Abstract: A support hose applicator and method for applying and removing elastic tubular material from a limb of a patient comprises a resiliently expandable support ring having rotatable sidewalls, and a mandrel with elongated sidewalls on which the support ring fits. The hose or tubular material is applied to a patient by first pulling an open end of the hose over the mandrel. The support ring is then placed over the hose and mandrel. The hose is then rolled onto the support ring as the support ring is rolled along the mandrel. The hose is applied to a patient by rolling the support ring along the limb of the patient while holding a free end of the hose in place. The support ring comprises a plurality of ring segments rotatably mounted on a resiliently expandable band that is expandable to make the ring larger.