Setting up your recovery boots

Before you begin

• Where: sit or lie somewhere comfortable.
• Space: room to stretch both legs out without pulling or twisting the hoses.
• Power: the controller within easy reach of a power point if it needs one.
• Check the gear: look over the boots, air hoses and controller for any damage before you start.

What to wear

• Lightweight, loose shorts or trousers with no zips.
• Clean socks that cover your feet.
• No jeans, and nothing with bulky zips, buttons, buckles, studs or rough edges. They're uncomfortable and can damage the inside of the boots.

Best: clean socks and lightweight, zip-free shorts or trousers. It keeps things comfortable and hygienic for you, and protects the boots between hires.

Step by step

Step 1: Unpack

Take the boots, controller and air hoses out of the carry bag and lay everything out so you can see each part.

Step 2: Connect the air hoses

Connect the air hoses to the boots and the controller. Push each connection firmly into place, but don't force them.

Step 3: Put the boots on

Sit down first. Open the zips fully and slide each leg into its boot. Get your feet and legs comfortable, and make sure your socks and clothing aren't bunched up.

Step 4: Close the boots

Close the zips slowly. The boots should fit snugly without feeling tight. Don't over-tighten them.

Step 5: Get comfortable

Sit or lie back with both legs supported. Keep the hoses free of kinks and sharp bends, and keep the controller where you can reach it.

Step 6: Power on

Connect the controller to power, switch it on and choose your pressure, session time and program (if it has programs).

Step 7: Start your session

Start on a low, comfortable pressure, especially the first time. The boots inflate and release in sections, working up your legs. That's normal.

Important: the boots should feel snug but comfortable. They should never cause pain, numbness, tingling or too much pressure.

During your session

Relax and let the boots work through their cycle.

You should feel

• Firm but comfortable pressure
• A steady rhythm of squeezing and releasing
• Pressure moving up your legs
• A massage-like squeeze

You should not feel

• Pain or sharp pressure
• Numbness or tingling
• Your circulation being cut off
• Too much heat
• Worrying changes in skin colour

If you feel pain, numbness, tingling or real discomfort, stop the session and take the boots off. Don't fall asleep in them.

How long

Start on a comfortable pressure and turn it up as you get used to it. Higher pressure doesn't mean better recovery.

After your session

1. Stop the program on the controller.
2. Switch the controller off, and unplug it if it's plugged in.
3. Open the boots slowly and take your legs out carefully.
4. Disconnect the hoses if you're packing them away.
5. Wipe the boots inside and out with a clean, dry or slightly damp cloth.
6. Let everything dry completely before packing it away.

Never pack the boots away wet or damp.

Cleaning and care

The boots are shared between customers, so please help us keep them clean. After every use:

• Wipe down the inside, especially where your feet and legs touch.
• Let them air dry before storing.
• No harsh chemicals, bleach or scrubbing products.
• Don't soak the boots or controller, and keep water away from the electrics and connectors.
• Don't spray cleaner straight onto the controller or connectors.

Looking after them

• Don't drag the boots across rough ground.
• Don't stand up or walk while wearing them.
• Keep sharp objects away from them.
• Don't bend, crush or sharply fold the hoses, and don't pull the boots by the hoses or connectors.
• Don't sit on the controller or put heavy things on it.
• Keep them out of the sun and away from heat, and keep them dry.

The zips

• Open and close them slowly and smoothly, and never force a stiff zip.
• If it catches, stop and check no fabric is caught.
• Keep the zip track clean, and never use the zip to force the boot smaller than it's meant to fit.

If a zip gets hard to use, stop and contact us rather than forcing it.

Important safety information

• Recovery boots are for general recovery and relaxation.
• Don't use them if you have a medical condition that compression may not suit, unless you've got medical advice first.
• Stop if you notice unusual pain, numbness, a lot of swelling, skin colour changes or anything else worrying.
• They are not designed to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition.
• Not sure if compression is right for you? Ask a qualified health professional before you use them.

Packing them away

1. Controller off: stop the program and switch it off.
2. Boots off: open the zips fully and take your legs out carefully.
3. Disconnect the hoses from the controller and the boots. Hold the connector, never the hose itself.
4. Clean: wipe the boots down and let them dry completely.
5. Pack carefully: boots, controller, hoses and power cable back into the carry bag, without tightly folding or crushing anything.
6. Check the kit: make sure everything is in the bag before you close it.

Our boots are cleaned and checked between every hire. If anything seems wrong during yours, like a damaged zip, a leaking hose, odd noises, an error message or a controller that isn't working properly, stop using them and call or text us on 020 4143 5144.

About the boots