Smells Horrible - Strong chemical smell
I received this support vest this past Saturday. It was packaged very nicely and was preceded by an email from the vendor. When I opened the package containing the vest, I was overwhelmed by the smell of rubber-like chemical smell. The smell was so strong that it lit up the entire room. I immediately removed it from the house and placed it on an hanger in the garage in an attempt to let it air out. I checked on it Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and it still had a strong smell although less than when I first received it. I tried it on and adjusted the straps as instructed. As some of the previous reviewers indicate, the strap material going under the arm is very uncomfortable (on top of a long sleeved shirt) even when you loosen the straps. This could have been avoided if the manufacturer had lengthened the vest material enough to go under your arms as it is less abrasive.<br />The buckle used for the strap adjustments is also an issue as it presses up against my side.<br /><br />As for the magnets, I feel nothing, and wouldn't have noticed that they are there had I not read reviews concerning whether or not they are authentic. I have not tested them.<br /><br />Today is Wednesday, I decided to wear the vest while working. Again the smell is still very strong and actually gave me a headache and upset my stomach after wearing it at my desk forcing me to open my office door. The shirt I wore yesterday wreaks f the rubber chemical smell. the straps are very uncomfortable no matter how much I adjust it. Overall, the vest does provide decent support, but tends to ride up when you are wearing it. The magnets have no affect whatsoever.<br /><br />I will give it until Saturday to see if the smell dissipates before I return it. It appears that this was a decent design concept at the start, but a failure upon execution due to the poor materials used. I will update on Saturday to let others know whether or not after 7 days the chemical smell has dissipated. I'm unsure why it has such a smell as I have purchased many items that use neoprene and not one including several support belts had this smell when I received them. The fact that it gave me a headache and upset my stomach gives me pause as to whether or not it is safe to wear. (short of sending it over to EPA or FDA to safety evaluation)
Rating: 1 stars