Chest compression can be dangerous, so we must proceed with abundant caution, especially during this time before an impact study for the FLATstrap has been completed.
euphorm recommends starting slow – wearing the FLATstrap for no more than 45 minutes the first day, and gradually increasing the wear time as one would when transitioning to wearing barefoot shoes or other products that affect posture. This will prevent the muscles involved with upright posture from being overstrained as they strengthen. Don’t overdo it because that is a surefire way to strain your lower back muscles and find yourself very sore in a few days.
Use gentle stretching and massage to your lower back and side body to encourage your muscles as they strengthen. Listen to your body and stop using the garment if you notice persistent discomfort.
Don’t let fatphobia steal your breath!
You will have a better experience with the garment if you breathe into your belly, allowing your diaphragm to expand your lungs downward as biology intended.
Protect the health of the inframammary fold!
The inframammary fold is the skin at the junction between the chest and the lower torso. We are aware that this part of the skin is an important marker for surgeons performing common chest masculinization procedures, and it must be healthy for successful surgery. So far, in testing, we have not found that wearing a FLATstrap affects the inframammary fold. Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that if you wear the flat strap frequently and are considering future surgery, you should regularly check your inframammary fold for signs of stress. If you notice anything concerning, discontinue use of the FLATstrap and consult a dermatologist.
Is the FLATstrap safe for all-day wear?
This is a question that must be studied. Until this is possible, we cannot recommend wearing the flat strap for periods longer than 5 hours. We strongly advise that anyone who is beginning to wear the FLATstrap should follow the protocol laid out in paragraph 2.
What about athletics?
We are very hopeful that this design is compatible with athletic activities, because in test fittings, many people have commented that the FLATstrap feels more like the pressure of a sports bra, and doesn’t seem to restrict their breathing. However, further study is needed to establish safety. So at this time we cannot recommend the FLATstrap for strenuous/athletic activity
What if I fall asleep in it?
Further study is needed to establish if it is safe to sleep in the FLATstrap. For now, we imagine it’s better not to. But we understand that life can be a lot, and sleep happens. To help, we designed the FLATstrap to be removable from most positions. We hope you will at least unclasp the FLATstrap before nodding off. This requires a simple two-hand maneuver at the middle front of the garment and prevents the possibility of problematic pressure around the torso. But it won’t prevent lines from the straps imprinting on your body. Once you’ve unclasped the FLAT strap, it can be removed, even from under other layers, by stringing a shoulder strap through one sleeve and over your hand, then releasing it back up through the sleeve and pulling the entire garment out through the other sleeve.
Help us learn about safety, limits, and impacts
As you may have noticed, euphorm needs testers! Customers who agree to give us thier honest feedback and are interested in participating in an impact study for the FLATstrap.
If you are interested in becoming a tester for our impact study, let us know by choosing the “Yes, I want to share my feedback with euphorm” option when you pre-order your garment.
Garment Care:
Wash cold and hang dry.
Refresh silicone grippers between each wear by wiping the silicone with rubbing alcohol.
Within hygenic reason, avoid overwashing.