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The original was posted on /r/visionpro by /u/mjdth on 2025-01-21 17:40:18+00:00.
There have been quite a few posts about the new ResMed strap, but I figured I'd still share my thoughts on it after a couple of days. I use the Vision Pro & Mac Virtual Display for 7-8 hours each work day. Probably not healthy, but that's a topic for another post...
How I got the Dual Loop band to be comfortable enough for 7-8 hours of use per day
I previously used Dual Loop band exclusively, and got to the point where most days it was comfortable enough.
However:
- What I had to do was over-tighten the back strap under my occipital ridge (no idea if I'm using that term correctly, basically the curve near the base of the back of your head) so that it would "pull" the Vision Pro upwards and reduce weight & stress on my cheeks.
- Because of this, the device was always a little too tight, and would leave marks on my face. Which I felt was better overall in terms of comfort than the added weight on my cheeks.
- Periodically throughout the day I would have to grab both sides of the strap (by the speakers) and "rotate" the device backwards slightly to reposition it and remove the weight from my cheeks.
This worked fine enough most days. But I did usually take of the VP an hour before seeing anyone else so that I didn't look like I had some kind of weird ski-goggle-sunburn.
Why I bought the ResMed Kontor
Well... it looked exactly like what I needed to improve my comfort, given my setup. While the Dual Loop worked well for me most days, some days I just couldn't get it right. And the ski-goggle-sunburn...
With the ResMed having the 3 adjustable straps, plus the counterweights, I was hoping I could loosen the device on my face while maintaining that balance to pull most of the weight up off my cheeks.
Also, I have a ResMed CPAP and have been happy with the quality of their products. I actually considered rigging up one of those CPAP straps onto my AVP to somehow reduce pressure, but luckily this strap came out first.
Reactions
On opening the box, the materials felt high quality. The strap looks nice enough to pass as an Apple-made product. The included setup video gives helpful instructions, and troubleshooting adjustment tips for removing pressure from specific parts of your face. I felt like the video showed that they did their research on making a comfortable strap design based on the problems presented by the Vision Pro.
The very first thing I noticed when wearing the ResMed strap was that the (Apple-provided) Light Seal Cushion felt softer on my face. As if it suddenly had more padding. But this was only because the light seal was doing a lot less work. It was holding less weight/pressure, and the strap was doing more of the work. After a few days it still feels noticeably cushier to me every time I put on the AVP.
The counterweights are really the star here. They help to balance the device in a way that distributes the weight between the straps on the top of your head, instead of on your face. The only time I notice the weight of the counterweights is when I'm putting on or taking off the headset. It's noticeably heavier in your hands, but I don't notice the weight at all when wearing it. Probably helps that I'm used to heavy objects on my head from playing ice hockey goalie.
Holding the AVP does feel a little more perilous now. Especially if I ever have to hold it by just the frame, since the band now holds so much weight. I could see that causing a problem at a few spots on the strap if done too often. I know we're not supposed to pick up the AVP by just the frame, but sometimes you just gotta do it.
I also have a slight worry that the counterweights could eventually lose their stickiness, as they are only attached by velcro. The ResMed CPAP straps I have slowly lose their velcro stickiness, but those straps are meant to be disposable after a certain period of time. Hopefully this is a different, more durable velcro.
Side Note: I have the Belkin Travel bag and the AVP still fits in there fine with the new strap & counterweights.
Verdict
It's a keeper and it's basically perfect for me. I haven't used the Dual Loop band since getting the ResMed. I look much less ski-goggle-sunburned at the end of the day. I haven't once had the urge to take the AVP off for a break due to facial pressure.
Seems like a complete win, hopefully the materials last long enough to justify the price.
