not trying to prove anything right or wrong here.... I was just following directions in my manual:

" to ensure a proper heart rate display, the chest transmitter must be moistened and properly adjusted. Wet the back of the ruber pads with saliva or ECG conductive gel. Do not use water, moisturizing cream or sun tan oils as these are insulators that will interfere with the heart rate signal"

" in dry and cold climates it may take a few minutes of use for the electrodes to soften and a layer of perspiration to form between the contact and the skin for good performance. Moistening with saliva of ECG gel can speed up the process."