If your legs feel heavy, you suffer from swelling (lymphedema), or you’re looking for the ultimate way to recover your muscles after a workout, at-home pressotherapy is the solution. However, choosing the right device comes down to the technical details.

See what you need to pay attention to before you click “Add to Cart”:

1. The number of air chambers

The air chambers are the independent sections inside the “boot” or “sleeve” that inflate with air. The more chambers a device has, the smoother, more targeted, and more effective the pressure will be.

• 4 Chambers: Ideal for basic relaxation, mild swelling, and improving blood circulation. These are the most affordable devices.
• 6 Chambers: The “golden mean” for sports recovery and moderate fluid retention.
• 8 or more Chambers: Premium or medical-grade devices. They offer highly specialized pressure, ideal for clinical lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency.

2. The right accessory

The devices come with different attachments depending on the area of the body you want to treat. Attention: Check if the product you’re buying includes the accessory or if you’re only buying the motor!

• Pressotherapy Boots: The most popular accessory. Covers the entire leg (from the foot to the thigh). Ideal for swollen legs, standing for long periods, cellulite, and athletes.
• Sleeve: Covers the arm from the fingers to the shoulder. Essential for people with lymphedema in the arm (very common after mastectomy procedures).
• Belt / Shorts Wraps around the abdomen, hips, and buttocks. Targets fluid retention in the area and reduces cellulite.

Tip: If you need treatment on both legs at the same time, make sure the device has a double connection tube (Y-connector) so it can inflate two boots simultaneously.

3. Pressure Levels (mmHg) & Programs

Pressure is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), which is the same unit of measurement used in blood pressure monitors.

• Pressure Range: A good device should allow you to adjust the intensity (usually from 20 mmHg up to 200+ mmHg).
• Attention to intensity: Higher pressure does not necessarily mean better results. For example, for lymphedema and lymphatic drainage, low and steady pressures (between 30 and 60 mmHg) are the safest and most effective. Very high pressures (over 120-150 mmHg) are usually used by athletes for intense muscle recovery.

4. Find the Right Size

The boots and sleeves are not "one size". If the accessory is too large, the device will not apply the correct pressure. If it is too small, the zipper will not close.

• What to measure: Before buying, take a tape measure and measure the length of your leg (from the crotch to the sole) and the thigh circumference at its thickest point.
• Compare your measurements with the manufacturer's size chart. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size or buy special extenders for zippers.

5. Portability: Power or Battery?

• Plug-in Devices: These are the classic, more powerful devices. They are ideal for use at home or in a fixed location (near a power outlet).
• Rechargeable: They operate with a lithium battery. They are the ultimate trend for athletes, as they can take them to the field, the gym, or while traveling without being restricted by cables.

⚠️ Important Note: If you are experiencing pathological lymphedema, thrombosis, or heart problems, always consult your attending physician or physiotherapist regarding the recommended pressure settings (mmHg) before starting sessions at home.