I researched them a while ago and couldn't find any convincing evidence they're any benefit to healthy people. They're good for pathological conditions.

Recovery boots is the number one addition to my training this year and is a big part of why for the first year in a long time I didn't have a chronic overuse injury arise. It actually lead me to being a little over trained in April and falling performance. In previous year I had always tried recovery boots at a race and the rep always set the pressure way too high for me and I felt like my eyes were bulging out of their sockets. With that being said, I am now hooked, but you don't necessary need to go with Normatec. The Air Relax system is very nice, small and portable, and effective at 1/6 the price.

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I echo some of what Thomas said. I used Normatec a bit in the past and really liked them but couldn't justify the price. Just seemed like a luxury that wouldn't yield a good ROI. I did sometime later come across Podium Legs which is what Thomas linked to. I own them. They are a cheaper version. I used them a lot in the beginning but don't use them near as much now.

Like all recovery aids there is some controversy over whether they interfere with the recovery process by reducing inflammation. I, however, figure that until I see all the ProTour teams selling theirs on EBay, they are probably a net benefit. Your legs will certainly feel less crappy the next day. This probably explains why Thomas found himself over trained.

The Normatec's are by far the nicest. The quality of the construction is so much better than the cheaper alternatives and when I have tried them they seem to be more effective. I bought some of the Sports Pump ones that were about 800$, but if I had the extra cash....

Are they worth it? Only you can decide if they are worth it to you.

I've had mine for about 3 years and use them every day. I do feel they help my legs feel less trashed the next day. I'm currently in them now as I type this. 70 mile ride this morning and have a long run tomorrow. I won't feel the effects of todays ride during tomorrow's run.

People have mentioned they have used them right before workouts and have noticed benefits. Personally have never done this (not enough time for me).

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Depending on your other race/training equipment and financial situation, there is certainly a compelling argument that there are better uses for that money.

Having said that; I bought one last year when I upped my training volume and I love it. I feel like it does improve my recovery, particularly after hard efforts like intervals. How much of that is placebo effect, I don't know. It feels great to use, and it forces me to lay down for a while and just rest.

They also seem to hold their value fairly, if you want to resell it down the road.

I have read on slowtwitch before, and find this myself; sometimes the biggest challenge is just finding the time to use them.

 i had an itu pro stay at my house, who has been finishing top 20 this year. his normatec is laying on his back with legs up on the wall. if you are a desk job monkey with your own office, then normatec makes sense to use during work. as they say, sitting is the new smoking. wish they had these things on air planes

Stay classy.

What setting have you decided on? Was eye bulging working for you?

i used to be one it has ruined my back and eyes. now i do manual labor and love it

I have been using mine for over a year and love it. I've had many workouts where my legs were trashed and 30min in Normatec and legs felt so much better.
If you go to a rev3 event, give them a try and you can get one for around $200-$300 cheaper. Or look on eBay. That where I got mine.

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Purchased mine a year ago (demo model and $500 cheaper than retail price), they are great especially after a hard workout and on weeks when you have a lot of volume. Legs feel fresher the next day after an hour on those. Do they work, yes; are they expensive, yes. I'd say best bet is to get a cheaper demo unit and a only if you plan to have the need for them (long rides over 50-60 miles; long 15+ mile runs). If you're training for Olympic, forget about them and get wheels, training for Half, nice addition, training for full, highly recommended.

I have the air relax as well, my only issue is the zipper digs into my feet as it curls down when inflated. Have you found a fix for this other than wearing socks?

I have not any issues with the zipper cutting in. The legs are a little shorter than the newest Normatec model, prob could be an issue if you are tall.

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wearing mine now. best way to take a nap!

May want to look back at this thread:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...air%20relax#p5896742

Particularly the post by stephanl...some great deals on eBay if you look!

Scott

I actually got these and really like them: https://www.amazon.com/...cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

There are other brands that have the same central system and charge much more. I got the XL boots so that all of my quads were covered and they are awesome. I am 6' and my wife is 5'2" and we both use the XL. Great option. I also tried the Air Relax, but didn't like them as much, quality of the boots were less, powercord was pretty short - but it did have a remote.

used them before and after my IM last Sunday. I am going to tell you this: fresh legs in the morning of the race; and the walking next day was a total non issue because I used them after the race. Work great

YES! (insert long approving post here)

I love mine

Love em and swear by them

Back in the day when I worked as a field medic, we used this device called PASG, which seems like a manual version of a normatec. I think that pneumatic anti shock garments that were used in training are less than $100 on ebay. I wonder if they provide similar benefits.

Has anyone figured out if you can use HSA/FSA dollars for a normatec or similar? It's a "medical device." Anyone tried?

No idea, I know the Air Relax system is cleared as FDA Class II Medical Device. For Normatec they seem to have a device that is specifically labeled as medical device, where as the Normatec system that we see advertised and used is targeted specifically at athletes.

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yes and yes

I bought a Normatec for my wife for her birthday, she says it is one of the best birthday presents ever! I used HSA money to buy it, Normatec was very helpful.

Of course, I think it is a great present as well since I get to use it! :)

I picked up a Devon Circuflow 5100 on ebay with the spaceboots for 65$. Pressure is adjustable & more than I need if I want to ramp up.

My birthday was yesterday & a generous family member bought me the Air Relax system off my Amazon wish list. The timing could not be better because I am in the middle of training for the Chicago Marathon & my run volume has been really high. It's scheduled to be delivered today, so after I use it a few times, I will report back with my review.

That's brilliant! I never would have though to do that. Now you have me thinking of other stuff for triathlon that could qualify for HSA money.

I got the Revitapump on sale. Use it almost everyday. Gives the legs a good flush at night and feel refreshed in the morning. http://www.revitapump.com/

Interested in a pair. Best to go to Amazon? I had already looked at them, have had NT, but wasn't sure how well the AirRelax held up.

TG, interesting on the Revitapump. I've never wanted one of these things until I read what you wrote (and saw the price!). How often do you use it? Almost every day? At night time? I get super sore in my lower legs, and I'm hoping something like this would help.

I use them multiple times a day. I pretty much find all the time I sit at my computer I am in the boots. I also do some other tasks while in the boots as well. I like to use them first thing in the morning to warm-up the joints and muscles, it helps you poop as well. I like do to them before sessions on a light setting, after sessions, and night. I pretty much live in the boots these days. I use them every day without fail. It was funny, I talked to a Normatec 'sponsored athlete' who doesn't even use the product. She quoted that it takes to much effort get into the boots. I think that is crazy.

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Unfortunately, from a years standpoint I can't say, but given how much I use them daily, I can say they are holding up just fine. Ask me again in six months and I will let you know. What happened to your NTs?

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Thanks. That's a good reply. I sold the NTs as I really wasn't using them and as you say, hard to justify the cost. Have to try and find $ for entry fees somewhere! ;-)

I may take a look at these as the price is much more manageable.

Funny, but as one agesI find I spend more on recovery items than new toys.

I've been using my Air Relax since May, 2-3 times a day (meaning 2-3 10 minute sessions) and it's worth every penny. The warranty is 1 year and even if it dies the the first day out out the warranty, it would still be worth it. It has helped my legs recover significantly faster.

You have the Air Relax or the Normatec?

How do they help you poop? Is this like a squaty potty joke?

it takes me about 30 seconds to get in mine--that's turning it on, laying down, boots on and started. it take zero effort

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Fruit snacks are for winners

I have used both systems. They compress your legs, and tend to create a bowel movement, at least for me they do.

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Right, me too. I didn't get it either. That's just my general beef. Why would Normatec, or any sponsor, deal with athletes who don't believe in the product.

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Worth it for me. No doubt about it. I've had better recovery periods post build than I ever had, just make sure to establish a consistent pattern. My legs yell at me when I miss them. Love using them pre-race as well. It very well may be placebo, to which I saty: as long as I believe!

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AV8 | Team Wattie Ink Elite 2019

RE: eligibility of HSA dollars


it is easy to look up the rules. ADP has a good summary if you search for that. any device will qualify, I just bought a compex with mine. I am pretty sure that GPS watch/HRM/fit bit would pass snuff. even your bike trainer. massage is elgible. if you have prescription, your sunglasses are elgible. laser hair removal is elgible. sports nutrition is on the bubble but you could probably get approved, I know for a fact that both ensure and pedialyte are reimbursable if you use those. ditto for health club fees, personal trainer fees, etc.

if you really want to get jiggy with it, you can buy pets as service animals or take lip reading lessons. Christian Scientists can pay for their priests to pray for them since they do not believe in medicine.

in my case, my HSA administrator does not give a shit and does not decline anything. which is as it should be since it is my money and I pay income taxes on it. also know that you can invest your HSA dollars in an IRA.

Normatec works for the older and slower individuals too. Legs feel a lot better after using it. No issues with making me poop.

I used the Nomatec boots religiously for about a year. I wore them for about 30-45 minutes after all medium or hard training sessions. Did they help...yes, a bit. I always find it tough to weigh the effect of any recovery or performance protocol because there are so many variables at play. Unless you can hold everything else constant (diet, sleep, training intensity, volume, etc.), I find it tough to determine the benefit of something that is suppose to provide an incremental benefit. But again, yes I think the legs did feel a bit better. I don't use them as much anymore however because that 30-45 minutes just seemed to add up. Would rather spend that time with the family, sleeping, etc.

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Fwiw, Slowtwitch time = often boots time. I have also taken naps in the boots, and a rem cycle at night in the boots. I think one of the most underappreciated feature of these boots is the fact they can really warm the tendons and muscles first thing in the morning or prior to a workout.

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Bought a pair earlier this summer after trying them at a local 1/2. I think they help with my recovery although it's hard to tell how much. If my legs are sore after a long workout and I have time to get a session in, I do notice they feel better after using the boots.

Has anyone used the hip/lower back attachment?

Yeah, I have it. I use it occasionally, but I don't find it nearly as effective as the boots. I think the majority of people who bought it probably wouldn' end up using it.

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I bought the hip attachment... never used it... and sold it.

Glad my assumption held true for at least one person. I think it has some value, but I would rather see it just target the hips,

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Would it work well for hip flexors or not so much? I get a lot of hip flexor soreness.

In general it is pretty cumbersome to use. I remember when I started using it I was looking around for some basic instructions. The accessory is an after-thought in my opinion. You can't really sit down the same way you can sit on the legs. You almost have to lay flat at a tilt for one thing, and any pressure to work on the hip flexor seems likes it squeezes the kidneys and other parts way harder than feels good. I think the product would have be redesigned somehow with the hips in mind.

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I paid for a TT bike fit with HSA money... then again it was a Physical Therapist doing the fit, so the invoice was from a sports focused PT clinic. :)

Thanks for the input. I was considering buying it. I'll pass on it now.

I really need it most in the upper hamstrings, glutes, and hip flexors. I wonder if the Air Relax system offers something similar to this: http://www.revitapump.com/...ouch_Hose_-_1HP.html

Also, could you order the half pants and hook them up to a cheaper pump?

This is as close as you are going to get in Air Relax system. I wonder if you could pull in down to get cover the hamstrings, glutes, and hip flexors. At $95 it isn't too bad, but IMO, these auxiliary devices are just after-thoughts. To target the glutes and hip flexors I think the system needs to be built from the ground up.

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How does the new black version differ from the older "orange" model?

I used to have a NT Pro system and sold it and only use my Compex now. The active Recovery mode on the compex does a much better job of recovery for me than the NT system did. Plus I can take it anywhere. I've used it some many times on airplanes and in airports when traveling. No way compression boots could do that.

Couple of points, in reply to various posts.

- the NormaTec is an FDA approved medical device. But the Pulse (like the MVP and Pro before it) is/was approved for OTC sale. But the "original" NormaTec system (which is still used and which still requires a prescription and which could - in theory - qualify for DME if you insurance covers it though it's not nearly as portable as the Pulse, among other limitations) http://www.normatecusa.com/ is/was not. *ALL* of these systems share the same patented Peristaltic Pulse "method" (for lack of a better term) of applying pressure to the different cells in the boots/hips/sleeves. So there's no credence to any claim that somehow these other devices are "medical" devices and the NormaTec is not. The basic story of the NormaTec is that it was founder by Dr. Laura Jacobs, who was an MD-PhD physician who specialized in rehabilitative medicine. Some of her patients were athletes. They felt the system was so good that they continued to use it even after their "traditional" rehab (think ACL surgeries and the like) were done. And that's what led to the idea of making a business targeting athletes. A huge obstacle when NormaTec first launched in ~2009 was that you still needed a prescription to get a unit. But don't believe any nonsense about the NormaTec not being "medical grade" or anything like that.

- there *IS* a difference between the various PCD systems out there. The NormaTec system is the only one (unless someone is in violation of their patent) which uses the Peristaltic Pulse, which is basically an increase-pressure/relax in a waveform in each individual cell. Virtually all of the other boots/PCDs on the market just use a progressive pressure - inflate first and to the highest pressure at the feet, then the next cell up the leg, then the next, etc. And then release the whole thing. This is a clear difference in methodology. There is research backing the NormaTec methodology done by Dr. Jacobs. And independent research since then supporting it. You can't simply equate that research to "all PCDs." The other boots are all based on 50+ (WWII-era) technology. For a quick primer - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peristalsis - peristalsis is basically how your muscles function normally, so the idea behind the NormaTec is to (roughly) mimic the natural contraction/relaxation of your muscles, which has a number of benefits.

Anyway, some research:
Dr. Jacobs original research - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22292102
Study showing positive results on BLA clearance - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25756325
One of the really interesting studies showing improved recovery as measured by "pressure to pain" - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24531439

Except for the first, all are linked from NormaTec's own site here: https://www.normatecrecovery.com/...px?cookie=notice#sci

You'll note that all of these are specific to the NormaTec. You cannot equate the results here with another PCD system.

Is the NormaTec "worth it"? Up to you. I've been using it since 2009 and haven't traveled to a race without it since then. I'm typing this reply as I sit it mine pre-IMMT.

But there's no question that it is a unique system within the PCD marketplace. The cheaper options are not the same by any means.

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No idea, but I will look into it. Been a little out of pocket as of late as I was traveling to Timberman. There now but I will circle around with the company next week post Timberman.

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Does anyone know of a Normatec rental place in Australia? Keen to try before I buy.

In your opinion what mode is most beneficial?
And is 15minutes long enough or should you use it more frequent?

I sit in the boots for hours at a time sometimes but I would say the average session is prob about 30 minites

My picks would be Pulse, Air Relax, MVP. The biggest part of that decision is portability for me. The battery option is nice. I have taken these outside and layed in the park. I supposed i could try to Jerry-rig the Air Relax to do so but haven't bothered. This weekend I traveled to a race without checking luggage. I was instructed to bring bedding and towel and i always bring my pillow with as I am a stomach sleeper and need a thin pillow. Needless to say any little space savings count and the Pulse helps to fit as well.

From a boots perspective they are all great, no real preference there.

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lol this whole thread is just "battle of the sponsored people arguing for the particular "recovery" boot that they're sponsored by." Doubtlessly each would be arguing for the other boot if they happened to be sponsored by the other boot's distributor.

BTW did you know you can click the link in my signature to get X% off your purchase of recovery boot Y??? They really work!

I post here perhaps once every five years. I was alerted to this thread, and wanted to share my thoughts and experiences. NormaTec has been a QT2 partner for over four years.

1) The staff people, and professionalism are top notch. They are there to help clients with any needs.

2) They stand behind the quality of their products, and constantly push the envelope to innovate. I've toured their research lab/shop.

3) We coach over 35 PROs and over 50 Kona qualifying age groupers. Almost all of the PROs use NormaTecs daily, and many of our age groupers have them as well.....I can tell you that they believe in the product.

4) For those of you that get often flushing massage, and given current NormaTec price points, you can pay for a pair of NormaTecs to replace the massage work pretty darn quick. The reality is that in a sport where lots of money can be spent to buy performance, I'd put this one toward the top of the list on bang for $$.

-Jesse

Jesse Kropelnicki
QT2 Systems
Founder & Managing Director

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Either you didn't read the thread or your reading comprehension is severely lacking.

Did you review my review, if I could give a Normatec code I would but I don't have one. If they want to give me one that is fine and I will be happy to distribute - at my core I am a consumerist and love helping people save money. With that being said, again both units are amazing - but I am not sponsored by either company. I am still at Timberman and again sitting in the Normatec boots as I speak, for the reasons listed. I have already had the 'attempted silencing' this year a couple of times by sponsors but more or less refuse to listen as I refuse to be a blind shill and only tell one side of a story.

The same conversations come up with me over and over again. As much as you see me on Slowtwitch I try to make myself available to as many conversations as possible in public. Just today I had two separate discussions with 1 age-grouper and 1 pro at Timberman, about what they are doing wrong with their latex setups. In both cases they are using rim tape and not STANS. Now I don't work with STANS or SILCA, but they both make good rim tape. My preference is now SILCA, but I also need to explain why you need, what you need, and how to install. To have the same conversations over again is time consuming and wasteful so when I get enough questions I generally do a write-up so I can just point them somewhere. Forewarning you, I am going to write that one up two and recommend some products. None of which I will have a relationship with.

Fwiw, my Timberman homestay would love a pair of boots. He demo'ed at the Expo and used mine tonight post-race, but the same argument has been listed all along. His wife is not going to let him pay for the cost. Which is fine, there is a great alternative. By all means, buy Normatec, spend the money, but if you can't afford it know there are cheaper alternatives. I love the boots, I wouldn't sit in them hours a day if I didn't. Again I am not sponsored by either company but I recommend both - again, I recommend both. I post regularly on here and I am going to recommend products services that I am both familiar with and a fan of, regardless of whether I am 'sponsored or not. What you want find me doing on here is just popping in every couple of years or just being one-sided. I look forward to recommending products, but if manufacturers what my buy in they aren't going to be writing me a check, they are going to make great products.

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Ok so I reached out to Air Relax and this is what they told me, fwiw the changes seem pretty minor to met:

"It is quite the same in terms of settings and modes. We have adjusted pressure a little.
There is a little more room in the feet area of the cuff, which will let you to pull up the cuff higher to your thighs. The hoses are hidden on the new Air Relax. In addition the direction of the hoses was changed"

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I'm sure they work, I just can't find time to seat additional 30-40min after workout and chill: wife, kid, work, .... After racing and hard workout I put those on: http://www.orthosleeve.com/...ression-leg-sleeves/ they noticeably help, and I can do all my chores in them.

Interesting and read your brief comparison page, may have to look into the Air Relax system. My reaction to the Normatec at a recent race where they demo'd them to finishers... was I wasn't recovered yet and having my legs squeezed wasn't much fun and I wasn't sure if it really made me feel any better or not. Tough to tell after only having used it once, but your endorsement has me rethinking that... I'm an aging(42) triathlete that had some leg issues last year. Rolling seemed to help there and if you put this above rolling... you have my attention. The Normatec is just to $$$ for me.

Thomas, (or anyone else)

What's your impression of the effectiveness of the Normatec "Pulse Massage Pattern" versus the AirRelax modes?:

"A" mode inflates the chambers from the bottom up, one at a time. " B" mode also inflates the chambers from the bottom up, but maintains the pressure in the lowers chambers as it works its way to the top. "C" mode maintains pressure in all chambers at once, and then releases.

I've been using a system with only the "B" mode and am wondering if I'm really "missing" much from what Normatec offers.

Thanks,

Scott

I do not notice a difference between the modes effectiveness. For me I think the big part is just the are squeezing part of the body in a manner that both massages the tissue and heats it a bit. Could there be a difference in effectiveness, sure but I think it would take a lot to study. For me, I do the same as you, although I occasionally mix up the mode on the Air Relax just for change sake and because it is easy to do.

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Compression wear qualifies.

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Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Yes, my wife as able to use flex spending to get ours...she has a vascular issue (external iliac endofibrosis) and got her surgeon to write a prerscription. We paid out of pocket and got reimburse with no issues.

I've used Normatec's and Recovery Boots and own Podium Legs (which were the SAME EXACT THING as Air Recovery) and aside from the pressure of Air Recovery maxing out between Normatec and Recovery Boot (I don't recall which is which) the biggest difference is the short automatic off timer of the Air Relax boots.

I usually use setting B as it feels best, but sometimes I'll opt for A as I guess that technically mimics a massage most closely? As long as I'm not really beat up I max out the pressure (4), but even at my worst I can usually handle setting 3.

Really came here to post that it looks like Air Relax updated their product. LOOKS like larger black boots now being offered.