Use Roll-On Adhesive When Compression Gear Won’t Stay Up

Due to lipedema and lymphedema in my legs, I wear compression stockings 24-hours a day and for several days in a row before washing. Over top of this compression gear, I also wear an extra layer of custom-measured and ordered gear like this CircAid Reduction Kit for the lower leg. 

I’ve used a couple of brands of reduction kits and they’re slightly bulky and heavy material and all slide down a bit with use and gravity. With them, they tend to take my compression stockings on the slide, regardless of the anti-slip silicone grip beading at the top.

I use any one of two brands of roll-on adhesive (see below for details) that are essentially the same product. They keep the compression stockings just under my knee, regardless of whether the other layer slides down so that I don’t get swelling where the gear is supposed to be, making it slightly less painful and easier in the long-run to keep the reduction gear up higher. Once that swelling starts, the gear slides much more easily.

I’ve also used the fixative on thigh high compression stockings with less satisfaction, but that’s mostly due to the shape of my body fighting with the hose as well as the tension from the garment trying to slide down. My body is shaped in a way that thigh-highs immediately want to roll down which is painful.

I tried the roll-on adhesive on the thigh-high compression stockings a few times. Eventually, there would be pain and even bruising from the tension and tug of the garment as it tried to slide down. So right now I’m not currently wearing the thigh highs and am looking for another solution. If YOUR body is not the same shape as mine, thigh highs with roll-on adhesive might work beautifully. There’s also an application trick to read about below.

This roll-on adhesive can also be used for arm compression gear, holding clothing against your body so it doesn’t ride up or fall down, and more.

The companies say that it’s “used to hold any article in place against your skin” and that it’s “pliable-moves with your body; tough enough for athletic movement.” but I would wager anything bulky or heavy at all will not be comfortable or stay where it belongs. Gravity and natural body movement play a huge role here. So does sweat as this loses it’s grip when it gets wet.

As for being pliable, I wouldn’t call it pliable – it’s quite stiff. However, it’s not thick, so it just holds the compression gear in place and like a sock, you eventually don’t feel it on your leg.

Is Roll-On Adhesive Hypoallergenic and/or Okay For Sensitive Skin?

Supposedly the product is hypoallergenic and “gentle for sensitive skin”. My results are definitely mixed, and the only way you’ll know is to try. There are times when it seems I will get a red, irritated band where the adhesive was applied. There are times my legs cannot tolerate the product more than one day. Yet there are other times I’ve successfully used it 4 or 5 days in a row with absolutely no problems. It’s enough to make me shake my head because I have no idea why this would happen with the same product on the same skin in the same conditions.

My compression gear supplier has customers who absolutely cannot use this adhesive at all. But thankfully it washes away almost effortlessly so you have nothing left over like how a Band-Aid leaves the sticky residue.

Tips For Application Of Roll-On Adhesive

The products I link to below come in 2-ounce bottles which is a convenient size. If you’ve ever used roll-on deodorant, it’s the same concept: A bottle with a screw-off cap and a rolling ball to dispense the product. This is indeed an easy concept, but the product itself makes things a bit tricky.

1. To apply, you will already have your stocking on up to your thigh, shoulder, or your knee. You will then roll the top down approximately two inches or so.
2. I was told never to apply the product to the silicone beaded gripping area, yet I’ve not had much of a problem with that when I have done so.
3. You’ll open the cap, and apply the product by rolling the ball against your skin. You don’t need a very thick layer, but can’t have it too thin, so you’ll find your perfect thickness with experience. I also run about 2 inches of product instead of the approximate 1″ strip the rolling ball leaves.
4. You’ll wait a few seconds (up to 30, but honestly I am impatient and wait about 5 seconds) and pull the garment up into place over the adhesive.
5. To note: I immediately re-cap the product the moment I use it on one side as I’m just not sure what will happen if it’s allowed to dry at all. This could be why some reviewers are having rolling ball issues – perhaps they are leaving the cap off too long.
6. Also to note: Pulling the garment up after the adhesive is applied can get a little tricky. It feels like you need extra hands to successfully maneuver the entire tight garment up into place without dragging it through the adhesive even when using on your knee with two hands. Imagine using only one hand for your armsleeve or using this on a large thigh like mine.
7. Once your first garment is in place, repeat the steps to do the other side and then you can finally move on with your day instantly – no waiting for it to dry further.

More You Should Know About Roll-On Adhesive

Both companies claim their product is easy to remove; washes off with water. That’s quite true. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get it off my hands. And once it’s been on my garment and dried, it’s only a light stiffness left on the garment, no residue on the skin, and water washes away the product without an issue.

Be aware that being so easily washed off with just water will be a problem if you sweat a lot in the areas you’re trying to use the roll-on adhesive.

No matter how proactive and careful I am, when applying this product it gets my hands and bottle sticky. You’ll need to have a washcloth nearby or be sitting next to the bathroom sink so y0u can wipe/rinse your hands and the capped bottle itself after use.

One company says it’s a convenient 2 oz bottle that’s perfect for travel with a roll-on top for easy application, but that’s not necessarily true. Due to leaks that often happen when these bottles are on their side, it’s not ideal for travel unless you can absolutely keep it upright. Either way, have it sealed in its own baggie, no matter what. And there are reports of the roller ball being too hard to use, so make sure you get a replacement from the company if you’re having that problem.

There is a smell that’s slightly unpleasant as you roll this product on, but it’s only for a moment. Once the garment is on and the product is dry (almost instantly) no smell remains.

Roll-On Adhesive Brands To Buy

The company says, “Toss the tape and move without worry. Bell-Horn It Stays Roll-On Body Adhesive can be used in numerous industries such as medical, athletics, theater and fashion. Providing extra level of support, It Stays Roll-On Body Adhesive is excellent to keep surgical stockings, anti-embolism stockings, orthopedic supports and elastic/neoprene wraps securely in place. Athletes can use It Stays Roll-On Body Adhesive to secure shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads or socks so they can focus on their sport. It can even be used for fashion garments or theatrical accessories. Use on strapless bras, bridal gowns, low-cut dresses, costume wigs or beards with ease! Easy to use, simply roll on where desired application is needed. When finished, simply wash with water.”

Another brand that’s virtually the same thing is from Jobst. The company says, “It Stays Body Adhesive Roll-On is specially designed to help keep Jobst supports in place. Ideal for thigh length stockings when garter belts are undesirable or silicone band is not available. Apply to the area of skin beneath the band of stockings, or the upper arm band of armsleeves.”