Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are sensitive to heat. In fact, even a quarter- or half-degree change in core body temperature can temporarily worsen MS symptoms. To stay comfortable and prevent flares, many people with MS turn to cooling vests.
Cooling vests can be worn under your clothing or on top of it to help you cool down in the heat. As one MyMSTeam member wrote, “I have been using a cooling vest for about three years, and it helps me a lot.”
What Are Cooling Vests?
When people with MS feel overheated, they can experience worse symptoms, including heightened fatigue, vision changes (a condition known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon), and other issues.
Specialized cooling clothes can help those with MS cope with the heat and avoid heat stress. Often specifically made for people with MS, these garments contain a gel-like substance that can be chilled before use and provide cooling effects for several hours or days. Cooling garments come in a variety of forms, including neck wraps, bandanas, hats, and wristbands.
Cooling vests, in particular, provide more cooling power than gel-lined clothing. These feature battery-powered cold packs that keep your torso cool. Because cooling vests are often designed for athletes, they usually stay cool and comfortable even during vigorous physical activity.
Different Types of Cooling Vests
Cooling vests come in many different forms, including those that cover the entire torso and those that cool just a portion of the midsection. There are also two different types of cooling that these vests offer: active cooling and passive cooling. Each type of cooling provides different benefits. Some people with MS prefer one type over the other, and others use the two in different situations and for different needs.
Active Cooling
Active cooling vests work by relying on electrical or battery power to deliver cooling to the wearer. These vests use active cooling to deliver strong, continuous cooling power. Some even help decrease the body’s core temperature. These types are more expensive than passive cooling vests — typically starting at around $150, although prices can exceed $2,000, depending on the model.
Passive Cooling
Vests that use passive cooling via gel packs provide more short-term cooling therapy than active vests (generally, between 30 minutes and four hours). However, they are more portable and lightweight, as their cooling packs do not rely on an external power source. They are also less expensive, typically starting around the $30 price point.
Benefits of Cooling Vests for MS
Cooling vests have several benefits for people with MS. Aside from keeping the wearer comfortable during daily activities, they may also increase a person’s stamina and help prevent fatigue.