Adjustment tips to get a comfortable fit and the maximum support from the Apex exosuit

Back and Shoulder Straps:

Begin by adjusting the Shoulder Straps and chest strap so the unit is snug, but comfortable.  The Back and Shoulder Straps sits right below your shirt collar, and the Switch on the left Shoulder Strap will be at or slightly below the level of your collar bone. If the Switch is too far on top of your shoulder the Shoulder Straps are probably too loose and need to be tightened. The chest strap should be adjusted to a comfortable length and height. It can be raised or lowered on the chest by sliding it up or down on the rails of the Shoulder Straps. Once you find the correct height, adjust the strap length accordingly by tightening or loosening the webbing as needed.

Thigh Sleeves:

Put the Thigh Sleeves on each thigh, as high on the thigh as is comfortable, and with the clip in the back centered on the butt cheak. If the Thigh Sleeves are too low, take them off and put them back on the upper portion of your thighs, close to the groin. If they are too loose or too tight adjust them, keeping in mind that it is important to adjust the Thigh Sleeves so they are snug to prevent them from shifting, but they should not be uncomfortable.

Checking Band Length:

Now that the Shoulder Straps and Thigh Sleeves are adjusted, it’s time to make sure the Bands are the correct length.

Bands that are too loose will not engage and provide appropriate support and assistance. If your bands are too long, you can attempt to shorten or tight the back (see below), but most likely you will need to exchange the bands for a shorter set.

Bands that are too short will require a large amount of rope to extend from the clutch, even in a standing position, and they might even interfere with you ability to bend or squat fully. The “sweet spot” for the Band length will not have any tension nor too much slack when standing upright. If the bands are more than a few inches too short, you will need to exchange them for longer bands. If the Bands are only a few inches too short, you can take the Apex off and lengthen the Shoulder Straps in the Back.

Adjusting the Back and Straps to account for Band length:

To do this, undo the three (3) webbing keepers to extend the webbing strips at the top of the Back. Then loosen or detach these webbing strips so you can disconnect the Shoulder Straps from the Back. Next, pull the Shoulder Straps out of the Back the correct amount to achieve the proper Band length, and reconnect the Back and Straps together. Use the yellow stitching and the top of the Back to be sure the Shoulder Straps are level, then reattach and tighten the three (3) webbing strips to the new length and capture any loose webbing in the webbing keepers. Getting this adjustment right is important, and might require a little trial and error.

Band Strength:

The strength of the Apex can also be adjusted by swapping in a stronger or weaker Band. The correct strength will allow you to bend or squat without fighting against the Apex, while still providing the support you need. Gravity and your body weight should do all of the work to get into the bending, squatting or lifting position, and the Apex should help support that position and spring you back up to standing. There are two (2) Band strengths. Strong, and Extra-Strong. Heavier Users, workers who lift heavier loads, and workers who have to hold a bent-over posture for long periods of time might prefer the Extra-Strong Bands. If you are using the Extra-Strong Bands and you feel like you need to fight against the device to bend or lift, it’s probably too strong and you should switch to the Strong Bands. If you are using the Strong Bands and feel like you need more support or assistance, try the Extra-Strong Bands. Contact HeroWear to obtain different Bands if needed.

Good fit is critical:

Make sure to achieve a good fit. The device should be snug. When you stand upright you should not feel any tension in the system, or discomfort. When you bend or squat with the device turned ON, you should feel the support and assistance, but not so much that you feel like you need to work harder to achieve your work postures. The Apex is there to help, not get in the way. If something doesn’t feel right, or if you feel like you are fighting the Apex, there is most likely an adjustment that needs to be made. Take the time to get the adjustments right the first time you wear the Apex. Keep in mind that over time the device might settle on your body, straps might loosen inadvertently, or the Apex might get looser or tighter with different clothing. Take the time to make adjustments before heading out into the workplace because even subtle changes can make a big difference in the feel and function of the Apex.

 

---

---