![]() ![]() ![]() This vest is also among Bexfield’s favorites because it's lightweight and can easily be worn under clothes, making it a good choice for people who don’t necessarily want others to know they’re wearing a cooling vest.Īnother phase-change vest Bexfield recommends is the Glacier Tek Flex Vest Set, which sells for $199. ![]() It provides an average of three hours of cooling and requires little or no preparation.Īnother option is the ThermApparel UnderCool vest, which stays cool for two to three hours and costs around $200. One of Bexfield’s favorites in this category is the Standard Basic Cooling Vest from First Line Technology (shown above), which sells for $388.50. The lack of a strong cooling sensation can make these vests an attractive option for people who are cold sensitive. The cooling packs that come with a phase-change vest can be recharged in an air-conditioned room or, for faster recharging, placed in ice water, a refrigerator, or a freezer. While it doesn't initially feel as cold as some other types of vests as soon as you put it on, according to Bexfield, it works. To help you decide, here's a description of some of the vests available today and how they work.Ī phase-change vest cools the body by absorbing its heat. Will you be doing yard work or walking outdoors? Is it okay if your clothes get somewhat wet? Are you comfortable sacrificing fashion for your vest, or do you want something discreet that fits comfortably under clothes? How much are you willing to spend? They usually stay colder for longer but are heavier and more expensive than passive vests.īefore you purchase a vest, it’s important to consider how much cooling you need, how long you would like it to last, and when and where you will be wearing the vest. Instead, they use ice packs, materials that absorb body heat, or the process of evaporation to lower body temperature.Īctive cooling vests need electricity or a battery pack to function. Passive cooling vests do not require power while they are being worn. According to Dave Bexfield, the founder of ActiveMSers, they can make a real difference in your ability to spend time outdoors.īexfield, who lives in Arizona, regularly updates his personal cooling vest recommendations.Ĭooling vests can be divided into two general categories: those that use passive technology and those that use active technology. Cooling vests are designed to lower or stabilize body temperature. One of the most popular and effective ways to prevent overheating when you have multiple sclerosis is to wear a cooling vest. Which one might be right for you? Read on for some guidance. The products range in cost, weight, and effectiveness, and use different technologies. These include CoolShirt Systems, First Line Technology, FlexiFreeze, Frogg Toggs, Glacier Tek, My Cooling Store, Oro Sports, Polar Products, StaCool Vest, TechNiche, and ThermApparel. Many companies offer products designed to keep people cool, some specifically with people who have MS in mind and some not. RELATED: Why Your Zip Code Matters if You Have MSīut there are products available - from cooling vests to reflective umbrellas - that help keep people with multiple sclerosis from overheating, allowing them to exercise more safely and spend more enjoyable time outside in warmer weather. Unfortunately, this prevents them from participating in outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, or swimming, which they might otherwise enjoy. While overheating does not cause permanent damage, and cooling down should reverse its effects, fear of overheating - and of its unpleasant consequences - discourages many people with MS from leaving the confines of their air-conditioning during the summer. That’s because heat - and sometimes humidity - can temporarily worsen MS symptoms. For people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the summer months can be a challenge. ![]()
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