HRM not reading/'sticking' - HELP!

I've been training with a HRM for a few months now.
Over the last few weeks I've found my HRM occasionally not working, or 'sticking' on particular numbers, irrespective of effort.
I checked the contacts were moist - no change. I ended up buying a new (and expensive!) HRM in frustration. This one seemed OK, then did the same thing...!
I think I've managed to figure out in the end that it was static from my riding tops (basically the HRM would start working again if you held the top away from your body)
Trouble is, I'm not sure how to stop this - I even bought some anti static clothes spray which doesn't seem to work. It's worse when I ride my road bike for some reason (flapping top in the wind?)
Anyone had this, got any thoughts on it? I wouldn't be so stressed if it wasn't a crucial part of my training/riding for a stage race I'm doing soon!
Over the last few weeks I've found my HRM occasionally not working, or 'sticking' on particular numbers, irrespective of effort.
I checked the contacts were moist - no change. I ended up buying a new (and expensive!) HRM in frustration. This one seemed OK, then did the same thing...!
I think I've managed to figure out in the end that it was static from my riding tops (basically the HRM would start working again if you held the top away from your body)
Trouble is, I'm not sure how to stop this - I even bought some anti static clothes spray which doesn't seem to work. It's worse when I ride my road bike for some reason (flapping top in the wind?)
Anyone had this, got any thoughts on it? I wouldn't be so stressed if it wasn't a crucial part of my training/riding for a stage race I'm doing soon!
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My Garmin does this. I often show crazy hear rates in the first 5 minutes, then the sweat keeps the contact points moist and it's ok.
Cheers
PEdro
Giant TCR Alliance Zero
BMC teammachineSLR03
The Departed
Giant SCR2
Canyon Roadlite
Specialized Allez
Some other junk...
The Motionbased forums have some advice on how to avoid problems, but not sure how practical they are:
- the tighter fitting your jersey, the better (obvsiously!)
- less of a problem in humid or damp weather
- merino wool jerseys or base layers are apparently not subject to static build up (can't vouch for this as I haven't been able to buy a merino base layer as so few available and I only wear club jerseys so not much help)
- ditto for damp jersey or base layers (hence you normally have crazy readings early in a ride, but once you start sweating it reduces the problem)
- anti-static spray (I got some from an on-line sewing shop) may work although I've found that once it dries out the problems re-appear
Frankly, it's a pain in the butt. Can go for several rides without any trouble and then get a whole ride with stupidly high readings when freewheeling downhill or riding into a headwind.