Abstract: Apparatuses for storage and distribution of headgear having sensors and a gel distribution apparatus can be configured to permit storage of the headgear while also protecting the gel distribution modules of the headgear from being inadvertently actuated for deployment of gel to avoid unintended gel leaks or gel applications. In some embodiments, the storage apparatus can be sized and configured to fit within a vending machine for providing remote distribution of the headgear while also protecting the headgear from damage during falls that can occur when the vending machine is activated to distribute a headgear to a customer. Methods of distributing the headgear can utilize an embodiment of the storage device and/or use of at least one vending machine or a network of vending machines.