Any potential issues with wearing compression base layers when diving?

[RedSeaDiver2]

After a lot of searching and research as to the most effective moisture wicking base layers for use under a drysuit in a warm climate I have settled on Under Armor Heat Gear - which is a compression base layer that works best when worn firmly stretched against the skin. Are there any issues (or benefits) from a diving medicine/DCI etc perspective with wearing compression undergarments?

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

After a lot of searching and research as to the most effective moisture wicking base layers for use under a drysuit in a warm climate I have settled on Under Armor Heat Gear - which is a compression base layer that works best when worn firmly stretched against the skin. Are there any issues (or benefits) from a diving medicine/DCI etc perspective with wearing compression undergarments?

In my own limited experience with it, "compression" athletic gear just means that it fits snugly like a wetsuit as opposed to medical compression devices which are designed to help fluids move around. I think you should be fine as long as it's appropriately sized for you.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[RedSeaDiver2]

In my own limited experience with it, "compression" athletic gear just means that it fits snugly like a wetsuit as opposed to medical compression devices which are designed to help fluids move around. I think you should be fine as long as it's appropriately sized for you.

Best regards,
DDM

Cheers. These are probably a little tighter than a wetsuit - if they are tight enough to "help fluids move around" is that a problem?

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Cheers. These are probably a little tighter than a wetsuit - if they are tight enough to "help fluids move around" is that a problem?

If it alters circulation, then in theory it could change the dynamics of on-gassing and off-gassing. There are reports of lymphatic DCS in areas of the body where a wetsuit is excessively constrictive.

 

[BabyLitigator]

Having tried this recently, the bubble of air is much more active with a thinner layer (esp. if the drysuit was fitted for colder water). Just be warned and plan some checkout dives.

 

[mcohen1021]

I wore a waterski drysuit once. Lets just say, it really clamped down in strategic areas and would not release until i surfaced. So I wonder if compression clothing could do the same....

 

[lizardland]

I've used UA compression shorts on longer cave dives because they were good for stopping chafing. I've not had a scrotal bend yet so apparently no issues. The compression isn't really compressing anything. It's a tight fit but not like a drysuit seal or anything so if my suit isn't bending me I doubt my ball hammocks are.

What I would say is I think UA's quality is pretty crap. The stuff I've got is just typical big sports brand sweatshop quality. The underwear wore out surprisingly quick. The material on the t-shirt base layer I have is awful too, it stinks really quickly regardless of what you do. I wouldn't buy again, there are better brands out there.