In this review, the mechanisms of action of compression therapy are summarized, and a survey of materials is presented, together with some practical advice on how and when these different devices should be applied. Some new experimental findings regarding the optimal dosage (= compression pressure) concerning an improvement of venous hemodynamics and a reduction of oedema are discussed. It is shown that stiff, non-yielding material applied with adequate pressure provides hemodynamically superior effects compared to elastic material and that even relatively low pressures already reduce oedema. Compression over the calf is more important to increase the calf pump function compared to graduated compression. In patients with mixed, arterial-venous ulcers and an ABPI over 0.6 inelastic bandages, not exceeding a sub-bandage pressure of 40 mmHg, may increase the arterial flow and improve venous pumping function. Surprisingly, new effects were found on compression during early pregnancy, reducing nausea and vomiting.