Who is the PressCare G280 designed for?
Weekend running races, cycling tours, multi-day tournaments and training camps: at these venues, a free socket is rarely available in the right place and at the right time. The G280’s built-in lithium-ion battery solves this problem – treatment happens where and when it matters most: directly after exertion. The three operating modes can also be adapted to the time of day: gentler cool-down after reaching the finish, more intensive treatment in the evening.
One important detail is often overlooked: the effect does not come from a single treatment. In a study examining plyometric exertion, the greatest difference appeared 48–72 hours after training, where treatment was continued on the following days. During a three-day competition weekend, it is therefore worth treating yourself every evening and every morning.
After running, the calf and Achilles area are typically the critical points; after cycling, the thigh; after team sports, the back of the thigh. With the Smart Area function, you can choose from 14 chamber combinations: you can activate only the bottom two chambers, only the upper ones or any intermediate section. This means you do not have to run the programme over the whole leg when only one area needs attention – and you can spare the area where you do not currently want pressure.
I write in detail about the relationship between compression and muscle recovery in a separate article, and about use by athletes here.
Office work, a shift behind a counter, a day teaching or working as a hairdresser: they all have one thing in common – the leg muscles hardly pump at all, and fluid collects downwards. This is the most common everyday cause behind the feeling of heaviness, tight ankles and swollen legs in the evening. The G280 targets this mechanical stagnation: the air chambers guide fluid towards the torso, moving from the bottom upwards.
A hot summer day, a long flight or extensive driving – after these, the ankle and foot often become swollen. If the symptom recurs or affects only one side, medical assessment is always needed first, because persistent leg swelling may be caused by a venous, cardiac, kidney or thyroid problem. However, after an assessment, compression therapy can be a pleasant evening routine for swelling related to exertion.
When walking is limited, the muscle pump also works less. Treatment can be carried out while sitting in an armchair, and battery operation means you do not have to sit near a socket. If ease of use is the priority, the G250’s two buttons are more straightforward; the G280 offers three operating modes and Smart Area as well. If you have a chronic condition or take regular medication, it is worth discussing use with your doctor before starting.
The G280 can also be used for home treatment of lymphoedema – sequential, upward-moving compression follows the same principle as lymphatic drainage devices, and the lower settings of 40–60 mmHg are within the range described as effective for lymphatic drainage. Smart Area chamber selection also allows treatment of individual sections.
For arm lymphoedema, do not choose this device, because a arm cuff is not currently available for the PressCare family.
If you are specifically looking for a device for lymphoedema, the Power Q-1000 Premium may be the more capable choice: with a 5–60-minute timer, leg, arm, torso and trouser cuffs, chamber-by-chamber adjustment and protocol memory. You can find all options among the lymphatic drainage devices.
How does intermittent pneumatic compression work?
The principle of compression therapy is simple mechanics. The leg cuff contains five air chambers, one above the other. The device does not inflate them simultaneously, but in sequence, from the bottom upwards: first around the foot and ankle, then the lower leg and finally the thigh. This upward-moving wave guides venous blood and excess fluid between the tissues towards the torso; when the chambers deflate, the area fills again.
In everyday life, this work is done by the calf muscle pump: with every step, contraction of the calf pushes blood upwards. After training, while you are resting, and during prolonged sitting or standing, this pump hardly works – hence the feeling of heavy legs. The device replaces this missing movement mechanically, within a few tens of minutes.
This is not only a theoretical effect. In a measurement-based study, measurably more blood flowed through the calf during sequential compression, and the proportion of oxygen-rich blood was also higher than without treatment. Increased local circulation is the physical basis for recovery use.
The G280 has three operating modes. Gentle activation is milder, with longer pauses – this is the mode to start with and is suitable for a cool-down directly after training. Deep massage is more intensive, for days when your muscles are sore. Combined sequence alternates the two within one treatment, keeping the stimulus varied during a longer session. Pressure can be adjusted between 40 and 180 mmHg in 10 mmHg steps, across 15 settings.
The Smart Area function adds area selection: you can choose from 14 chamber combinations, so you do not have to use all five chambers. For a calf-focused treatment, for example, it is enough to activate the lower chambers.
One important misconception is worth clearing up: higher pressure does not mean better treatment. The setting most often used in sports recovery studies is around 80 mmHg, while research on lymphatic drainage describes the lower range of around 30–60 mmHg as effective. The right setting is one that feels comfortable, is not painful and remains comfortable until the end of treatment.
What does compression therapy offer after training – and what does it not?
“Recovery boots” have moved from elite sport to recreational athletes in recent years. It is worth being clear about what the research shows, because this helps set realistic expectations – and device parameters.
1
The most consistent finding: less muscle soreness and tightness
According to the latest analysis summarising 17 studies, intermittent pneumatic compression applied to the legs produced its clearest measurable effect in reducing the feeling of pain and muscle soreness. This is why athletes return to it: movement starts more easily the next day, and stairs cause less pain.
2
A smaller but measurable effect on muscle function
The same review found a small but measurable advantage for treated groups in the return of muscle performance. It is not a dramatic difference – but where there is little time between two training sessions or races, even a small difference matters.
3
The 20–30-minute setting at around 80 mmHg is the established protocol
The recovery-optimised setting most often used in studies is approximately 20–30 minutes of treatment at around 80 mmHg. The G280 timer runs for up to 30 minutes and pressure can be set up to 180 mmHg – this range is therefore well within the device’s capabilities, not at its limit.
4
The peak effect does not occur on the training day
In a study examining jumping exercise, the greatest difference between the treated and untreated groups appeared 48 to 72 hours after training, where treatment continued on the following days. This is where the battery becomes especially useful: treatment on the second and third days can still take place when you are travelling.
5
What it does not provide: it does not speed up muscle repair itself
This is where honesty matters. Studies have produced mixed results for blood-measured markers of muscle damage, and several studies found no difference. So compression therapy may mean that you feel better and are ready to perform sooner, but it does not speed up the actual repair of muscle fibres. This does not make it worthless – it simply puts it in context: it is a supplementary device, not magic.
6
And what nothing can replace
The three pillars of recovery are sleep, nutrition and fluid replacement, and carefully planned training load. Compression therapy comes fourth, and adds the most when the other three are also in order. No device can make up the difference for an athlete who sleeps poorly or is undernourished.
How to use it – in 6 steps
1
Choose the size
The G280 is available with three leg cuff sizes (S, M and L), and you order the kit with your chosen size. The choice depends on your thigh and ankle circumference and leg length – you will find the exact values in the Configurator section. If your thigh is close to the upper limit, request an extension: the S/M/L extender adds 7 centimetres at the ankle and 9 centimetres at the thigh.
2
Charge it before taking it on the road
The G280 runs from the mains and its built-in lithium-ion battery. If you are leaving for a competition or training camp, charge it before you go – then you will not have to look for a socket at the venue. At home, mains operation is simpler, allowing you to save the battery for your next trip.
3
Put on the leg cuff and connect it
It is easiest to do this while sitting or semi-reclined: open the zip, step into the cuff, pull it up to the top of the thigh and close it again. Thin sports trousers or long socks underneath make treatment more comfortable and protect the cuff. The cuff should lie smoothly on the leg and not crease. Then insert the air hoses into the device connectors.
4
Choose the mode, area and pressure
Start with gentle activation and the lowest setting of 40 mmHg. If this feels comfortable, increase it step by step. For recovery, the established setting is around 80 mmHg – use this as the starting point for fine-tuning up or down. If you want to treat only one section, use the Smart Area function to select the appropriate chamber combination. If you experience numbness, a stabbing sensation or pain, always reduce the pressure.
5
Set the timer and raise your legs
The timer can be set between 10 and 30 minutes in 5-minute steps. For recovery, 20–30 minutes is the established range; 15 minutes is enough for evening relaxation. Keep your legs slightly raised during treatment – even a cushion under the calf makes a difference. The device switches off automatically when the time has elapsed.
6
Use it regularly
A single treatment feels pleasant, but regular use makes the difference. For athletes: after hard training or a competition, include it on the following two or three days as well, because the peak effect occurs around 48–72 hours. For heavy legs: after daily or every-other-day use, assess the results after a few weeks. After treatment, put on your compression stockings if you wear them and take a short walk.
Frequently asked questions about the PressCare G280
The device must not be used in acute deep vein thrombosis or suspected deep vein thrombosis – compression may be dangerous in this situation. After a completed and treated thrombosis, use may begin after approximately 3 months, with the approval of your doctor. There is no single answer for varicose veins either: it depends on the stage and complications, so prior vascular-surgeon or GP assessment is necessary. I write more about the background of varicose veins here.
In a complicated pregnancy (for example, pregnancy-related varicose veins), only with your doctor’s approval. In severe heart failure, this device must not be used with both cuffs simultaneously, because the returned fluid volume places strain on the circulation. If high blood pressure is untreated, the first step is to control the blood pressure before use.
Both have their place. A gentler treatment immediately after training (mode A) is part of the cool-down and feels good for warm muscles. Research shows, however, that the greatest difference occurs in the 48–72-hour window – in other words, treatment on the following day and the day after is at least as important as treatment on the training day. After heavy exertion, you get the most from it by spending 20–30 minutes on it for three or four consecutive days.
No, and it is not intended to. Compression therapy targets circulation and the return of fluid, stretching targets range of movement, a light jog targets metabolism, and massage acts locally on soft tissues. These approaches complement one another. A sequence that works well in practice is: cool-down → shower → compression therapy → relaxed stretching.
Definitely not instead of warming up – the purpose of warming up is to prepare the nervous system and muscles, which passive treatment does not do. In the hours before a competition, while waiting seated, many people do use it to feel lighter, typically with a shorter treatment at lower pressure. Do not try something new for the first time on competition day: fine-tune the setting during training days.
Do not use it during the acute phase of a recent muscle injury, strain, sprain or impact injury – swelling is part of the healing process at this stage, and compression may worsen the situation, especially if bleeding is involved. Your doctor or physiotherapist should determine how and when to return after an injury. Muscle soreness is not an injury: it is a normal response to exertion and the device may be used for it.
Yes, it can be used for this: sequential, upward-moving compression follows the same principle as lymphatic drainage devices, and the lower settings fall within the range described for lymphatic drainage. It may be suitable for mild and moderately severe forms. The Power Q-1000 Premium offers more for this purpose: pressure starting at 30 mmHg (the G280 starts at 40), a 5–60-minute timer for longer lymphatic drainage programmes, separately adjustable pressure for each chamber, stored protocols, and arm, torso and trouser cuffs – an arm cuff is not available for the PressCare range. I write in detail about these conditions on the lymphoedema and lipoedema pages.
Measure three things: the circumference of the thickest part of your thigh, your ankle circumference and the length from the groin to the heel. G280 leg cuffs are 75 cm long in size S (76 cm thigh, 47 cm ankle), 86 cm in size M (80 / 48 cm) and 97 cm in size L (84 / 49 cm). If any of your measurements is close to the upper limit, choose the larger size or an extender – a tight cuff is uncomfortable and is not more effective. You will find the exact table in the Configurator section.
Start with the lowest setting of 40 mmHg and increase it step by step. For sports recovery, the setting most often used in studies is around 80 mmHg; for lymphatic drainage, research describes the range of 30–60 mmHg as effective. 180 mmHg is not “better”, only stronger. The right setting feels firm but remains comfortable throughout – if you become numb, feel stabbing or pressure marks remain, reduce it.
All three models use five air chambers; the differences are in the programmes, pressure range and portability. The G250 is the entry-level model: two operating modes, pressure up to 160 mmHg, no Smart Area – and it runs from the mains only. The G400 is the top model in the range: six programmes, a 10–60-minute timer, pressure up to 220 mmHg and heated foot sections, with a carry bag. The G280 sits between the two as the “mobile” model: battery operation and Smart Area, in a size and weight close to the entry-level model. You will find a detailed comparison in the Comparison section.
Yes, this model is designed for exactly that. The control unit weighs 745 grams and measures 172 × 133 × 71 mm – the battery does not require a larger case; compared with the G250, the difference is only 100 grams. It runs from a built-in lithium-ion battery, so it can be used in a changing room, at a competition venue, training camp or hotel room. The device must not be used while driving – it may be used as a passenger, in a stationary vehicle or while resting.
Yes. A separate 5-chamber abdominal belt is available (125 × 35 cm), with a 40 × 35 cm extender, and it connects to the same control unit. There is no arm cuff in the PressCare range. The leg cuff contains air chambers and hose connectors, so it must not be put in a washing machine: wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before the next use.
This is how your device is configured
You order the PressCare G280 together with the leg cuff size: the package contains the control unit and two leg cuffs of the same size. Three steps and your configuration is ready.
1
Measure your leg
You need three measurements: the circumference of the thickest part of the thigh, the ankle circumference and the length measured from the groin to the heel. Keep the tape measure flat and do not pull it tight. The result may differ in the morning and evening – use the larger value.
2
Choose the size from the table
The values shown represent the cuff’s upper limit. If any of your measurements is close to the limit, move up to the next size. If the length and circumference indicate two different sizes, circumference is decisive.
3
Request an extender if needed
If your thigh or ankle exceeds even the largest size, the S/M/L extender provides 7 cm of additional circumference at the ankle and 9 cm at the thigh. If the abdomen, hips or buttocks are also relevant, the separately orderable 5-chamber abdominal belt connects to the same device.
| Size | Length (groin–heel) | Thigh circumference | Ankle circumference |
| S | 75 cm | up to 76 cm | up to 47 cm |
| M | 86 cm | up to 80 cm | up to 48 cm |
| L | 97 cm | up to 84 cm | up to 49 cm |
| Extender (S/M/L) | – | +9 cm | +7 cm |
| Abdominal belt (5-chamber) | 125 × 35 cm | extender: 40 × 35 cm | |
What does the package contain?
The PressCare G280 arrives as a ready-to-use system: the leg cuffs are included; you only need to choose the size.
- 1 pc PressCare G280 control unit (5 air chambers, 3 operating modes, Smart Area, built-in lithium-ion battery)
- 2 pcs leg cuffs of the same size (S, M or L – according to the version ordered)
- 1 pc mains power supply (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz)
- 1 pc user manual
Separately orderable accessories: extender (S/M/L, +7 cm at the ankle and +9 cm at the thigh) and 5-chamber abdominal belt (125 × 35 cm) for the abdomen, hips and buttocks, with its own 40 × 35 cm extender.
Switch off the control unit and disconnect it from the mains before cleaning. Do not use thinner, petrol, alcohol or aggressive chemicals. The leg cuff contains air chambers and hose connectors, so it cannot be washed or put in a washing machine: wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before the next use.
This is particularly important after training: a cuff worn over sweaty skin develops an odour sooner. Thin sports trousers or long socks underneath solve this problem and also extend the life of the cuff. Release the air before storage and avoid sharp folds. Do not leave the lithium-ion battery completely discharged for months, and avoid prolonged exposure to heat – do not leave the device in a car during summer.
Use the device only with the supplied Globus-brand cuffs and power supply – cuffs from other manufacturers may have a different number of chambers and different connectors. Repairs and battery replacement may only be carried out by a qualified professional or authorised service centre.
Do not leave the device unattended where it is accessible to children or people with limited abilities. During treatment, the cuff must not cover an open wound, fresh scar or skin lesion, and there must be no jewellery or tight strap on the leg beneath which pressure could become trapped. The device must not be used while driving – it may be used as a passenger, in a stationary vehicle or while resting.
PressCare G250, G280 or G400 – which one is right for you?
All three models use five air chambers, so the basic compression principle is the same. The difference is not the number of chambers, but the programmes, adjustment precision, maximum treatment time and whether the device can be taken with you without a socket.
| PressCare G250 | PressCare G280 | PressCare G400 | |
| Number of air chambers | 5 | 5 | 5 (overlapping design) |
| Pressure range | 40–160 mmHg | 40–180 mmHg | 40–220 mmHg |
| Intensity settings | 13 | 15 | 19 |
| Operating modes | 2 (gentle activation, deep massage) | 3 (+ combined sequence) | 6 (LymphoFlow, PulseTone, FlowSculpt, AirSync, calf, thigh) |
| Smart Area chamber selection | none | 14 combinations | 14 combinations |
| Heating | no | no | 2 settings |
| Timer | 10–30 minutes | 10–30 minutes | 10–60 minutes |
| Power supply | mains | mains + Li-ion battery | mains + Li-ion battery |
| Control unit weight | 645 g | 745 g | 1.2 kg |
| Control unit dimensions | 172 × 133 × 71 mm | 172 × 133 × 71 mm | 228 × 155 × 87.5 mm |
| Carry bag included | no | no | yes |
| Leg cuff sizes | S / M / L | S / M / L | S / M / L |
| Abdominal belt (separately orderable) | yes | yes | yes |
| Arm cuff | none | none | none |
The G250 is enough if the device stays at home in one place and your aim is post-training recovery or relief from heavy legs in the evening. The basic recovery protocol – 20–30 minutes at around 80 mmHg – is fully supported, and this is the lightest and easiest-to-use model in the range.
The G280 is the right choice if you want to use it without a socket: in a training bag, changing room, at a competition venue or in a hotel. You also get a third, combined operating mode and Smart Area chamber selection, allowing you to target the calf or thigh separately.
The G400 is for people who need longer and more varied treatment: a 60-minute timer, six programmes (including the longer, slower LymphoFlow), heated foot sections and the finest adjustment across 19 settings. In return, it is a larger and heavier device, supplied with a carry bag.
It is worth keeping one thing clear: a higher maximum pressure is not an advantage in itself. Few people use 220 mmHg in practice, while the established setting in sports recovery studies is around 80 mmHg. The real differences between the models are the programmes, treatment time and portability – not which one presses harder.
If you are specifically looking for a device for lymphoedema, all three PressCare models can be used for it, but the Power Q-1000 Premium is the more capable choice for this task: lower starting pressure, 60-minute programmes, chamber-by-chamber adjustment, protocol memory, and arm, torso and trouser cuffs.
Technical specifications
| Product name | PressCare G280 compression therapy device |
| Number of air chambers | 5 (sequential inflation from the bottom upwards) |
| Pressure range | 40–180 mmHg, in 10 mmHg steps |
| Intensity settings | 15 |
| Operating modes | 3 preset programmes: gentle activation, deep massage, combined sequence |
| Smart Area chamber selection | 14 chamber combinations |
| Timer | 10–30 minutes, in 5-minute steps |
| Power supply | mains, 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, and built-in lithium-ion battery |
| Control unit dimensions | 172 × 133 × 71 mm |
| Control unit weight | 745 g |
| Leg cuff sizes | S: 75 cm length / 76 cm thigh / 47 cm ankle · M: 86 / 80 / 48 cm · L: 97 / 84 / 49 cm |
| Extender (separately orderable) | S/M/L – +7 cm at the ankle, +9 cm at the thigh |
| Abdominal belt (separately orderable) | 5-chamber, 125 × 35 cm; extender: 40 × 35 cm |
When must you NOT use the device?
Pneumatic compression guides fluid towards the torso. Therefore, in the following conditions, treatment must not be used or may only be started with your doctor’s approval:
- Acute deep vein thrombosis or suspected deep vein thrombosis
- Severe heart failure
- Active skin infection in the treated area (erysipelas, cellulitis)
- Severe peripheral arterial disease (arterial narrowing in a limb)
- Untreated high blood pressure
- Active malignant tumour
- The period immediately following surgery
- First trimester of pregnancy and complicated pregnancy
- Open wound, leg ulcer or fresh scar in the treated area
- Acute phase of a recent muscle or ligament injury in the treated limb
- Loss of skin sensation in the treated limb (for example, advanced diabetic neuropathy)
Not sure? Consult your doctor before use.
Important information
The PressCare G280 is a compression therapy (intermittent pneumatic compression) device intended for home use. The manufacturer specifies it for supporting circulation, recovery after physical exertion and relief of heavy-leg sensations. The device carries CE marking. This description is not medical advice, and the device does not replace assessment of leg swelling or circulatory symptoms, diagnosis or treatment recommended by your doctor.
Persistent, recurrent or one-sided leg swelling must always be assessed: it may have a venous, cardiac, kidney or thyroid cause. If swelling develops suddenly and is accompanied by pain, warmth or redness, urgent medical assessment is required. If you have a chronic condition, take regular medication, or have had a thrombosis or vascular surgery, discuss use of the device with your doctor beforehand. Your doctor or physiotherapist should determine how to return after a sports injury. Only a doctor may change existing treatment.
This description is for information only and is not medical advice. Compression therapy is a supplementary procedure and does not replace treatment recommended by your doctor; results may vary between individuals and become assessable with regular use.
