LVAD GEAR logo
LVAD GEAR logo

FAQs

About LVAD

They sure are. Designed and sewn with love right here in USA.

I’m Brent and my LVAD was placed in 2012 at age 49. This new addition to my body was the new me and I needed to accommodate it. With my career gone, I focused my energies on making LVAD life easier.

Consulting with physical therapists, a world-class clothing designer, and other LVAD recipients, we developed solutions, such as LVAD clothing to make life easier. Fresh solutions for different activities and lifestyles was one of our primary goals. We found ways to reduce the weight, fit the LVAD to your body, and make daily life easier.

With our new products that you can find here at LVAD Gear, my LVAD life became sustainably simpler. I started my days using a shoulder bag, then switched to a vest when I dressed for the day. Then I used a sleeping belt at night. I also found several innovative methods to easily carry my emergency gear.

Here at LVADGear.com, we are showcasing the products we have developed since 2012. These items were developed with the LVAD user in mind each step of the way. Every day, we strive to make your LVAD life easier. Please feel free to explore the site and pick out items for those you love who live with LVAD each day.

LVADGEAR.com

Making LVAD Life Easier

We address 3 main problems with LVAD life.

Safety: Our life depends on a machine, protecting this machine is a primary concern and stress! Safety, the worry of cables getting caught on door knobs or tugged on by kids, pets, etc. is a constant concern. Having that controller secure so it never gets bumped hard or falls, is something we constantly worry about. Our life depends on it. So the items you can get here at LVADGEAR.com hide the controller in the pockets, using different methods to secure it so it never falls out. Keeping it inside your clothes & LVAD Shirts is a great way to hide and protect it.

Comfort: Our new friend weighs 5-7 pounds and causes consistent neck and back aches. There is no break from it. The LVAD goes every place and does everything with us. I personally worked with hospital physical and occupational therapists to find solutions to the comfort aspects of living with LVAD Shirts.

The goal was to balance the weight and allow for movement. Therapists suggested we tuck batteries in the space directly under the arms, but above the waist. This balances the battery weight and allows for better movement. The elastic shoulder straps we designed for our products reduce the weight of the LVAD  and continuous shock to the body from the weight hanging on the shoulders with no give.

Appearance: We want to live a normal life, go places, and do things in public without everyone looking at us and asking questions. We want a normal life. We made sure each piece of LVAD gear we created allowed the wearer & LVAD Shirts to look as normal as possible, while still maintaining safety and comfort.

Everyone has a different lifestyle, there is no one solution that is perfect for everyone. Thus, we have an assortment of items to fit different lifestyles and activities. Sitting at home, going out for dinner, golfing, walking, and working all require different solutions. I found the use of different products to accommodate what I was doing was the best solution. There are times when appearance is important, and times when you just want to be comfortable. So, we make different products for different activities. Even sleeping!

 

Make LVAD Life, the best years of your life!

Each LVAD life recipient now has a new appreciation for living life. Let’s give them the tools they need to really enjoy it. Let’s reduce their stress, hide it so they feel normal, and relieve that neck and back discomfort.

For Family, Friends, and New LVAD Life recipients

LVAD is an acronym for Left Ventricular Assist Device. It is a pump that is installed next to your heart. They cut a hole in the bottom of your left ventricle and pump the blood back up to your Aorta. The pump provides the power to circulate blood to the whole body, because your heart didn’t have the strength to do it. For most of us, getting our LVAD was a choice of live or die. We were faced with a choice of live a few weeks or months as we were, or get an LVAD. It’s an emotional journey, and often, the toughest thing we have ever been faced with. At the time we made that choice, we were focused on these two options, not the other aspects of living with an LVAD.

Soon after we received our LVAD, we learn of the responsibilities associated with the LVAD life & LVAD Shirts. Responsibilities, along with stress, pain, and looking like a medical experiment, are all things we hadn’t considered in our decision. Sure, the hospital covers all these, but the reality doesn’t set in until you get home. This is something that scares most recipients, even though it may never be spoken.

So, now the LVAD recipient is at home with either a bag or harness-type thing to carry their equipment. The bag pulls on the neck and creates neck and back aches. The harness leaves everything exposed for everyone to see, plus it’s uncomfortable to get into. It also creates back aches. Going out in public is uncomfortable, not to mention we hurt in a million places. Despite these things, we are happy to be alive, and soon we will be walking and doing things we hadn’t been able to do for years.

Product Info

Not at all. It looks like a regular Under shirt or tank top you can easily

layer it with regular clothes. You could walk into a restaurant and no

one would know you're wearing medical gear.

Nope. We’ve placed them to balance weight evenly—no weird pulling
or sagging. It is made from a spandex blend that retains its shape

Absolutely. Most customers say they forget they’re even wearing
LVAD gear after a while.

They’re designed to carry the weight for you. You’ll feel lighter than when wearing an external holster or shoulder bag. The spandex fabric absorbs the weight and the shock to the body when walking.

Our tank tops and lightweight Shirts are super breathable—perfect for summer.

Totally. They’re warm, roomy enough for layering, and still hold everything securely. Wear them as a shirt or a light jacket over your other clothes. The plaid pattern helps hide the outlnes of your equipment making it virtually undetectable.

Just take out your device, close pockets, and throw it in the machine on gentle. Easy. Washing instructions are different for different items. Everything should come with a care label. With regards to shirts the tag inside the shirt has washing instructions. Wash in cold water gentle cycle, do not use dryer or iron. Heat breaks down the spandex.

Yes! A lot of our customers use the tanks and shorts as PJs. Super soft and zero tangles. Additionally we have sleeping belt for more comfy sleep and security.

We’ve tested sizing with most common LVAD systems. Got a question about yours? Just reach out—we’ll guide you. All of our products are made to accommodate the Heartmate 2 and 3 LVAD’s. If you have a Heart Ware LVAD or another brand just reach out…..

Yes, with built-in, secure pockets for all three components.

Nope. Our designs include smart cable routing so nothing dangles or snags. Everything is kept inside your outer layer of clothing for safety and concealment

They’re made by LVAD users, for LVAD users. They are engineered and designed using the newest technological advances in Fabric and clothing design. Your equipment will feel lighter, you will notice less fatigue on your entire body at the end of the day. Built for Safety, Comfort and concealment

Yes. Everything’s low-profile and layers easily.

We sure do. We believe every body deserves comfortable gear.

Yes. We add light lining to protect your devices and keep things feeling soft. Pockets lined or padded. Currently on shirts and tanks they are made of a breathable material that lets the heat out. The thicker material hides the corners and edges of the batteries to make it less noticeable. The cotton twill or mesh vests are not lined or padded. The elastic bands across the shoulders absorb the weight

Not at all. We use soft cotton blends and breathable mesh or spandex —no irritation. (almost nothing is a cotton blend. Most our polyester/spandex mix or nylon/spandex mix.)

Absolutely. They’re made for movement. Walking, driving, errands—they stay in place. You can Check out workout belt, and active pack.

Yes! We design everything to be stylish and discreet enough for daily life.

Totally. Our system makes it easy to move your device from one shirt or bag to another.

They're water-resistant. Great for light rain or splashes. For downpours, grab an umbrella.

Sometimes! Shirts, belts, and bags can be paired up. Watch out for bundles and new launch items

Yes. Everything you need—controller, batteries, and cord routing—is built in.

Yes, fully. We know every body is different, so we make our belts flexible and easy to wear.

Nope. We use stretch fabrics and smart stitching to keep everything in its proper place.

You can. Some folks use them in clinics for more comfort and privacy.

Nope. The fabric is breathable, and we’ve left space around the pocket for airflow.

Yes. Many of our pieces include loops or covers that keep the driveline from pulling or catching. Your safety is our 1 st concern!

We use a combo, depending on the item. Everything is tested for ease of use—even one-handed.

Yes! Every design keeps your controller within reach without needing to dig or fumble.

Definitely. Our gear is for everyone living with an LVAD.

Only if they know what to look for. Most folks just think it’s a cool vest or athletic shirt.

We’ve got basics like black, grey, and navy—and some seasonal colors too!

Yes. We reinforce stitching so nothing sags or tears with time.

Yes, to all three. We build comfort into every move you make.

Absolutely. Easy-on designs make dressing solo a breeze.

Nope. But if someone does help, they’ll find it just as easy to work with.

On some items—yes! Our bags often include extra space for small personal items.

Yes. Our cable routing reduces tension and stops pulling on the driveline.

Yes, but we recommend letting TSA know you have a medical device. The clothes won’t set off alarms themselves. (Absolutely need to check on this with an LVAD Doctor or several. I was told to never walk through airport security equipment Do not let them use the wand on you either. It can reset the settings on a defibrillator that many of our Customers wear.

Nope. Just wash on gentle and skip the dryer to make it last longer different products have different instructions; Wash on cold or look inside each item for special washing instructions. Never Iron! Heat breaks down the spandex.

Yes. That’s part of our mission CONCEALMENT. You deserve to feel good in what you wear.

We’ve got both covered—our collection includes everyday basics and streetwear-inspired pieces specially Flannels.

We’re always exploring new materials. Keep an eye on upcoming launches!

Order & Shipping

We ship quick like next day or same day. Most orders head out within 2–4 business days.

Yes, Shipping is free on all orders over $40 in US.

Yes, 

All efforts are made to keep every item in stock so it can ship the following day.  Orders are received, checked for availability, and then order confirmation is sent.  If an item is out of stock, it will be explained with an estimated shipping time in the order acknowledgment.  Most items are shipped the day following the order, and then a shipping acknowledgment will be sent along with the tracking number.  Most items are shipped by priority mail with the US postal service.  International shipping is sent first class mail.  There are additional charges for international shipping.  If there are any questions, please contact us at [email protected].


Return & Exchange

No stress—we offer easy exchanges. Just let us know.

That’s okay. We’ll be here when you need new gear or want to try something different.

Discounts & Gifts

Yes! They're perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because the user will have an idea of what they need most.

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Warranty

Yes. We use durable fabrics and reinforced seams. It’s made to keep up with you.

Contact Info

Right here! Email us at [email protected] or message us through our contact page. We’re real people, ready to help.

Please do! Your voice helps others find comfort and support. We are also offering special Discounts for the Customers.

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