ORTONYX Sternum and Thorax Support Chest Brace Post Open Heart Surgery Sternum Fractures Rehabilitation / ACHB5255-XXL

I (female in my 40s) bought this ahead of my surgery. I wasn't sure if I would use it all the time, but was certain I would appreciate it when in a car to protect my chest incision. I wore it home from the hospital because the metal stays made me feel safer with a belt across that fragile and tender area. After maybe the second time I took it off, I decided it would be better to just wear it all the time. The comfort level in my healing was noticeably better with the brace on. I feel like it was way better than the heart pillow the hospital gives patients. When even yawning is painful, every bit of structured support that you can find is a blessing. It is very well built. You will need a helper to make the Velcro adjustment easier as it's on the back, but it's so useful. The shoulder straps release easily and have enough structure to keep their after months of 24-7 use. It's a very quality build, seriously. The fabric shows no wear and the Velcro felt doesn't, either. I spot or hand wash when something has spilled on it (once!). I will echo what others have said and recommend that ladies remove the pads on the chest. I believe they are for reshaping that curve to a man's body. It's not the most attractive thing to wear, but I want to heal. I'll worry about looks later. The size was correct. Check the chart. The original of this item is called the Heart - Hugger. It is only sold in the UK through the medical supply that created it. The price point of the Heart - Hugger is $140 plus shipping from the UK. This is less than half that price. I'm very happy with the cost, have recommended it to several people already, and for the algorithm: it works well.

I broke my sternum very badly on April 1 in an auto accident. The fracture is displaced meaning the edges aren’t together. These braces have been life savers for me. I first bought a medium then also bought a small as I am between sizes. This brace has helped stabilize my fracture and gives me something I can cough against if needed.I wear this 24/7 unless bathing or changing clothes and have now for two months.Pros:1) adjustable — the back has Velcro and can be customized for size. Shoulder are also adjustable (see cons).2) the bracing and foam padding are substantial and effective3) I can tighten this down to keep the bone from shifting as I walk so that it functions l like a cast.4) no odor problems even though I’ve had to wear this for over two months now5) if you are tall you should be okay with the shoulder straps—they are super long.Cons:1) shoulder straps are super long. While adjustable they sometimes rub across my skin in the neckline. If the Velcro does this then it sometimes rubs my shoulders/neck but this is an issue that can be addressed with different clothing and is more of an annoyance.2) Pet Hair: as with anything with Velcro: it can get full of debris such as pet hair and lint especially since this is a 24/7 item. Since it is black pet hair is very visible.

My dad was in a car accident where he fractured his sternum. I was looking for something that will help relieve some of the pain when he coughs, laughs or sneezed. It has taken him a couple of days to get use to wearing it but it does give him some relief. It reminds me of a lifeguard vest. It fits snug and supports the chest. The quality of the material is good and works well for my dad. He wears it under his shirt when he's out and about as well as at home.

Nice vest. I had open heart surgery 6 weeks ago.Wish the top strap was bit tighter and/or had adjustable front straps.U can make one overall adjustment from the back.

I tried and returned four other supports before I received this one. I should have ordered this one first. It fits perfectly. Shoulder straps and rib straps easily adjust. The chest pads can be removed for less bulk. This product offers good compression and support without impacting breathing. I ordered this support because of chronic pain at T7-9 (degenerative joint, arthritis, herniated discs, and muscle spasm and intercostal nerve pain). Unfortunately, regular exercise, physical therapy and conservative medical treatment have not eliminated the pain due to a car accident several years ago. It is my hope that this support will enable me to participate in activities (fishing, photography) I enjoy longer and with less pain. I do not intend for this to be used everyday or for long periods of time because that would weaken the muscles. Before using a back or rib support/brace, I recommend talking to your doctor first, and only use it as he/she recommends.

Was looking for something more rigid to enable sleeping on my side without putting pressure on my sternum while it was healing. This did not provide the support I was looking for.

I have two of them that I have been wearing alternately for several months now and they work great!

It fits good and does what it's supposed to do but it's Not comfortable especially in Az heat