Tuesday, June 28, 2022

The Benefits Of Seatbelt Protectors Reviewed

I recently bought a seatbelt protector for the first time. It has proved to be a very useful and essential item. It is simply attached around the seatbelt in the car to provide more comfort when driving. It can also be used for any other straps on various bags for extra comfort for our shoulders, neck and chest. 

Seatbelt Protectors



The reason I looked into buying a seatbelt protector is that after having surgery a few months ago I got clearance from my surgeon to resume driving. The nurse did however advise me that because of where the scar is and that the seatbelt cuts across it that I may find it a lot more comfortable with some form of cushioning.

She suggested wrapping a towel or small blanket around the seatbelt to protect my skin and the scar tissue, which I initially thought was a great idea.

However, while this is an inexpensive idea I could not get on with it as it kept slipping and felt very bulky and certainly not a great look either. 

Nevertheless, it was clear that I was going to be uncomfortable for a long time if I drove or was a passenger wearing a seatbelt in the car so I had to find something. Here in the UK it is a legal requirement for all drivers and passengers -with very few exemptions- to wear an individual seatbelt. If we do not wear a seatbelt we can be given a hefty fine and penalty points on our license. 

The hard edges of the seatbelt and the hard material hurt my skin now and where it lies is very close to the scar. I do not like to wear a coat when driving so there is not much buffer of clothing between my skin and the hard seatbelt. 

 So when I found this seatbelt protector it seemed an excellent idea! I chose a fake fur one as I thought it would be the softest option. I wanted it to protect my skin from any chafing or cutting from the seatbelt.  

Seatbelt Protectors
Seatbelt Protector Velcro Fastening Side Up 



Factors To Consider When Buying A Seatbelt Protector


What colours and patterns do you like?
Mine is in grey as I thought it would blend in with my car's decor. However, if you wanted to have some colour or make a statement they do come in different colours and patterns. I have seen many in pink and blue and black and different patterns to suit everyone's taste. There are some fun designs for children as well. 

Decide the right size for you. 
I chose a seatbelt protector that is a little longer than average so mine is 13 inches long, many are around 10 inches. I think in normal circumstances 10 inches would be perfectly good but I just wanted to make sure none of the seatbelt had edges touching my body. Extra long seatbelt protectors are readily available to purchase.

Ease of use. 
You do need to slide the seatbelt protector up and down the seatbelt to get it adjusted to fit in the right place but in my experience, it stays there once positioned. 

The one I have is fastened with velcro. It is very easy to fit as you just pull the strong velcro apart, fit around the seatbelt and seal up the velcro again. It takes no time at all. To take off just unseal the velcro. 

I wear it with the edges of the velcro away from my body but you could wear it either way round.

Fabric composition. 
 I chose fake fur as I wanted the softest possible material. They are warm in winter and cool in summer so time will tell. So far I will say it is very soft and for me makes driving a lot more comfortable. I am not finding it too hot even in this mini heatwave we are currently having. Faux Sheepskin Seatbelt protectors are also available if you like the feel of sheepskin.

You can also buy them in a quilted looking fabric, so if you do not like the look or feel of fake fur or faux sheepskin, this is a good option. All these options can be found in a variety of colours to suit your taste or your car decor. 

Washability.
While they should not need washing all the time, you will want to clean them so it is important to check if it is machine or hand washable.    

Seatbelt Protectors velcro
Velcro Fastening On My Seatbelt Protector 

Seatbelt Protectors Are Comfortable


 As there were two in the pack we fitted the other seatbelt protector one to the passenger seat and my husband has used it as well. He said he wonders why we did not fit them years ago as it makes wearing a seatbelt significantly more comfortable as it provides a cushion between you and the seatbelt hard edges.

I imagine it would also be helpful to fit these for children to make their car journeys safer and more comfortable and encourage them to wear their seatbelts with a fun design.

I think they would be helpful for many people who may find the seatbelt cuts across their necks, shoulders or chest when driving or a passenger. 

Inside Seatbelt Protectors
Inside Of The Seatbelt Protector

There Are Many Uses For Seatbelt Protectors


I bought mine for a very specific reason initially, but now I have it I can see there are many more practical uses for them!

I can see them being very useful and practical protecting us from backpack straps which can often cut in on the shoulders and laptop bags which can cut across the body or shoulders with a laptop and maybe heavier work materials to be carried as well.

Seatbelt protectors may be very handy when carrying baby bags which often have a lot of items inside. They may even be useful when carrying baby close to your body in a baby harness.

Sports bags such as golf bags which can be heavy and awkward would also be more comfortable to move around with a seatbelt protector.

It would be wonderful to make carrying heavy luggage when on holiday easier. Also when we next travel by plane I will take a couple with us for when we wear seatbelts during the flight to make it more comfortable. 

I have even thought of buying another one for my camera bag which has good straps but can cut in when it's around my neck for a while. See The Perfect Camera Strap Cover to Protect Your Neck by Sylvestermouse Cynthia about how to use it on a camera strap.

 Using it on these types of bags will help prevent any strap cutting in on the shoulder, chest, or neck and make carrying heavier or awkward bags more comfortable.

So, in addition to using them for driving and whenever I am a passenger in any vehicle,  I will certainly be using one when we are traveling with bags for day trips or on longer holidays for our luggage. 

Seatbelt protectors are not particularly expensive and in addition to our own personal use, would also make a great and thoughtful gift idea for many people.


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12 comments:

  1. I've heard about these, Raintree Annie, and have often wondered how useful they would be. So your review was very helpful. I often find a seatbelt uncomfortable because I am quite short and the seatbelt hits me uncomfortably on my neck. A soft protector would alleviate that discomfort.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you I am glad you found my review helpful. I think a seatbelt protector would be useful to ease discomfort on your neck when driving.

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  2. I love these seatbelt protectors and I have the fur ones too. I also prefer wearing them with soft side toward me and the velcro on the front. You may remember that I previously reviewed mine to use on a camera strap. They are fabulous! Keeps the strap on my heavy camera from cutting into my neck.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Yes they are great and very comfy! I have included your helpful review about using them on a camera strap. Seatbelt protectors are very useful and versatile items to have :)

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  3. I never thought to use them for the other uses you mentioned as well - good idea, especially for heavy backpacks and sports bags! This is a handy recommendation along with your other suggested uses. I like the material of the one you show here; soft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Until I had one I did not think about all the other uses either! Wish I had got them much earlier in my life! They are wonderful for easing pressure and discomfort on the neck, shoulders and chest. I also like that you can have them in neutral colours or bright and fun designs! Thank you.

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  4. I really like the gray faux fur seatbelt covers you chose. So soft and pretty! These would make a nice gift, too. I love the idea of using them to cover my backpack straps, which always dig into my shoulders. Thanks for another very helpful review!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, the grey colour is lovely and very versatile and super soft! It would be good to cover your backpack straps and many seatbelt protectors do come in a pair. Yes they are great as a gift as you do not need to know sizing and can be used in a variety of ways with bags as well as seatbelts.

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  5. What a great way to make driving more comfortable for anyone. I might have to get some of these for my mother who, with advanced age finds many thing bothering her. Seatbelts is one of them. Thank you for this easy way to make a car ride more enjoyable for everyone! Thanks again Raintree Annie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes they certainly make driving more comfortable on the neck, shoulders and chest. I wish I had got ours years ago! Good for drivers and passengers alike.

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  6. I've seen these advertised before but never paid much attention. I'm so glad that found these to add comfort while you're in the car. I should check these out for Fran, she is short and sometimes the seatbelt bothers her neck. Thanks for the recommendation.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, yes in my experience they certainly enhance comfort. I probably would not have thought of them either had it not been for the surgery, but now we are both glad we have them and wish we had bought them years ago!

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