When making compressions on a distribution compression sleeve, how should the presses be made?

• A. Start at the center and work to one end and then start at the other end and press back toward the center of the sleeve
• B. Start near the center, work toward one end and then repeat the process from near the center toward the other end of the sleeve
• C. Start at one end and work to the opposite end
• D. Start at either end and work toward the center then repeat the process starting at the other end working back toward the center of the sleeve

Answer: (B)

Applying compression evenly means distributing the pressure from the center of the sleeve outward toward both ends in two passes. Starting near the center and moving toward one end, then repeating from near the center toward the other end, keeps the center from being over-pressed and ensures the entire sleeve is evenly tensioned. If you push from an end toward the other end, or press toward the center from both ends, you can create too much pressure at the center or leave areas under-compressed, leading to folds or gaps. A single pass from end to end likewise risks uneven compression and center gaps.