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

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 was 6 weeks out of open heart surgery when I found out about this. I was getting along fine albeit alot of discomfort with many everyday tasks. Driving was definately one of them. Ive had this a week and I wear it when sleeping and doing chores or driving. The difference is fantastic. I wasnt told by any of the many, many Drs or Nurses Ive seen about this. After getting it I did tell a specialized trauma nurse I know and she said they use them alot for kids and disabled people who can't simply be told or understand how to recover. As with any medical advice, ask your team if its a good thing to try for your situation. As for the product it is very well made and plenty of adjustment to get a very comfortable fit with lots of just right support.

I’m a PT. I ordered this for my husband whose sternum never healed following his quadruple bypass surgery. This has worked to stabilize his sternal movement and improve his comfort when he is moving, mowing, traveling and fishing. It’s discrete enough to be worn under his shirt, lightweight, adjustable and easy for him to put on and take off without help. Great chest protection for the money without the 300% mark-up of most medical centers.

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.

Got this after Open Heart Surgery but ended up returning it. It kept riding up under my chin. It almost needs some kind of belt clip to keep it in position. It was very uncomfortable to wear and was constantly adjusting it.

I broke rib 3 and 4 close to the sternum.. this was the only thing I found that was comfortable to wear all day and I could still breath and felt like I was finally able to start healing…

No matter how I adjust it, it hurts after a few hours. The should buckets rubs against the collar bone and also makes the top of sternum painful due to the pressure. The brace is designed for man, or I shall say for those with no breasts at all. Otherwise it is extremely uncomfortable because the brace compress the chest leaving no room for breasts. DON'T BUY IT IF YOU ARE A WOMAN!

Held my sternum securely post open heart. Made well and I wore over my tee shirt when I started to learn to walk, post surgery, for the initial short walks you start out with. I am almost 5 weeks post op at time of this review and last evening took my first solo walk around our block without the brace and I wish I had worn the brace. The fit and comfort was awesome, very well made and I could see this being used in other applications other than post open heart surgery. Once my sternum is complete in its healing back together, I will end up putting on Market Place for a fraction of the cost just so someone might find it useful.