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Cool-Guard®

Questions & Answers


For quicker reference, a listing of all questions is given first, followed by questions and answers together.

  1. Will Cool-Guard® cause condensation to form?

    Generally no, in most cases condensation will not form because the phase change packs freeze at 65? F (18? C), which is usually above the dew point.  Go to top



  2. How does Cool-Guard® work?

    The human body is primarily cooled through the skin. Cool-Guard? uses a material that melts and absorbs body heat. The melting process of this patented phase change material absorbs a large amount of energy, just as the melting of ice is what cools your favorite beverage, not the temperature of the ice.  Go to top



  3. What is vasoconstriction?

    When the surface of the skin is cooled, the small blood vessels near the skin narrow. This is called vasoconstriction. This is an important part of how human body temperature is controlled. As the skin becomes colder, the surface blood vessels get narrower, and the transfer of body heat becomes less efficient. The higher melting temperature of the patented phase change material in Cool-Guard? results in less vasoconstriction and hence, more efficient body cooling.  Go to top



  4. Will Cool-Guard® cause vasoconstriction?

    No, vasoconstriction occurs when the temperature is lower than 55° F (13° C). The phase change packs in Cool-Guard? are 60-65° F (16-18° C).  Go to top



  5. How quickly do the phase change packs charge (freeze)?

    It takes approximately 20 minutes for the inserts to charge (freeze) when submerged in ice and water.  Go to top



  6. Is Cool-Guard® available in different sizes?

    No, Cool-Guard? has been redesigned as a one size fits all. Cool-Guard? fits all body types size SM-4X, eliminating the need to inventory different sizes to fit your workforce. The jacket has adjustable shoulder and side straps to ensure a good fit.  Go to top



  7. Is it possible to reuse the phase change packs?

    Yes, when used under normal working conditions, the packs can be reused literally thousands of times.  Go to top



  8. Will the phase change packs leak?

    No, the phase change material will not pass through the shell material. Furthermore the seams are RF welded and cannot be pulled apart. It takes more than 4000 psi (lbs./in2) to burst a pack, so generally under normal working conditions they will not burst. The only way that the packs will leak is because of puncture. In this case new packs would need to be purchased.  Go to top



  9. Are the phase change packs toxic?

    No, the contents are non-toxic, however it is recommended that if contact with skin occurs that the phase change material be washed from the skin immediately. An MSDS sheet is available from DuPont.  Go to top



  10. Can Cool-Guard® be washed and reused?

    Yes, the jacket that holds the cooling packs can be washed and reused. (NOTE: Testing has shown that after approximately 150 launderings the garments lose their flame-retardant properties.)  Go to top



  11. Can additional phase change packs be ordered separately?

    Yes, it is a good idea to keep an extra set of phase change packs charged and ready for use. The packs are sold in sets of four.  Go to top



  12. How long will Cool-Guard® cool?

    The duration of cooling depends on a number of factors such as: body size, temperature, level of exertion and how completely solidified were the phase change packets before use.  Go to top