Vests that use evaporative technology are a type of passive cooling vest. Evaporative vests are lightweight and easily portable.
For Spencer Schaffner, an Illinois resident with MS who works primarily outside, the TechNiche HyperKewl (shown above) evaporative vest has become his favorite.
The TechNiche vest is available for about $40 at a variety of outlets. It needs to be soaked in water for just 2 to 3 minutes before you put it on, and thanks to its water-resistant liner, it won’t leave you too damp.
According to Schaffner, “The vest is easy to carry, you can take it in the car, and for me, it usually lasts for 1 to 2 hours before it needs another soak.” As he points out, you can’t wear it inside the house because it drips. Because of this, the vest works best for outdoor activities like walking and kayaking.
Schaffner has posted a few personal reviews of cooling vests on YouTube.
Bexfield cautions that evaporative cooling vests work far better in low humidity. In high humidity, little evaporation will occur, and the vest is likely to be very uncomfortable. They’re primarily recommended for someone looking for a lightweight vest in a dry climate.
Best for: Staying cool in a dry climate at a moderate price
Active Cooling Vests
The most expensive and technologically advanced cooling vests are active cooling vests. The majority work by pumping chilled fluid around the body through tubing built into the vest. This type of vest is very effective at lowering the body’s temperature and can sustain a lower body temperature for longer than some other types.
[2]
These vests can be very effective in certain circumstances. But Bexfield notes that active vests have limited portability because of their specialization and weight, as they require a pump, cooler, and power source. Thus, they are most suitable for heat-sensitive folks who need to stay cool at home or wherever a power source is accessible and portability is less of a concern.
Some newer active cooling products package their pump and cooled liquid reservoir in a tote or backpack along with a battery for more mobile applications.
The Compcooler Backpack Water Cooling System can circulate up to 3 liters of ice water through the vest and costs around $270. The Cool Water Shirt from Coolshirt Systems has similar tubing sewn into the torso and shoulder area of a T-shirt and costs $272.
But the active components that work with the shirt are sold separately, and will add to the total price tag.
Best for: Maximum cooling when money isn’t an issue and portability is not a priority
Insurance Coverage for Cooling Vests
Since overheating is an important health concern for people with MS, your cooling vest may qualify for insurance coverage as durable medical equipment, or DME. DME is medically necessary equipment that your doctor prescribes and that you can use repeatedly.
[3]
To submit a claim for a cooling vest, first ask your doctor for a prescription or “letter of medical necessity” for a cooling vest. Then, send a reimbursement request to your insurance provider with a copy of your prescription and a copy of your receipt for the vest you’ve purchased. Polar Products includes some helpful sample physician and insurance company letters that you can use as templates.
If your health insurer denies your reimbursement request, you can appeal the decision. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers advice and instructions on how to file a health insurance appeal and also provides a sample appeal letter for cooling vests. If necessary, enlist your physician’s help in making your appeal, and keep detailed records of all claims and bills.
What if you’re a veteran? The VA Hospital system provides Polar Products Cooling Systems for veterans with MS, which means you can receive a vest at no cost. The Polar Products website has information on how to make this request.
How to Get a Cooling Vest for Free
If you can’t afford to buy cooling products, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) have programs to provide cooling products for free.
The MSAA application requires personal and financial information, and you will need to submit a prescription letter from your doctor that verifies your diagnosis of MS. If you qualify, MSAA allows you to choose between a vest or torso wrap that fits under clothing or a vest that’s worn over clothing. Some of the vest options include neck wraps, wrist wraps, and ankle coolers.
The MSF’s cooling program application is only open from February 1 to June 1 each year. If you’ve already missed the deadline this year, keep it in mind for when the window opens next year. Similar to the MSAA’s program, the MSF offers a variety of products, including vests, neck wraps, wristbands, and hats.
