This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Does anyone have advice on a good cooling vest? I am almost certainly going to try one this summer, but I don't want to spend $200 on a bad one.

I don't have any experience, but I know that several people have gotten them for free. Try: http://www.msassociation.org/programs/cooling/

Thanks for the reply! I don't qualify financially for that program which is fine. I really want to see if anyone has any recommendation as to wearing a vest over or under clothing, etc. I am going to post this same thread in the general forums to see if I can drum up some response to it.

I was able to get a Kool Max zipper front cooling vest through my local MS Society. They will gladly provide you with medical devices (up to a limit) that aren't covered by insurance. All I needed was a prescription from my doctor.

The one I chose has ice packs, which is better for the humid summer weather we have in Pennsylvania. I wear it over my shirt but it can be layered with other clothing as well. It's khakie and has pockets for the ice in the front and back. It works pretty well but only for a few hours (also depends on outside temp).

Hope this helps.

~^,,^~

I obtained a cooling vest, wrist bands and a neck tie from this website. They all contain gel that is activated by soaking in water and then they need to be put into the fridge or freezer.
The vests are often used by sports people, particularly our Aussie rules footballers. At each end of the season, games are often played in the heat.

http://www.arcticheat.com.au/

I'm wondering if anyone can give me their review on their ice vest. There appears to be different kinds and not sure which way to go. Thank you for your help.

There are lots of unbiased tests and reviews of cooling vests for people with multiple sclerosis at ActiveMSers. We also have coupon codes for many manufacturers.

Testing:
http://www.activemsers.org/gear/testcoolingvests.html

Choosing:
http://www.activemsers.org/tipstricks/c ... gvest.html

Dave Bexfield, ActiveMSers

One of the reasons why a cooling vest may be useful is the effect of cold induced thermogenesis on mitochondrial function. I'm sure everyone has watch Dr Wahls Tedex video Minding My Mitochondria.

Whenever you hear people arguing about nutrition and diet the emphasis is always on the energy in must equal energy out equation and people get very stroppy about the first law of thermodynamics (usually forgetting the second) but they totally ignore that fact that it's all to do with HEAT.
The body has a set point for temperature in the same way it has for fat levels.
Regulating our temperature, whether by cold vests or by cold baths, is another way of increasing ENERGY OUT and giving our mitochondria a boost.

There has been a lot of fuss recently on various Paleo/Low Carb forums about cold water thermogenesis. There is a summary of the approach here That may lead you to consider it as a strategy to boost mitochondrial function