Seat Belt Relief

Hello ted3

Congratulations on being able to resume driving. Nothing gives as much of a boost to your sense of well-being like being able to return to everyday tasks and pleasures.
I, too, was looking for some protection for both the incision site as well as for the device itself while behind the wheel. And like you, I did not see anything that I thought would do the job on Amazon, etc.
However, I came upon a product, SoftTouch, that is purposely designed for pacemakers and ICDs. I bought two for myself and have recommended the product to many others. I have had my SoftTouch units for 3 years and, while not inexpensive, they are well made, sturdy and easy to use. The placement on the seat belt is adjustable and they are comfortable to wear. Plus they do provide protection for the unit itself in case you are involved in a collision. (A friend of mine was involved in a collision and his pacemaker was dislodged by the force of the seat belt.) They do provide both physical protection and some peace of mind.
The following is a description of the product:

"The patented SoftTouch™ seat belt pad is designed to provide comfort and a level of protection to patients with implanted devices or other medical conditions while wearing a seat belt.
Made with polyurethane and silicone gel and extensively tested at the Transportation Research Center, the unique design and construction of the SoftTouch pad enables the implanted medical device to sit in a free air space, reducing the forces over the region where the device is positioned, and better protecting the driver in the event of an automobile accident.
Discomfort can also occur due to seat belt vibration over the pacemaker implant area. SoftTouch lifts the shoulder belt, like a bridge, over the area of concern, eliminating direct contact between the medical device and shoulder belt while lessening vibration transmission."

And, although not applicable in your situation, they also make protectors for women's bras straps. Again, a really well designed product that is both durable (thinking of washing and drying) as well as unobtrusive to wear.
Further information about the products can be obtained at: information@AboutSoftTouch.com
Hope this information is of some use to you.
All the best.

Thank you I just ordered one. Amazingly not available from Amazon. I ordered from the manufacture Pressure Products. I suspect that I will be using it on a permanent basis. My pacemaker is very visible. I hope it recedes a bit when my healing is done but it will still be pronounced. All the best, Ted

@ted3
What I do is place the seat belt strap below my are put so it goes lower over my chest and not at device level.

I found this really kept the irritation from happening. So much now a habit and don't even think about it.

I see others finding devices to use to help keep the pressure and irritation down and that is good advice. I just like not having the seat belt strap anywhere over my device and not any downward pressure on it.

I was told when I got my first device (I am on #3) to not have any downward pressure on the area.

I am not sure how much the lowering of my seat belt has on safety and how much it would affect belt controlling my body if there was an accident but is probably a half foot below my device rather than right on top of it.

Hi jc76, when searching for a solution to my seat belt dilemma I watched a video on YouTube. In it the guy showed placing the seat belt under the arm. He went on to say that the upper portion of the seat belt (known as the 3 part restraint) keeps you from hitting your head on the dash or steering column in the event of an accident. So in effect the seat belt becomes only a 2 part restraining system just like in the old days when cars came with lap belt seat belts. He also said that wearing a seat belt below the arm is actually illegal in some states. I found this on the web:
Legal Consequences:
Many states have laws requiring seatbelts to be worn properly. While specific wording may vary, wearing the shoulder belt under the arm is generally considered an improper use of the seatbelt and can result in a ticket or fine.

The Soft Touch pad is designed so that it creates a space above the PM so no pressure is applied. Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

All the best
Ted

@ted3
I worried about if where I was wearing it would somehow affect the way the seat belt is suppose to work. Thanks for giving me that information.

When I first did it was right after first surgery. Rather than not wear the seat belt I found I could put under armpit rather than not wear one at all. I am not on my 3rd device and has become a habit. I have a seat belt that has a up down ability and I lower it so it does not pull up toward my arm.

Thanks for information on Soft Touch pad. Sounds like if it creates a space above device would really work as that (pressure and irritation on device) is what you want to avoid.

Where did you get your Soft Touch device at?
Does Amazon sell it?
Can you post or send me a private message when your's arrives and your comments on how well it works?