How to wear AirBands:

Note: Users are advised to seek advice from a medical practitioner prior to wearing and using AirBands. 

AirBands should be positioned on the area of the limb with the largest circumference. This is where there is the most tissue between the cuff and the artery, to prevent excessive shearing of the artery. See a guided video on our website here.

To apply an upper limb cuff:

1. Place the cuff on your arm where there is the largest circumference (directly over the deltoid tuberosity). 
2. Ensure the module is facing forward, and the AirBands logo can be read the right way up. 
3. Fasten the cuff in the correct position, by wrapping the velcro band through the metal loop.  
4. Ensure you leave enough room under the cuff for two fingers between the skin and the band. 

To apply a lower limb cuff: 

1. Place the cuff on your thigh where there is the largest circumference (directly under the inguinal fold). 
2. Ensure the module is facing forward, and the AirBands logo can be read the right way up. 
3. Fasten the cuff in the correct position, by wrapping the velcro band through the metal loop.  
4. Ensure you leave enough room under the cuff for two fingers between the skin and the band. 

What are the minimum device requirements?

The AirBands App is available for iOS and Android smart devices.  

The minimum smart device requirements for operating the AirBands app are as follows:

*This is required for all Android apps using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

How to download the AirBands App?

The AirBands app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store. 

How to create a login?

1. Download and launch the AirBands app.
2. Click through the VALD account sign up prompts.
3. A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox - if required, check your spam/junk folder.
4. Click the relevant link in the confirmation email to confirm your login details.

How to reset my password?

Follow this link to reset your password.

How to pair AirBands to your smart device?

To pair your AirBands:

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smart device.
2. Open the AirBands app. 
3. Complete the in-app BFR Screening tool, to access the pairing screen. 
4. Turn your AirBands on. Firmly press the module button. The LED will flash red and orange when it is ready to pair with your device.
5. Click in-app to connect your AirBands.

How to pair AirBands to a different or new smart device?

When AirBands are paired to a device they will remain ‘locked’ to that device, to prevent them pairing with another device within close proximity.

Therefore, in order to pair your AirBands with a new smart device, you may need to un-lock your AirBands from your original smart device. 

To unlock your AirBands: 

1. Go to the pairing screen on your original smart device. 
2. Tap on the paired AirBand. 
3. Tap on ‘Forget & Disconnect Airband’. 

Once your AirBands are un-locked from your original device, you are free to pair them with a different smart device.

What to do if pairing fails? 

If you are unable to pair your AirBands, please ensure the following: 

1. Your smart device meets the minimum Bluetooth BLE 4.0 requirement. 
2. The Bluetooth on your smart device is turned on. 
3. Your AirBands are charged and turned on. 
4. Your AirBands are not paired to another smart device.

If you are still unable to pair, please ensure the following: 

1. Toggle your Bluetooth off and on. 
2. Turn your AirBands off and on: 
3. Press and hold the module button for 3-5 seconds until the LED no longer illuminates. 
4. Firmly press the module button. The LED will flash red and orange when it is ready to pair with the AirBands app. 

How to calibrate AirBands? 

Calibration is a delicate process. This is where the AirBands will inflate to automatically detect the limb pressure and calculate your arterial occlusion pressure (AOP). 

To ensure the most accurate calibration of your AirBands, follow the steps below. 

For the most accurate upper cuff calibration: 

1. Ensure the upper cuffs have been positioned correctly and there is no residual air in the air bladder. 
2. Get into a comfortable sitting position, with the back of the arm supported. 
3. Relax the arm. 
4. Avoid moving while the cuff is inflating - only one cuff will inflate during calibration.  

For the most accurate lower cuff calibration: 

1. Ensure the lower cuffs have been positioned correctly and there is no residual air in the air bladder. 
2. Get into a sitting position, with the knee bent 90⁰; or get into a lying position, with the back of knee supported by a small towel. 
3. Relax the knee. 
4. Avoid moving while the cuff is inflating - only one cuff will inflate during calibration.  

To start calibration: 

1. Ensure your AirBands are:

1. 1. Fully charged; 
   2. Turned on; 
   3. Paired to the AirBands app; and 
   4. Applied to the correct position on the limb. 
2. Proceed to ‘Pressure Mode Selection’ in the app. 
3. Tap ‘Proceed with Automatic Mode’. 

What to do if calibration fails? 

If calibration fails, please ensure the following: 

1. You remain still while the cuff is inflating – it is important to maintain a stationary, non-tensed position. 
2. Your AirBands batteries are charged above 50% – as indicated in-app by the battery icon.  
3. Your AirBands cuff is in the correct position – area of the limb with the largest circumference, module facing forward, and the AirBands logo can be read the right way up. 
4. There is no residual air in the air bladder – apply gentle pressure with hands to remove air. 
5. The cuff is not too tight – enough room under the cuff for two fingers 

If you are still unable to calibrate, please try the following: 

• A different body position: 
• • Sitting with knee bent 90⁰; or 
  • Lying position, with back of knee supported by a small towel. 
• Firmly secure the module to the band:  

1. 1. Feel the cuff material where AirBands module attaches to the band.  
   2. The area should feel smooth with two small, rounded bumps. These bumps are the two plugs that connect the airbladder in the band to the module. 
   3. Push down on the plugs to firmly secure the module-to-band connection.   

How to inflate Airbands?

AirBands cuff inflation is automatically controlled via Bluetooth, using the AirBands app. 

After the calibration process, your arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) will be recorded in the AirBands app.  

You can then select a percentage of your AOP to be applied during training: 

Note: When selecting a pressure setting you should apply the minimal amount of pressure required to achieve the outcome you are after. 

• • 50% (recommended for arms); 
  • 80% (recommended for legs);
  • or a custom value can be set.

Once you have confirmed a pressure to be applied, the AirBands can be inflated by tapping the Inflate button in the app. 

This will automatically inflate the paired cuffs to the selected occlusion zone and maintain this air pressure for the duration of the training session. 

What to do if AirBands do not inflate?

If you are unable to inflate your AirBands, it is possible the module is not securely connected to the band and therefore while the air pump is working it might not be filling the bladder.

Please try the following to firmly secure the module to the band:  

1. Feel the cuff material where AirBands module attaches to the band.  
2. The area should feel smooth with two small, rounded bumps. These bumps are the two plugs that connect the airbladder in the band to the module. 
3. Push down on the plugs to firmly secure the module-to-band connection.

If you are still unable to inflate your AirBands, ensure there is no residual air in the air bladder prior to pressing inflate. This can be done by gently applying pressure on the cuffs to remove the air. 

How to check the battery level?

When AirBands are paired to the AirBands App a battery icon, showing the battery level, will display in the app. 

How long does a charged battery last?

When fully charged an AirBands battery can last up to 100 inflations, however it is best to always keep the battery charged for optimal use. 

Is it safe to use BFR? 

BFR training, like other forms of exercise, comes with inherent associated risks.

It is important to screen appropriately prior to commencing BFR training, particularly if you have one or many of the following medical contradictions:

• Current or previous history of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Recurrent Thrombin’s)
• Family history of VTE on long term warfarin use
• Pregnancy
• Thrombophilia
• Infection within limb
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Vascular graft
• Lymphedema
• Anti-thrombin deficiency

The above is not an exhaustive list, therefore it is important to be screened by a qualified medical practitioner before participating in BFR training. 

Please ensure that you carefully read and complete the in-app screening tool*, prior to commencing BFR training. 

If at any time you feel pins and needles, sensation changes (coldness), or pain you must immediately stop BFR training and seek medical assistance. 

*The screening tool is not a comprehensive assessment and does not result in a warranty of a particular safety outcome and in no way guarantees against an adverse event occurring (including the potential for serious injury or death). 

How to stop inflation in an emergency?

The button on each cuff module acts as an emergency stop.  

Any time a cuff is inflated, it can be immediately deflated by firmly pressing the large button on the module. 

How to remove AirBands? 

A cuff can be removed from a limb at any time by pulling off the Velcro strap. 

How to recomplete the screening tool? 

At least one cuff must be paired to the AirBands app to access the screening tool. Once you proceed from the pairing screen in the app you will have the option to recomplete the screening tool.