Best Compression Sleeves
Last Updated: December, 2024
Medically Reviewed by
Brooke Maneval, LAT, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Written by Robert Gore
Last Updated: December, 2024 Advertising Disclosure: We earn a commission when you purchase products using our links. This is at no additional cost to you. This page is sponsored by RiptGear. The owner of this site has a financial interest in RiptGear.
Finding The Best Compression Arm Sleeves - A Buyer's Guide
You may have noticed that arm sleeves have become quite popular recently. It seems that they are popping up virtually everywhere. You see them being worn in sports, aerobics, weightlifting, even professional sports like the NBA and NFL. These sleeves are more than a new fad, they can actually help ease pain and reduce swelling in the forearms and elbows.
Added benefits to compression arm sleeves are that they offer sun protection if you work or sport outside, offer improved circulation and even pain management. If you suffer from arm or elbow pain, a compression arm sleeve can help reduce your discomfort.
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RiptGear Compression Arm Sleeves
- High Quality Materials
- Comfortable, Slip-On Material
- Provides Light Arm Compression
- Helps to Reduce Sun Exposure
- Small to XL for Outdoor Activities
VIEW ON AMAZON
"This compression sleeve...is the absolute best, most comfortable sleeve I have ever worn.
I...have paid near $200 for so-called “custom” sleeves...All I can say is thank you (listen to your doc—but try THIS!)
Elle B. RiptGear Customer, November 19, 2020
Testimonial has been edited for grammar and brevity.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN COMPRESSION ARM SLEEVES
- Materials – Arm sleeve products should be made from the right material to give compression support. We recommend arm sleeves with breathable materials so it can easily wick away moisture and keep your arms dry.
- Support – The right compression materials allow for uniform compression throughout the entire arm to help support your muscles and reduce soreness.
- Durability – Compression arm sleeves are worn for protection, so it is important that arm sleeves are durable and can support the muscles. We recommend arm sleeves designed for both men and women with stretchy material that fits the shape of any arm while remaining comfortable to wear and easy to clean.
- UV Protection – To help provide protection from UV or ultraviolet rays the right compression arm sleeves will help in reducing the amount of exposure from the sun while wicking sweat from your arms.
Compression Arm Sleeves
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RiptGear
Summary of Customer Feedback
- Excellent Support
- All-Day Comfort
- Excellent Compression
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🇺🇸 Corporate Headquarters in USA
Coolomg🇨🇳
Summary of Customer Feedback
- Good Support
- Relatively Comfortable
- Stichinig Issue for Some
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🇨🇳 Corporate Headquarters in China
KUHNMARVIN🇨🇳
Summary of Customer Feedback
- Good Support
- Runs Small for Some
- Ineffective for Sun Allergy
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🇨🇳 Corporate Headquarters in China
Best Compression Arm Sleeves
Compression arm sleeves are designed to do just what their name suggests, apply pressure (compress) to your arm to keep your lymph fluid moving properly throughout your body. This works because many of your lymphatic vessels lie just beneath the surface of your skin and the compression from the sleeve can also compress those vessels.
The best quality compression sleeves are made with a soft and stretchy yet strong material - one that will stand up to daily use and repeated washings.
What are Compression Arm Sleeves?
Recent research suggests that compression arm sleeves may help your muscles recover from strenuous activity. The reason for this is not entirely understood yet, but participants in clinical trials have reported a reduction in perception of muscle damage and improved subsequent performances after wearing a compression sleeve during a workout.
Compression arm sleeves are made of a flexible fabric that is tighter at the bottom near your hand and a bit looser towards your shoulder. This difference in size helps your blood and lymph to move out of your arm and circulate throughout your body.
People who suffer from mild lymphedema can often benefit from using a compression sleeve, and it might be the first thing your doctor recommends. For more advanced lymphedema you will need to consult your doctor for the best treatment.
Other issues that compression arm sleeves can help with include:
- Tendinitis pain
- Elbow pain
- Sore arm muscles
- Speeding up injury recovery
- Increasing circulation
- Achieving higher performance
- Reduce swelling
Types of Compression Arm Sleeves
- Daytime Sleeves – Daytime arm sleeves are the most popular option for those who need to wear a compression sleeve. Daytime sleeves tend to be made of thinner fabric which allows more movement than bulkier, nighttime sleeves. They aren’t as restricting as nighttime sleeves.
- Nighttime Sleeves – Nighttime arm sleeves can be bulkier than daytime sleeves but are sometimes needed to control more severe symptoms. They are bulkier and sturdier because you are lying down when you wear them and don’t need as much mobility.
Tips for Using Compression Arm Sleeves
- Consider owning two sleeves so that you can alternate wearing and wash them. Additionally, they will wear out more slowly if you aren’t wearing the same exact sleeve every day.
- Make sure that the sleeve is comfortable and not too loose or too tight. You want the pressure to be just right so as not to aggravate the issue.
- Avoid moisturizers and harsh soaps. Both of these products can break down the elastic materials used in the fabric. All-natural soaps are best for keeping the stretchy fabric intact for as long as possible.
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Compression Arm Sleeve Review Conclusion
Too often when we experience heavy, sore arms, our tendency is to go to the pharmacy and buy pain medication. Unfortunately, synthetic drugs can have negative side effects. It’s time to put away the medication and try to treat your pain naturally.
One cost-effective and reliable method is a compression arm sleeve. They are safe and easy to use, and their method is simple. They apply pressure to your arm to effectively relieve the discomfort of tendinitis, poor blood circulation, sore muscles, and bursitis – just to name a few.
Be sure to research the best sleeve for your particular needs. Once you identify exactly what you need, choosing the best compression arm sleeve will be easy.
Source: Pérez-Soriano, P., García-Roig, Á., Sanchis-Sanchis, R., & Aparicio, I. (2019). Influence of compression sportswear on recovery and performance: A systematic review. Journal of Industrial Textiles, 48(9), 1505–1524. https://doi.org/10.1177/1528083718764912
SPONSORED
RiptGear Compression Arm Sleeves
- High Quality Materials
- Comfortable, Slip-On Material
- Provides Light Arm Compression
- Helps to Reduce Sun Exposure
- Small to XL for Outdoor Activities
VIEW ON AMAZON
"This compression sleeve...is the absolute best, most comfortable sleeve I have ever worn.
I...have paid near $200 for so-called “custom” sleeves...All I can say is thank you (listen to your doc—but try THIS!)
Elle B. RiptGear Customer, November 19, 2020
Testimonial has been edited for grammar and brevity.
Best Compression Sleeves For Arms Availability
The best compression sleeves for arms come in the following sizes S, M, L, and XL. They are sold as a pair and we found that the available arm sleeves fit the majority of users.
