Medi Big Butler Donning Aid for Larger Sizes –?Men & Women,?Long?47 cm Easy to Use Pull On Handles,?Easy On Leg Compression Stocking Assistance, Unique Design?

The Medi Big Butler Donning Aid (Large) was an absolute revelation for me during my post-surgery recovery. When faced with the challenging task of putting on compression socks independently, this ingenious device transformed what would have been a frustrating struggle into a simple, effortless process. The mechanism works brilliantly—you simply place the compression sock onto the donning aid according to the clear instructions provided, step your foot into the prepared device, and voilà! The compression sock slides on smoothly, with minimal adjustment needed afterward. What would have been a painful and potentially impossible task becomes manageable in seconds. If you're required to wear compression socks for any reason—whether post-surgery, for circulatory issues, or during travel—I cannot emphasize enough how essential this donning aid is. It will save you time, prevent unnecessary discomfort, and ensure you can maintain your independence during recovery. This is one medical accessory that truly delivers on its promise and exceeds expectations in every way.

Takes a few times to get used to this but then it becomes automatic. Makes putting on my compression hose by myself possible.

I have been using compression knee highs just since Oct 2014. When my doc prescribed them, he made it clear that their benefit would be realized only by consistent daily use. And therein lies the rub: these suckers are extremely difficult to put on! It would be difficult enough for someone of a more lithe svelte shape; factor in some excess poundage, with mobility issues due to osteoarthritis, and this is going to be a task nearly impossible to accomplish. Enter contraptions like this one -- intended to help get the tight-fitting socks on. There are a number of different manufacturer models out there; I opted for this one due primarily to the reviews here. I've had it for a couple of months, so I think I can finally write coherently about its use. The good news: It DOES help get the socks on in the morning. What was at least a 20-minute ordeal that left me out of breath and tired is now a 5- to 10-minute ordeal that leaves me out of breath and less tired. Once I get the sock loaded onto the Butler, getting it up my leg goes more smoothly than without it. So it was worth the purchase just for that alone. The bad news: There is a small pamphlet included that contains about 8 pictures that purport to illustrate how to use this. Don't bother -- it won't help. NO WHERE does it tell you how far to push the sock down, etc. I ended up searching Youtube and found several videos that helped quite a lot. They're not perfect, either -- the "actors" demonstrating the device in the "professional" videos are young and slim, and the socks are clearly NOT compression stockings. But at least you'll have a clue as to how to get the socks onto the device. I ordered the "Big Butler" after carefully measuring my leg (actually, my stocking supplier had measured my leg when I ordered my socks -- I used those measurements). My largest calf measured about 1.5" smaller than the max for this unit, so I figured it would be big enough. Maybe it would be - if my calf was perfectly round. But it's more "oval" shaped, so this doesn't exactly fit all that well. I have to "fidget" with it a bit to get the socks up my legs, and even then they tend to get caught on the way due to the shape difference. So there's that. Still, it does help -- so much easier than trying to get the socks on without it. A few lessons learned: 1) When you "load" the sock onto the Butler, wear rubberized gloves. I got a cheap pair of garden gloves with rubber coating on palms and fingers to help with loading and also to help "fidget" the socks as they're going on. This really makes a difference. 2) Load the sock so that almost the entire foot is pushed onto the rounded holder. If you leave too much of the foot "free," you end up with a huge "flabby" piece at your toes. I keep pushing the sock onto the holder under there is barely an indentation left for the toes. This allows the sock to "flow" onto the foot as well as the leg. Worked much better when I figured that out. 3) If your legs are shaped like mine (more oval than round), you WILL have to do some wiggling and "smoothing" with the gloves to get them on smoothly. Some days are better than others for me, and it can take more effort sometimes to get it to work. But keep at it, and you should be able to get them on. I was torn between a 3-star and 4-star rating on this. Given the problems, a 3-star might be in order. But because it really does make the morning ritual of donning the compression socks SO much easier/smoother, even with the problems, I'm opting for 4 stars.

The dimension of the Donner were not given. Only "large" or "small" or some such verbiage. The Donner did not fit my large calves. I tried to return it, but it would have cost over $40. I wasted a lot of time on this foolish Donner. I did not want to throw "good money after bad." A one star is too much for this item. I would give it a zero. I recommend that nobody purchase the item, PERIOD. If a person could visit a store and observe the various sizes, that might prove helpful. Otherwise, totally ignore this product.

Takes a bit of practice to use without assistance, makes putting compression stockings on solo or with arthritic/weakened hands much easier.

I use this device everyday to help me put on my compression/circulation garments. I debated giving this time saving device four stars because it came without instructions, but it works marvelously. I’m fortunate that my physical medicine therapist recommended the Medi Big Butler and practiced with me to learn the proper way to use it. If he had not, I am certain I never would have figured it out. That being said, the Medi Big Butler is a fantastic time saving, anxiety reducing tool. It really is easy to use, once you practice a few times. The Medi Big Butler is well constructed, and holds up nicely to the tugging and pulling that goes along with the putting on of compression garments. If you wear compression hose/socks, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The frame has not lost its shape after weeks of use. I expect it will never weaken— the one I practiced on in the phys med department is years old, and it looks as new as mine. The handle length is more than adequate for me; I am 5’9”. I am happy I have the Medi Big Butler. My morning routine is much less stressful and fifteen minutes shorter thanks to this assistive device.

Purchased for my dad who has large, muscular calves and has a hard time putting on his compression socks. He had a little trouble at first getting accustomed to using it but now uses it every day with zero issues. He has even told his friends about it should they ever need something similar.

November 14 It seems to be okay. I had seen pictures on how to use it online when I bought it. Good thing, too, because it did not have instructions, in fact not even a packing slip in the box. I am still learning how to use it. Fortunately I am still able to get my socks on without help. It does not work quite as easily as I was led to believe by some reviews. Time will tell. December 20. This device does not work for me at all. By the time I get my foot into the sock it is off the rack and barely gets past my heel. This is no help to me at all. So I wasted my money on the big butler.