied to the limb, the clinician observes the indicator marks. When the correct tension is achieved, the indicator takes on its defined confirmation appearance. This system supports reproducible compression delivery: the clinician can confirm adequate tension is being applied at each turn of the bandage from foot to knee, rather than relying solely on the subjective feel of the bandage tension.

Elastic Construction and Sustained Compression

The elastic construction of Surepress Compression Bandage means the compression it delivers is sustained throughout the wear period. Elastic compression bandages maintain their compression as the patient moves and as normal fluctuations in limb circumference occur during activity, such as the calf muscle pump action during walking. Sustained compression throughout the wear period is more effective at counteracting venous hypertension than intermittent compression that reduces when the patient is at rest.

Wear Period

Applied by a district or community nurse, the Surepress Compression Bandage is typically left in place for the duration of the dressing wear period, which is commonly one week in established venous leg ulcer management. The absorbent padding layer beneath the compression bandage manages wound exudate during this time. Both layers are replaced together at the scheduled dressing change.

Before Application

• Confirm ABPI has been performed and documented.
• Confirm ABPI of 0.8 or above for full high compression.
• Apply the wound contact dressing to the ulcer.
• Apply the absorbent padding layer (such as Surepress Absorbent Pad) over the wound contact dressing.

Applying the Compression Bandage

• Begin at the foot and apply in a spiral technique from foot to below the knee.
• Observe the visual indicator marks during application to confirm correct tension is being achieved.
• Maintain consistent tension throughout the application from foot to knee.
• The bandage should be smooth without ridges or gaps in coverage.

After Application

• Check patient comfort immediately after application.
• Ask the patient about any pain, tightness, or unusual sensations.
• Advise the patient to contact their nurse if symptoms develop between scheduled changes.

If the patient reports pain, tightness, cold feet, numbness, tingling, or colour change after the compression bandage is applied, remove the bandage immediately and seek clinical assessment. Do not reapply compression until the cause has been assessed. These symptoms may indicate arterial compromise under compression.

Surepress Compression Bandage 10cm x 3m

Supplied as a 10cm wide x 3m long elastic bandage with visual indicator system. The 10cm width and 3m extended length are appropriate for standard lower leg compression application from foot to below the knee. One bandage provides one complete compression layer application.

Contraindications

• Peripheral arterial disease with ABPI below 0.6.
• Confirmed limb ischaemia.
• Severe uncontrolled cardiac failure.

Cautions

• ABPI between 0.6 and 0.8: reduced compression under specialist supervision only. Full high compression is not appropriate.
• Peripheral neuropathy: reduced sensation impairs the patient's ability to report compression pain.
• Diabetes with vascular complications.
• Fragile or atrophic skin.

Warning Signs After Application

• Pain or increasing discomfort in the bandaged limb.
• Cold toes or pallor.
• Numbness or tingling in the foot.
• Any of these signs requires immediate removal and clinical reassessment.

Patients for Whom Surepress Compression Bandage Is Appropriate

• Patients with venous leg ulcers confirmed on clinical assessment as primarily venous in aetiology, with ABPI of 0.8 or above supporting full high compression
• Patients who have been assessed by a qualified clinician and for whom high compression therapy has been prescribed as the appropriate management
• Applied within a complete multilayer compression dressing system, including an appropriate wound contact dressing and absorbent padding layer

Surepress Compression Bandage in the Surepress System

The Surepress compression system from ConvaTec provides the components for a complete multilayer compression dressing for venous leg ulcers. The Surepress Absorbent Pad provides absorbent padding. The Surepress Compression Bandage provides the outer compression layer. Together, these components form a dressing system suited to venous leg ulcer management with moderate to high exudate. The clinical team selects and manages the complete system based on wound assessment and ABPI findings.

Surepress Compression Bandage does not require a prescription. The 10cm x 3m bandage is available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

This is a clinical product for use by trained healthcare professionals. ABPI assessment and clinical decision-making about compression must precede use. It is not for patient self-application.

Our pharmacists can advise on Surepress Compression Bandage and on other components of the Surepress compression system from ConvaTec.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original packaging until use.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. Surepress Compression Bandage is a genuine ConvaTec product stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Surepress Compression Bandage and on the full Surepress compression system range from ConvaTec.

References

1. ConvaTec. Surepress Compression Bandage — Product Information. ConvaTec. https://www.convatec.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic wounds: advanced wound dressings and antimicrobial dressings. NICE Evidence Review. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. NHS. Venous leg ulcer: treatment and compression therapy. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-ulcer. Accessed June 2026.
4. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Compression hosiery. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed June 2026.