The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to Compression for POTS
(Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Dysautonomia & Orthostatic Intolerance
Living with POTS, dysautonomia, or orthostatic intolerance can be exhausting—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Compression garments can be an important tool for symptom management, but figuring out what to buy, how to wear it, and whether it’s even helping can feel overwhelming.
This free, comprehensive guide brings together research, practical tips, and lived experience to help you confidently choose, use, and care for compression garments.
What You’ll Learn
How compression supports blood flow and autonomic regulation
Differences between medical (graduated) and athletic (uniform) compression
Choosing the right compression level (15–20, 20–30, 30–40 mmHg)
Measuring yourself for the perfect fit—no professional fitting needed
Target areas: knee-highs, thigh-highs, full stockings, abdominal binders
Seasonal strategies for hot and cold weather
Care and maintenance to make garments last
Tips for people with sensory sensitivities, EDS, or hypermobility
Real-life stories, humor, and encouragement for the rough days
Who This Guide is For
People newly diagnosed with POTS or orthostatic intolerance who feel overwhelmed
Long-time compression wearers looking to fine-tune their approach
Caregivers, clinicians, and support group leaders wanting to share reliable, patient-centered information
About the Author
Hannah Garrison is an artist, entrepreneur, writer, and patient advocate living with severe POTS, hEDS, and ME/CFS from Long COVID. This guide grew out of years of trial, error, research, and conversations with others navigating similar challenges.
