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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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There are two main problems with [[Heart Rate Monitor| Heart Rate Monitoring]]; poor accuracy and chaffing, and there are two simple fixes. The first fix is to apply a little [http://www.amazon.com/Buh-Bump-2-5-Ounce-Heart-Monitor-Electrode/dp/B000HZD2NU Buh-Bump Electrode Cream], which improves the accuracy and provides some lubrication that reduces chaffing. The other fix is to apply some duct tape to the bottom edge of the strap, which works wonders at preventing chaffing. I had no chaffing problems with a duct taped strap during the 37 hours I was running [[2014_Badwater_135| Badwater]]. There are other issues, including the strap wearing out, which are covered below.{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:BuhBump.JPG|right|thumb|x300px|Buh-Bump and Duct Tape can fix your Heart Rate Monitoring woes.]]
|[[File:GarminDuctTape2.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| Fold the duct tape up over the front of the strap. You can stick it to the transmitter as shown in this picture, which gives it good adhesion.]]
|}
=Superman mode=
Another approach to reducing chaffing is to wear the chest strap over an [[UnderArmour HeatGear]] top rather than underneath. You'll need some gel to get contact initially, but this should not be a problem if you're sweating enough. (I call this "superman mode", as that fictional character wears his underwear over his trousers.)
[[File:Superman HRM.jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
=Other Fixes=
There are a number of problems you can still get with the Heart Rate Monitoring.
* Interference from overhead power lines used to be a problem, but the modern systems have reduced this dramatically.
* All of the soft straps require periodic replacement, so you may need a new one.
=Garmin's HRM4=
Garmin has introduced an updated form factor for their heart rate monitors which makes them much less likely to chafe. I upgraded to the [https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-HRM-Run-Black-Red-Size/dp/B01708T7NA "HRM4"], and it's greatly reduced my issues.
[[File:GarminHRM4.jpg|center|thumb|300px|The HRM4 at the top, the older style Garmin HRM, and the Polar H7.]]
=Testing a Heart Rate Monitor Strap=
Based on some empirical testing, I've found that the resistance between the popper contacts and the electrode pads is typically about 1.0-1.2 KΩ. A higher resistance suggests that the strap is worn out or damage and faulty readings are more likely. If that's the case, there's no fix that I'm aware of and it's time for a new strap. I typically find my straps last about a year or so.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:HRM Testing (1).jpg|none|thumb|300px|Test the resistance between the contact for the HRM transmitter (the popper) and the electrode that touches your chest.]]
|[[File:HRM Testing (2).jpg|none|thumb|300px|Here's another look at the two places to test.]]
|}
=Using the Polar Wearlink Strap=
You can get a fabric [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F7F64I Polar Wearlink Replacement Strap] that works nicely with the Garmin transmitter. However, Polar replaced the Wearlink strap with the Wearlink+, so the original design is hard to come by. (The new Wearlink+ is nearly identical to the Garmin strap and not worth the upgrade.)
