Need advice on COOLING products?

[jjs]

I am not officially diagnosed with MS but 3 doctors think that's what I have. I am not sure how I made it through last summer alive. This year we are going to do farmer's market and I'll be out in the heat and am looking into buying a cooling vest or something ???? but I am very ignorant to this technology.

I would like something that can be hidden if possible. I found the 'cool comfort hidden vest' that basically looks like a sports bra. Has anyone had experience with that?
Here is a link to it http://store.polarsoftice.com/polars...idcategory=244

But the hidden things do not last as long as the visible vests as far as I can tell?

And then there are all the different kinds - it's confusing to me. This one website mentioned above has the "Kool Max" (frozen water based cooling), "Cool Comfort" (hybrid technology), "Cool58" (58degree phase change cooling), "Evaporative" (water activated cooling - seems like this is not a good choice for high humid areas?), "Cool Flow" (circulating cold water system).

Anyway, if you have used these vests, hidden or not, can you please share your experience with them? I live in SW Missouri - it gets very humid and hot here in the summer. Thankfully the farmer's market will be from 7am till about noon ... the cooler part of the day ... so that will help. But last summer it was hard to do anything. i wonder if a cooling vest will help that much to where I can at least be functional???

Thank you for listening to my ramblings.

[MrsBones]

I am not officially diagnosed with MS but 3 doctors think that's what I have. I am not sure how I made it through last summer alive. This year we are going to do farmer's market and I'll be out in the heat and am looking into buying a cooling vest or something ???? but I am very ignorant to this technology.

I would like something that can be hidden if possible. I found the 'cool comfort hidden vest' that basically looks like a sports bra. Has anyone had experience with that?
Here is a link to it http://store.polarsoftice.com/polars...idcategory=244

But the hidden things do not last as long as the visible vests as far as I can tell?

And then there are all the different kinds - it's confusing to me. This one website mentioned above has the "Kool Max" (frozen water based cooling), "Cool Comfort" (hybrid technology), "Cool58" (58degree phase change cooling), "Evaporative" (water activated cooling - seems like this is not a good choice for high humid areas?), "Cool Flow" (circulating cold water system).

Anyway, if you have used these vests, hidden or not, can you please share your experience with them? I live in SW Missouri - it gets very humid and hot here in the summer. Thankfully the farmer's market will be from 7am till about noon ... the cooler part of the day ... so that will help. But last summer it was hard to do anything. i wonder if a cooling vest will help that much to where I can at least be functional???

Thank you for listening to my ramblings.

I'd avoid evaporative types. They tend to be better hidden, but only when not actually in use. They work, as I'm sure you've read, by absorbing and retaining water, with the slow evaporation acting as a coolant. This means to use it, it must be soaked in water and worn wet/damp (not dripping, but it must be retaining water).

In some circumstances, certain evaporative items (hats, neck or wrist wraps) could work, but one designed like a bra wouldn't remain hidden after the clothes you're wearing it with get wet. Plus, they feel weird , don't last for very long and don't get as cold as other vests.

I had a set of neck and wrist cool wraps. They were good for brief outside stays and doing some light housework, but not much more. Depending on what you plan on using the cooling equipment for, different types will suit various needs. It's a lot to take in, but review the types and see which level of cooling you might benefit from and go from there.

The vest I use is this one:
http://store.polarsoftice.com/polars...?idCategory=14

I got it free from the MSAA last year. The packs are frozen water packs, which cool quite well. In fact, they are too cold to wear next to the skin...that's why they're in the vests that go over clothing.

The vest itself has numerous pockets that the packs slide into, so I can adjust how cool it is. That's also a plus when taking into account body shape. The frozen packs obviously don't bend, so they're not friendly toward a woman's shape. Depending on size of the vest and body shape, a woman may find it difficult or impossible to use the packs in the chest area.

Phase cooling packs are more expensive, but have the same flexibility in use as frozen packs. They can be recharged in cold water, fridge or freezer and aren't effected by humidity. I don't think they are as cold or stay cold for as long as the frozen ones, but obviously, temperature will effect that.

Extra packs for either can be kept in a cooler while you're at the farmers' market and used when/if needed.

Take a look at the review ActiveMSers did here: http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=112971

Hope that helps!

[hunterd]

Jjs, i also got mine from msaa, but i find that frozen, the vest is too cold. I only use miine in high humidity. I also find the cooling scarf worn with the cooling hat is plenty for me. If they do need chilled again, i find soaking them in cold water,, then wriinging out before use is a quick and easy fix.

[jjs]

Thank you both - you have given me some things to think about.

I am a small person ... the cooling vests are 'one size fits most' I sent them an email explaining my situation and asked for more information or suggestions on what cooling product(s) might work better for me and if they will fit.

I'd still like to hear more stories of what others use, what works for them, what does not, and why. This really helps me get a fuller picture. Also, I found a 'webinar' about cooling products linked from the polar website (mscando.org). I will watch that today if I have time.

Thank you again! Joanne in MO

[Cat Mom]

Can I say the name of a company on this message board? If not, my email is in my profile and I can send it to you...

If I can, the website is www.polarproducts.com. It has different sections, one is actually called Cooling Products. There is another section aptly named Multiple Sclerosis.

Hope you find something that helps.

Jen

[Scooter24]

I wear the cooling neck wraps when I play golf, as someone else says when they warm up I but them back in very cold water and wring them out and put them back on, I carry a small cooler with me with ice and water in it to do this. Ampyra has also helped with me heat tolerance quite a bit.

[fixitgal88]

The latest vest I received from MSAA, actually had the 'gel' packs and actually move a lot better, and seem to stay cooler longer.

[hunterd]

do they make a smaller or 'chil size' vest? maybe that would help someone with a smaller stature.

[KureMS]

Bed Fan

JJS - I use a bed fan to cool me at night. It's not what people think it is. The fan sits at the bottom of the bed and blows air underneath the sheet on one side of the bed. It has a control that extends under the bed up to the head of the bed, so you can control the flow of air. The BedFan is sold by Brookstone and I think it runs around $79, I know it is now spring, but sometimes I just need a little more flow of air under the sheets.

Thank you both - you have given me some things to think about.

I am a small person ... the cooling vests are 'one size fits most' I sent them an email explaining my situation and asked for more information or suggestions on what cooling product(s) might work better for me and if they will fit.

I'd still like to hear more stories of what others use, what works for them, what does not, and why. This really helps me get a fuller picture. Also, I found a 'webinar' about cooling products linked from the polar website (mscando.org). I will watch that today if I have time.

Thank you again! Joanne in MO

[MrsBones]

for asking!

I like my Steele vest. I got it FREE! from the MSAA several years ago. From what MrsBones said, they've changed the brand they deal with. I agree with what she said here:

Sparky, they had two options when I got mine. I read reviews for both and chose the one I mentioned because its reviews made it sound like the better choice for my needs.

For those asking if the vests work for smaller folks, I am 4'10", 100 lbs. The vest I mentioned and I'd venture to say most in that style, say vest but aren't quite vests. They have a front zipper and seams at the shoulder, but no side seams. Instead, there are sturdy straps that adjust through velcro strips. It isn't exceptionally long, either. I have no trouble wearing it in my WC.

Other brands and designs do come in sizes. Now I think of it, there may be different sizes in that one, if buying them.

[MrsBones]

Correction to my last post: the vest also has velcro adjusting at the shoulders, not a seam. That's size adjustments possible at the sides and shoulder, not just the sides as I remembered.

[DebbN]

I like the pull over type cooling vest

I use the phase change type, because I can reactivate the packs with ice water in a small cooler while I'm on doing outside activities.Even at the ball field etc. the neck wrap is great for gym also. The pull over type is less bulky to me. You can also have one custom made for your size.

I use www. mscooling.com

[cocogirl]

I realize that this was not my thread but I have the same questions and you all helped me immensely! Thanks for the help!