Bracoo and Fytto

Advanced Adjustable Back Brace (Bracoo)
I have an old back injury (cracked tailbone from being thrown into a fence while show jumping). Most everyday activities are no problem but when I overuse my lower back (gardening, heavy house cleaning, decorating or anything that requires a lot of bending), the pain returns and it also affects my hips and legs. So I was curious to see if a back brace might make a difference. Comfytopia very kindly sent me this advanced adjustable back brace to test and review, and I was immediately impressed by the design and construction.

The brace consists of two main panels and a back piece which attaches to both sections by means of heavy-duty Velcro. So the preliminary fitting is done there. The back piece features strong crossed webbing and, once you have closed the brace tightly over your waist, you pull on a long strap which provides the final customisation and the degree of tightness you desire. This outside strap is the means by which you are able to adjust the fit throughout the day without having to remove the brace.
There are clear, illustrated instructions on the Amazon page and there is an explanatory video on Comfy Topia's YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAwfzaIzUC0.

The materials are very strong and look extremely durable. The brace is surprisingly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, in contact with bare skin, or over a T-shirt. There is no sweating or rubbing but the area is kept warm and dry. So you can wear this brace invisibly under your normal clothes for day-long wear or strap it on over your shirt for shorter applications.

I have used it while gardening for weeding and pruning, and for doing house cleaning. That's when I appreciated the built-in pocket that can hold your phone or music player. My husband puts the brace on while exercising, for weights and upper body work.
We both find it very beneficial and, although it's fairly stiff and you are aware of having it on, it does not interfere with movement and is never uncomfortable. The support it provides means that we can both do more without paying the price in aches and pains.

So this garment really has a range of applications: you can put it on to facilitate more demanding use of the lower back, or wear it regularly to relieve chronic back pain. Either way, it's a great help. Washing it is very easy, by hand in cool water, and then leaving it to dry on a rack. I have the S/M size which is perfect for me and also stretches to comfortably accommodate my husband's 34 inch waist. At this price point, it's amazing value for money as it is a well-made, effective specialised item that should last for ages.

Ankle Sleeve PerformBoost (Bracoo)
Comfytopia have just released a new range of support braces aimed at the sports/athletic market. I am one of the lucky reviewers who have been asked to test-drive these new items. Over the years my husband and I have been active in several sports, including swimming, tennis and competitive horse riding, and have undertaken the fitness and muscle-building gym training that is requisite preparation to practice these sports safely. Even so, we've had our share of injuries and acquired a diversified collection of elasticated bandages and braces.

This new PerformBoost Series is like nothing I've ever seen. Even the packaging is impressive: a see-through hard plastic box illustrated with a diagram and information about Crossknit Technology, a trademark of the Bracoo brand. There is a comprehensive booklet in four languages describing the innovative fabric and design that make this support garment stand out from the crowd. It is clear that this is no ordinary elastic bandage.

The fabric is so comfortable that the first time I put this ankle sleeve on, I completely forgot about it and ended up removing it just before going to bed!
The ankle sleeve comes in Large, Medium and Small, correlated to your shoe size, but if you are close to the high end, you might want to size up. Although the compression is very comfortable, too-small a size would not be beneficial.

I am still recovering from a broken leg, so the extra ankle support made my daily workout on my elliptical trainer that much more comfortable, and I felt safer putting extra pressure on the damaged limb. There was no sweating, rubbing, irritation or discomfort, despite my reckless overuse of the sleeve. A product aimed at those who are physically active, to assist recovery but also to prevent injury when engaged in sports or athletics. Excellent in every way and a sound investment if you value your body.

Comfy Compression Socks Style 1080 (Fytto)
These socks are incredibly comfortable. Compared to other Fytto compression socks (the sheer and medium weight ones), these are quite different. Because they are unisex, the sizing runs a bit big. For Styles 1020 and 1007, size M works well for me, but these would probably be even better in a size Small. The foot is generous and so is the length, so if you are a woman, you might consider ordering a smaller size than usual.

The composition is 25% Spandex, 75% Nylon, and as breathable as the lighter weight styles, but the knit is very thick and very warm, ideal for winter but not so bulky that your everyday shoes will feel tight. These socks still offer compression but in a much more subtle way and mostly concentrated over the leg area;  for that reason, they are much easier to put on than other compression socks. They look just like other opaque knee-high socks, and smart enough to wear with most daytime outfits.
I'm grateful to Comfytopia for sending me a sample which I am wearing regularly. I will be buying more so I always have a pair available while the others are being washed or drying out. Hand-washing in cool water and air-drying away from heat are recommended. I would recommend this item for anyone who must stand or sit for long periods, even if you don't normally need compression socks. They are that comfortable.

Compression Leg Sleeves (Bracoo)
Since I am still recovering from a broken leg, the cut of this garment is not the best choice for my swollen ankle and foot, so I have recruited my husband to test and evaluate these support leggings for me. He has been wearing them for exercise sessions targeting the legs, specifically when using an elliptical cross-trainer and Nordic Track skiing machine, and to do squats with weights (they would also be very useful for walking, jogging and running).

 His observations are that these lower leg support sleeves help considerably with endurance, allowing him to exercise longer with increased comfort and, after wearing them for a couple of hours, he actually forgot he had them on.
The leggings I received are Medium size which happens to fit him perfectly (6 foot tall and slim but muscular build). When I tried them on, I also found them to be a very good fit for me (I'm 5'8” and less muscular).

Out of the packaging, they look tiny but stretch in all directions and are easier to put on than compression socks. Since they cling convincingly, it doesn't matter if there is a bit of leg uncovered, they are there to protect the muscle. In terms of aesthetics, they look edgy and make you feel like an elite athlete even if you are not! The fabric is very comfortable and, while keeping your muscles warm, it does not make your skin sweat. The elastic bands, although firm at both ends, leave a surprisingly light mark. They are easy to wash (by hand with mild soap) and air-dry quickly. I received a sample pair from the manufacturer, with no pressure to write a review, however, at this more than competitive price, I am happy to recommend these sleeves to maximise exercise involving the leg muscles while minimising effort-related pain.

Compression Pantyhose Style 1026 (Fytto)
While recovering from a broken leg, I was prescribed compression socks and tights to help control the substantial oedema around my ankle and foot. By coincidence, Comfytopia approached me at this crucial time and sent me a sample pair of their compression pantyhose for evaluation and review. I am delighted to say that their Fytto pantyhose are miles better than the other brand I got.

Size-wise, I am 5'8” and reasonably slim but I always have trouble finding pantyhose long enough for my legs, so I went a size up and got an XL (which fits beautifully and reaches comfortably to my waist).

The material is thick enough that I can pull and stretch it quite forcefully, when I put them on, but they look quite trendy and very similar to opaque stockings. Wearing them is pure bliss, my legs feel great, standing for extended periods is no longer painful and, if they can control the exceptional swelling of a broken leg, I imagine they would be fantastic for everyday wear for anyone with any kind of circulation issue.
They are designed specifically to address poor circulation (whether chronic or aggravated by work conditions) and therefore the compression is uneven on purpose, being greater at the ankle and lower leg and easing upwards. At the end of the thigh portion, the compression ends abruptly, which results in a small bulge before the tummy part becomes elastic again. It's not the most flattering look but (as I discovered) this is the best design to do the job of improving circulation. The extent of the bulge will, naturally, depend on your physique but it's not noticeable under any but the most clinging of materials and, with ordinary winter clothes, it would not be of any consequence.

The Spandex and Nylon blend is warm but I had to wear these in the summer and did not find them too uncomfortable. The black shade is a true black and, with normal hand-washing and drip-drying, it's unchanged. Highly recommended if you need to deal with imperfect circulation and to eliminate the discomfort of what Europeans call “heavy legs”.

Compression Sheer Socks Style 1007 (Fytto)
After the cast came off my broken leg, rehabilitation and physiotherapy were progressing well but I had a real problem managing the massive swelling. My ankle and foot would improve overnight and after rest and elevation, but blood circulation was impaired and I would get a painful oedema if I tried to stand for any length of time.

These socks have given me the freedom to do things that entail standing, such as cooking, without causing me problems. Also the massaging action while walking is really helping the veins regain their elasticity and every morning I see a tiny improvement. Putting the socks on takes a bit of technique but the toe area is quite loose and, once they are on, they are incredibly comfortable and are brilliant at containing the swelling.

I received a sample pair for review and the timing could not have been better. These socks work brilliantly and are very effective in counteracting the problem of poor circulation and swollen ankles, whatever the cause.  I wish I had known about them when I was spending a lot of time on long flights. They are ten times better than other brands I tried.
In this sheer version, they look smart enough to wear with most daytime outfits, especially in the darker shades. The knit is strong and has a trendy opaque look. Although it is 75% nylon and 25% Spandex, it does not make my feet sweat. Hand-washing and air-drying are all the care they need, and mine look brand new and show no sign of snagging or running, after weeks of use. I would strongly recommend this item for anyone who has imperfect circulation and/or must stand or sit for long periods.

Compression Socks Style 1020 (Fytto)
I'm using these compression socks to help along my recovery after breaking my leg. After the cast came off, walking and physiotherapy were going well but I had a hard time dealing with the massive swelling. My ankle and foot would look better in the morning or after rest and elevation, but blood circulation was impaired and standing for any length of time would quickly result in painful oedema.

Putting the socks on takes a bit of strength (I got the Medium size, but Large would fit my shoe size better) but once they are on, they are incredibly comfortable and effective in limiting the swelling to a minimum. These socks have given me the freedom to do things that require a lot of standing, such as cooking, without paying the price. Also the massage which happens when I walk is actually helping the veins regain their elasticity and every morning my leg is a little better.
Comfytopia sent me a sample pair for an unbiased evaluation and review and I am happy to say that I find these socks absolutely great and very effective in counteracting the problem of poor circulation and swollen ankles, whatever the cause. I could see them being invaluable to wear on a long flight as, increasingly, passengers are expected to remain seated the whole time.

Compared to another brand I already had, they are ten times better. They also look smart enough to wear with most daytime outfits, especially the darker colours. The knit is strong and has a trendy opaque look. Although it is 75% nylon and 25% Spandex, it does not make my feet sweat. After several days of continuous wear and a few hand-washes, the socks look brand new and show no sign of snagging or running, despite the pulling required to put them on. I would strongly recommend this item for anyone who requires a bit of help with their circulation and/or must stand or sit for long periods.

Elbow Sleeve PerformBoost (Bracoo)
A new range of support braces aimed at the sports/athletic market, designed in the US by Bracoo. My husband (a former international athlete) and I are among the lucky reviewers who have been asked to test-drive these new items. Over the years we have been active in several sports, primarily swimming, tennis and competitive horse riding, and have undertaken the fitness and muscle-building gym training that is a prerequisite to practice these sports safely. Still, we've had our share of injuries and acquired a diversified collection of bandages and elasticated support wraps.

This new PerformBoost Series are in a class of their own. Even the packaging inspires confidence: a see-through hard plastic box illustrated with a diagram and information about Crossknit Technology, which is a trademark of the Bracoo brand. The user's manual in four languages describes the innovative fabric and design that take this brace to the next level.
My husband's forearm suffered multiple fractures in a jumping fall which left behind a stiffness in the elbow when under pressure, so the flexible support of this brace allows him to do weights and upper body training with confidence. In use, the area was kept warm and blood flow was increased (which is what you want) but there was no sweating, rubbing, irritation or discomfort, and the sleeve stayed in place without constricting his movements. The fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable. It stretches in all directions and feels great on bare skin, but don't underestimate its compression capabilities! The elbow sleeve comes in four sizes (S, M, L and XL) and it's important to measure yourself accurately because, although the compression is very comfortable, the correct size will make it even more so.

My husband is 6' tall and 165 lb and the M seems about right. A great product aimed at those who are physically active, to assist recovery but also to prevent injury when engaged in sports or athletics. Excellent in every way and well worth the reasonable price.

Knee Sleeve PerformanceBoost (Bracoo)
Comfytopia have just released a new range of support braces aimed at the sports/athletic market. My husband (a former international athlete) and I are among the lucky reviewers who were asked to evaluate these new products. Over the years we have practised several sports, primarily swimming, tennis and competitive horse riding, as well as the fitness and muscle-building gym training required to perform safely in these sports. Even so, we've had our share of injuries and acquired a diversified collection of elasticated bandages and braces.

This new PerformBoost Series is a great improvement over the knee braces we've used so far. Even the packaging has an air of quality: a see-through hard plastic box with a diagram and information about the proprietary Crossknit Technology, a trademark of the Bracoo brand. The user's manual in four languages describes the features of the innovative fabric and design, making it clear that this is no ordinary elastic bandage.

My husband tested the knee brace. Twenty-five years of eventing and show jumping have stressed his knee joints and the left one, in particular. He has been wearing this sleeve for squats and when playing tennis, to counteract the torque on his joints. Once on, the brace stays put no matter what you do, it does not cause sweating, rubbing or irritation, although it does warm the area and increase blood flow (as it should).

The fabric, a nylon/Spandex blend, is superbly comfortable against bare skin and the four-way stretch makes it easy to slip this on and off and position it with the knee joint approximately in the middle. The criss-cross pattern really helps with fitting and adjustment.
The knee sleeve is available in five sizes (S, M, L, XL and XXL). It is important to measure yourself accurately because, although the compression is very comfortable, too-small a size would be counter-productive. My husband is 6' tall but has the typical swimmer's legs, long and lean. The M size fits him perfectly but I think an L would have worked as well. So, if in doubt, go up a size for optimal comfort.

A great product aimed at physically active people, to assist recovery but also to prevent injury when engaged in sports, body building or athletics. Excellent in every way and great value for money.
Copyright © Angelica Bentley.  All rights reserved