Last Updated: 17/09/2026
Important: PectusConnectUs designs and manufactures custom-made orthotic devices. We are not doctors, and we are not a hospital, clinic or healthcare provider. Use every Device only on the recommendation and under the ongoing supervision of a qualified doctor. These warnings apply to all our Devices and to the exercise programme in our App.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
About PectusConnectUs Devices
How your Device is made
Every Device is made for one person, based on:
- the photos, videos and measurements you send us
- a 3D model of your chest that we create from them
- the design you approve after watching your personal preview video
Your responsibility: the fit and effectiveness of the Device depend on accurate, clear and complete photos, videos and measurements. Please follow our guide carefully.
Components and materials
Vacuum Bell
- Bell core: 3D-printed PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
- Sealing flaps: silicone
- Integrated one-way valve
- Connection hose with vacuum pump
Soft Brace
- Base: neoprene
- Structural plates: PETG
- Connectors: metal
- Compression: rubber bands
Hard Brace
- Frame: stainless steel bar
- Structural plates: PETG
- Padding: polyurethane foam
- Fastening: ladder straps with lever buckles
Medical supervision is required
You must:
- be examined by a qualified doctor before using any Device
- obtain your doctor’s written recommendation for orthotic treatment (we may ask to see it before production)
- use the Device only under ongoing medical supervision
- follow all instructions from your doctor
- attend regular medical check-ups, typically every 1–3 months
- report any complication to your doctor immediately
We do not:
- diagnose conditions or give medical advice
- decide whether treatment is medically suitable for you
- monitor your medical condition
Progress photos and the App
We ask you to upload progress photos through our App every month. We use them to check the fit and function of your Device and to track correction. We do not use them to diagnose, assess complications or give medical advice. The App’s coaching and exercise programme is not medical supervision.
Tell us too
If you are injured, or your Device breaks or behaves unexpectedly, contact your doctor first and then tell us at pectusconnectus@gmail.com. As the manufacturer, we need to check the Device and, where the law requires, report the incident to the authorities.
Your role and ours
What we are responsible for: designing and making your Device to your approved specifications, with satisfactory quality and clear instructions. Our Fit Guarantee and warranties are set out in our Return, Refund & Warranty Policy.
What your doctor is responsible for: deciding whether treatment is suitable for you, choosing the treatment plan, and monitoring your health.
What you are responsible for: providing accurate photos and measurements, following these instructions and your doctor’s advice, inspecting the Device before each use, and seeking medical help when needed.
No guaranteed results: results depend on age, chest wall flexibility, the type and severity of the deformity, and consistent use. We cannot promise a specific degree of correction, timeline or cosmetic result.
Fit and your information: fit depends on the photos, videos and measurements you provide. We are not responsible for fit problems caused by inaccurate information, by not following our measurement guide, or by changes in your body after measurement.
Nothing in this document limits our liability where the law does not allow it, including for death or personal injury caused by our negligence.
Vacuum Bell
How to use it
Applying:
- Place the bell on your chest over the pectus area.
- Make sure the silicone flaps seal against your skin.
- Use the pump to create negative pressure gradually.
- Pump only until the sternum lifts to the level agreed with your doctor.
- Watch the pressure gauge throughout.
Removing:
- Slide a finger under the silicone flap to break the seal.
- Let air in gradually.
- Remove the bell once the pressure has equalised.
Never pull or force the bell off while it is under vacuum.
Do not use a Vacuum Bell if you have any of these conditions
- Skeletal conditions
- osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
- osteoporosis
- any condition affecting bone strength
- a history of spontaneous fractures
- Vascular conditions
- Marfan syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- aneurysm
- any vascular disease or fragility
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Blood clotting disorders
- thrombopathy
- haemophilia
- any other clotting disorder
- use of blood-thinning medication (ask your doctor)
- Other conditions
- skin infection in the treatment area
- open wounds or recent surgical incisions on the chest
- serious heart conditions (ask your cardiologist)
- breathing conditions that chest pressure may affect
Critical safety warnings
Reduced ribcage firmness: the Vacuum Bell may temporarily make the ribcage less firm. Throughout treatment, avoid anything that puts heavy stress on or causes impact to the chest, such as boxing, wrestling, rugby, martial arts and other contact sports.
Never use the Vacuum Bell:
- within 24 hours after scuba diving
- during air travel or rapid altitude changes
- in pressurised or depressurised environments
- while driving or operating machinery
- while swimming or in water
- on open wounds
- during or shortly after surgery
Age and body considerations:
- Older users: higher risk of rib or sternum fracture — medical clearance is essential.
- Very young children: use only under the supervision of a paediatric specialist.
- Strong chest muscles: may affect the seal and the result.
- Chest hair: may prevent a proper seal; trimming may be needed.
Side effects
Seek medical attention immediately if:
- dark or black bruising appears
- you develop severe chest pain
- you have difficulty breathing
- pain continues after removing the bell
- you notice signs of infection (fever, warmth, discharge)
- rib or sternum pain suggests a possible fracture
- any other alarming or unexpected symptom appears
Common side effects and how to reduce them:
- Dizziness at the start of treatment
- Lie down when applying the bell and pump slowly.
- Stand up carefully afterwards; sit down at once if you feel dizzy.
- If it continues, stop using the bell and see your doctor.
- Bruising (haematoma)
- Red, purple or blue marks under the bell, caused by the reaction of small blood vessels to vacuum.
- Reduce with lower pressure and shorter sessions.
- Light bruising is common; dark or black bruising needs medical attention.
- Ask your doctor about suitable skin care.
- Skin darkening (hyperpigmentation)
- Brown or darker skin in the treatment area, caused by repeated vacuum pressure.
- It may last during treatment and usually fades gradually afterwards.
- Reduce with appropriate pressure and shorter initial sessions.
- Ask your doctor about suitable skin care.
- Muscle soreness and chest discomfort
- Caused by stretching of the chest wall and the muscles between the ribs.
- Increase pressure gradually; a few days’ rest may be needed.
- Take pain relief only if your doctor recommends it; see your doctor if it is severe or persistent.
- Temporary back discomfort
- Caused by changes in posture as the chest wall lifts.
- Use shorter sessions and increase pressure gradually; gentle stretching may help.
- Red or purple skin under the bell (petechiae)
- Caused by temporary blood pooling under vacuum.
- Remove the bell after 15–20 minutes and wait several minutes before reapplying.
- Use lower pressure.
- Pinpoint blood spots on the skin
- Caused by small capillaries breaking under vacuum.
- Use lower pressure and shorter sessions; if extensive, see your doctor.
- Skin swelling (oedema)
- Caused by fluid collecting in the tissue; usually settles within hours.
- Use shorter sessions and lower pressure.
- Scraped or broken skin
- Usually at the edges of the bell, from friction or excessive pressure during movement.
- Stop all treatment immediately and wait until the skin has fully healed.
- Using the bell on damaged skin causes bleeding and may lead to infection.
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Caused by pressure on nerves or changes in circulation.
- Use lower pressure and shorter sessions; if it persists after removal, see your doctor.
- Nipple irritation
- Place the bell so it fully covers one nipple and leaves the other uncovered, or so it avoids both.
- Never let the edge of the bell cross a nipple.
- Breast tissue enlargement in males (gynaecomastia)
- Reported in adolescent and young adult males, possibly from repeated nipple stimulation.
- Seek medical attention promptly; treatment may need to pause.
- Position the bell to minimise nipple contact.
- Respiratory symptoms (rare)
- Keep your upper body warm during treatment and avoid cold.
- If you develop fever or breathing symptoms, stop using the bell and see your doctor.
Best practice
When to use it:
- ideally before sleep
- after physical activity rather than before
- not immediately before strenuous exercise
Increasing pressure:
- Start with the lowest pressure that gives a slight lift.
- Increase gradually over days and weeks, never within a single session.
- Taking 2–4 weeks to reach full pressure is normal and recommended.
- Avoid sudden changes in pressure.
Session length:
- Start with 15–30 minutes.
- Increase gradually to the duration your doctor recommends (often 1–3 hours for adults).
- Pain means the pressure or duration is too high.
- Regular use matters more than long single sessions.
Care: inspect the bell before every use, check that the valve works, and clean it as described in Cleaning and care below. Do not use a damaged bell.
Soft Brace and Hard Brace
How to use them
Soft Brace:
- Position the neoprene base over the treatment area.
- Attach the plates.
- Increase compression gradually with the rubber bands.
- Bend the connector only as shown in our instructions.
Hard Brace:
- Position the stainless steel bar correctly on your torso.
- Make sure the foam pads sit comfortably against your skin.
- Tighten the ladder straps with the lever buckles.
- Follow your doctor’s adjustment instructions.
Do not over-tighten or apply strong pressure at the start.
The first weeks
- Some discomfort in the first days and weeks is normal.
- Increase compression gradually — never rush.
- Follow your wearing schedule exactly.
- Your body needs time to adapt; patience is essential for safe correction.
Side effects
Seek medical attention immediately if:
- you have severe, constant pain
- you feel numbness or lose sensation
- your skin breaks down or an open wound develops
- you notice signs of infection
- breathing becomes restricted or difficult
- any other alarming symptom appears
Common side effects and how to reduce them:
- Skin rash (very common)
- Red, irritated skin under pressure areas, caused by friction, pressure and moisture.
- It usually improves within a few months as the skin adapts.
- Keep your skin clean and dry, and wear breathable clothing underneath if recommended; see your doctor if it is severe.
- Skin darkening (common)
- Brown or darker skin in pressure areas, caused by compression.
- It may last during treatment and usually fades over several months afterwards.
- Make sure the brace fits, avoid over-tightening and adjust gradually.
- Ask your doctor about suitable skin care.
- Pressure points and discomfort
- Mild to moderate discomfort after adjustments is common.
- Increase pressure very gradually; take pain relief only if your doctor recommends it.
- Persistent severe pain needs medical assessment and possibly a fit check.
- Pain from too much pressure
- Severe pain means the brace is too tight.
- Loosen it immediately and do not continue until it is properly adjusted.
- Muscle tiredness
- Mild tiredness is normal as your posture and muscles adapt.
- It usually improves with use; gentle stretching may help.
Wearing guidelines
Consistency is key:
- Results depend heavily on consistent wearing.
- Chest wall flexibility matters more than the severity of the deformity.
- The first phase may require 20–23 hours a day, with breaks for showering.
- Wearing time is reduced gradually as the correction stabilises.
- Never stop treatment without your doctor’s advice — the deformity can return.
Activities:
- Follow your doctor’s activity advice.
- Contact sports usually require removing the brace.
- Remove the brace for swimming and bathing.
- Discuss school sport with your doctor.
- You may need to wear the brace while sleeping at first.
Hygiene and care:
- Keep the skin under the brace clean and dry.
- Remove the brace to shower or bathe, and let your skin breathe during breaks.
- Clean the brace regularly as described below.
- Check all parts regularly for wear, cracks or damage, and tell us about any damage — do not use a damaged brace.
Adjusting your brace
Only make the adjustments shown in our instructions and videos: tightening straps, adjusting the rubber bands and, for the Soft Brace, bending the connector as shown. Do not cut, heat, drill or otherwise alter the steel bar, PETG plates or any other part, and do not replace parts with non-PectusConnectUs parts. Contact us for any other change.
Age considerations
Children and teenagers:
- Growth may require brace adjustments or a new brace.
- Parents and guardians must make sure the brace is worn as prescribed.
- Regular monitoring of growth and correction is essential.
- A more flexible chest wall usually makes treatment more effective.
Adults:
- Correction usually takes longer, because the chest wall is less flexible.
- Longer daily wearing times may be needed.
- Success is possible but requires commitment and patience.
Exercise programme (App)
Before you start: show the exercise programme to your doctor or physiotherapist and ask whether it is suitable for you.
While exercising:
- Warm up first and increase intensity gradually.
- Follow the instructions and videos exactly; do not add weights unless the programme says so.
- Wear or remove the Device during exercise only as the programme instructs.
- Children and teenagers should exercise with an adult nearby.
Stop immediately and seek medical help if you have: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, palpitations, or sharp or persistent pain.
Do not exercise: during illness or fever, after a recent injury or surgery, or if your doctor has told you not to.
What to expect from treatment
Realistic expectations
We cannot guarantee any treatment result. Results vary with:
- age and chest wall flexibility
- the type and severity of the deformity
- consistent use of the Device
- individual anatomy
- proper medical supervision
Some people see results within months; others need years. Partial correction is possible even when full correction is not.
How correction progresses
- Correction happens gradually over a long period.
- Some regression right after removing the Device is normal.
- Daily use over many months is usually needed.
- The correction stabilises over time; progress is measured in weeks and months, not days.
What affects success
Things you can influence: consistent use as prescribed, following medical advice, correct application and pressure, patience, general health and fitness, and attending check-ups.
Things you cannot influence: natural chest wall flexibility (which decreases with age), skeletal maturity, connective tissue properties, genetics, and the severity of the original deformity.
Monitoring your progress
Monthly progress photos: upload them through the App on schedule. They are used only to check the fit and function of your Device and track correction, not for diagnosis or medical advice. Note any concerns for your doctor.
Medical check-ups: your doctor should review your progress regularly (typically every 1–3 months), check for complications and adjust your treatment plan.
Contact your doctor if you have:
- severe or persistent pain
- signs of infection or skin breakdown
- breathing difficulties
- unexpected physical changes
- emotional distress related to treatment
- any concern about safety or about continuing treatment
Wellbeing
Long treatment can be demanding. Body image concerns are valid, and frustration with slow progress is normal. Support from family, friends or professionals can help, and it is worth talking openly with your doctor about any difficulty keeping up with treatment.
Device safety and maintenance
Check before every use
Vacuum Bell:
- PETG core: no cracks or damage
- silicone flaps: no tears, brittleness or wear
- valve: works properly
- hose: no leaks or damage
- pressure gauge: reads correctly
- pump: creates and holds vacuum
Braces:
- steel bar and PETG plates: no cracks or damage
- metal connectors: secure and intact
- rubber bands: not worn or overstretched
- foam pads: intact and correctly positioned
- neoprene: no tears or heavy wear
- straps and buckles: work properly
Do not use a Device if any part is damaged. Contact us for replacement parts; see our Return, Refund & Warranty Policy.
Cleaning and care
Vacuum Bell:
- Wipe the PETG core and silicone flaps with a soft, damp cloth, using mild soap and water.
- Do not let water or dust into the valve.
- Do not use harsh chemicals.
- Do not submerge the pump or pressure gauge.
Braces:
- Wipe hard surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Clean foam pads gently and let them dry completely.
- Do not machine wash.
Storage
- Store Devices in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight (UV light damages the materials).
- Avoid extreme temperatures — for example, do not leave a Device in a hot car.
- Protect Devices from physical damage.
- Keep them away from pets and young children when not in use.
When to stop and get help
Stop using the Device and call your local emergency number if you have:
- severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
- signs of a heart problem
- severe bleeding
- loss of consciousness
- a severe allergic reaction
Stop using the Device and see a doctor promptly if you have:
- dark or black bruising that does not fade
- open wounds or skin breakdown
- signs of infection (fever, warmth, redness, pus, swelling)
- a suspected fracture (severe pain, deformity, inability to move)
- severe pain that continues after removing the Device
Contact your doctor the same day if you have:
- extensive bruising or skin discoloration
- persistent numbness or tingling
- changes in breathing or breathing discomfort
- unexpected swelling
- any symptom that worries you
Your confirmations
When you order, and when you first open the App, you confirm that:
- the User has been examined by a qualified doctor, who recommends this treatment
- you have read these Safety & Warnings, including the contraindications and side effects
- you understand that PectusConnectUs is a device manufacturer, not a healthcare provider
- you will use the Device only under ongoing medical supervision
- the photos, videos and measurements you provided are accurate
- you will inspect the Device before each use and follow the care instructions
- you understand that results are not guaranteed