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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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.
Other Useful And Interesting Reviews
The Perfect Camera Strap To Protect Your Neck
By SylvesterMouse Cynthia
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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 :)
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteUntil 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.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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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