Compression therapy is advocated for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulceration and the proportion of patients whose ulcers heal appears to be directly related to adherence (Moffatt, 2004). The aim of this study was to examine patients' understanding of adherence, in terms of their own experiences of compression bandage systems. Following full ethical approval, a purposeful sample of 6 participants was recruited to take part in a focus group. Free-flowing conversation was encouraged so that the participants could discuss issues that were important to them, although a series of prompts were available to stimulate the conversation when necessary. Four major themes were identified using a phenomenological approach: frustration with the healthcare system leading to a feeling of complacency with primary healthcare teams; functional limitations leading to adaptation of everyday life situations (e.g. bathing and coping with pain); emotional reactions affecting well-being and body image, and perception of others; and avoidance of transport, shopping and holidays.