Versaflo belt question

[Jim Walters]

To protect my already damaged lungs, I bought a Versaflo and love it, but no matter how tight I make the belt, it keeps slipping down. My preferancee is to put the weight on my shoulders, so I was considering a backpack, but don't want to impede airflow to the unit. Suspenders? Any ideas are welcome.

 

[Daniel Henry]

In the last month I have put a Versaflo into service and I love it.
Jim, I suffer from some middle age expansion but I have not experience the problem you describe. I do, however, remember 3M offering a backpack arrangement.

 

[Greg Joseph]

If you adjust the backpack correctly, you will hardly notice it.

 

[Jay Peterson]

If you have no hips like me, suspenders are a must have option. However, they keep my pants up as I use a different system not the versaflo.
Jay

 

[Jim Walters]

i see that 3M has both a backpack and suspenders for the versaflo. The shoulder straps for the suspemders appear in the photo like a good backpack strap. Has anyone used the suspenders? Any homemade solutions?

 

[Darryn Achall]

Cobbled together a backpack to try out the concept. Found that I prefer the belt slung low. Having my center of gravity lower when wobbling around the shop in that space suit feels better.

 

[Dean Center]

This topic was discussed a year or two ago, and you might find some additional helpful responses if you do a search.

 

[Ric Williams]

I wound up fabricating my own belt with some 2" webbing, velcro and a quick release buckle. Works a lot better than the 3M belt that came with my system.

 

[Roger Wiegand]

I use the 3M backpack. My anatomy is such that the belt falls down unless cinched really tight, to the point of discomfort. It's not perfect, but it works.

 

[Jim Walters]

I use the 3M backpack. My anatomy is such that the belt falls down unless cinched really tight, to the point of discomfort. It's not perfect, but it works.

We must have anatomical similarities. I'm considering the suspenders which are cheaper and also have wide padded shoulder straps. Living in the warmer climate. I want to minimize layers.

I wound up fabricating my own belt with some 2" webbing, velcro and a quick release buckle. Works a lot better than the 3M belt that came with my system.

Interesting solution. Part of my problem seems to be with how slick the leather belt is. Webbing might keep a grip on clothing rather than sliding down as one moves around the shop.

 

[Doug Freeman]

Part of my problem seems to be with how slick the leather belt is.

This is the type belt I have. Do you have this type of belt or a different one?

 

[Jim Walters]

No, my belt is all leather like the front of the one you picture.

 

[Darryn Achall]

This is the type belt I have. Do you have this type of belt or a different one?

View attachment 51707

This is the same belt I have. It comes standard with the versaflo tr-600 series. I like it better than the backpack. I don't know if it works with the tr-300 blower. If it does, try one!

 

[Jim Walters]

I have the 300 series which is designed to work with this belt

 

[Jim Walters]

I adapted a Milwaukee Padded Suspension Rig that cost less than 1/2 of the best price on the 3m. Very comfortable now.

 

[Josh Molaver]

I adapted a Milwaukee Padded Suspension Rig that cost less than 1/2 of the best price on the 3m. Very comfortable now.

Hey @Jim Walters - would you be willing to share a picture of this configuration? I'm interested in doing something similar.

 

[Dwight R Rutherford]

I am interested in the Milwaukee Padded Suspension Rig also. Picture or link would be helpful.
Thank you

 

[Jim Walters]

I am interested in the Milwaukee Padded Suspension Rig also. Picture or link would be helpful.

The Milwaukee rig has high quality boat snaps to fasten to their tool belt. To keep the blower unit in the center of my back, i cut 2 pieces of webbing and punched a hole to connect to the rig. to keep them separated, a pop rivet from the one layer and into a belt hole does the trick. On the front, a couple of extra holes allow the boat snaps to hold. Here are a couple of pics.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Here is a post in the epic 3M Versaflo M-407 thread from five years ago where I modified a 3M RBE/VST tactical vest to move the 3M BreatheEasy turbo unit from a belt that wouldn’t stay up to the middle of my back where it is much more comfortable and stays in place.