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Review: VR Cover – a cleaner and more comfortable face cushion for HTC Vive

I can use the HTC Vive (reviewed here) for hours without discomfort, but its face cushion tends to get soaked with sweat.  It’s kind of gross when you’re sharing it between more than one user.  Fortunately, there’s a replacement face cushion that is both cleaner and more comfortable.

VR Cover makes accessories for VR headsets, including the Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, and HTC Vive.  They made a replacement face cushion for the HTC Vive that uses viscoelastic foam (memory foam), similar to the one used in mattresses such as Tempur-Pedic.  It also has a fine-textured polyurethane synthetic leather cover similar to the type used in some headphones, that won’t absorb sweat, and can be cleaned easily with antibacterial wipes.

front view (HTC wide face on  top, narrow face on the bottom)

The size is similar to the “narrow face” cushion that comes with the Vive.  In my case, there is a slight light leak on both sides of my nose with the VR Cover cushion (as well as the narrow face cushion), but it won’t obstruct the field of view.

rear view (HTC wide face on  top, narrow face on the bottom)

The rear of the VR Cover cushion uses a felt-like material similar to the one in the original HTC cushions, and attaches to the headset securely.

One disadvantage of the VR Cover is that it doesn’t include the little nub on the original HTC face cushions that makes them easy to align with the headset.  With the VR Cover, I have to use a little trial and error to get the best placement.

Another disadvantage is that it doesn’t have the notch on the sides for users who wear eyeglasses. Without the notch, your eyeglasses will be pressed onto your face.

I tried the VR Cover face cushion and it was quite comfortable.  I never felt any ache on my face.  With careful placement, it did not reduce the field of view.   It was also easy to wipe off the sweat using baby wipes.

The VR Cover face cushion is available direct from the manufacturer for $29.00 for two cushions, plus $7 shipping.  It is also available from Amazon, also for two cushions for $29 but with Prime shipping.

If you would like to purchase the VR Cover, please consider purchasing from Amazon, which would be a welcome way of supporting 360 Rumors at no additional cost to you so I can do more reviews and tests.  Thank you very much!