Do those Frio packs really work?

[Mystere]

I just started Byetta so I need a small carrying case that will keep it cold for trips. I've seen those Frio packs...they claim to keep things cool just by adding water...no refrigeration needed. Do those really work? How long do they last?

[poodlebone]

I just started Byetta so I need a small carrying case that will keep it cold for trips. I've seen those Frio packs...they claim to keep things cool just by adding water...no refrigeration needed. Do those really work? How long do they last?

They work by evaporation. They're not going to keep your insulin at refrigerator temperatures but they do keep it cool. I always tend to overactivate mine (so it puffs up a lot) and it's lasted a week before I had to soak it again.

[RUFC_MD]

Yeah I'd echo that. They're pretty good in the heat, and from soaking for 15 mins I get nearly a week's use out of one. I'll definitely be taking mine travelling!

[JasonJayhawk]

It "works" on the same principle of dipping your fingertip in a bottle of rubbing alcohol -- the cooling sensation your fingertip experiences is caused by the removal of heat energy from evaporation.

Since alcohol would obviously evaporate too quickly and would probably set off some alarm bells, water is used in the FRIO. Thus, water doesn't cool as quickly as FRIO, but it works, mostly in dry climates. If you're going to be in a humid environment, like a rain forest or for long periods in a steamy sauna or shower, then it's no good. (That was a bit of a joke).

You can make these for a lot less, if you have some sewing skills. I'm surprised they got a patent for the pouch, because I've seen what they do in sweatbands (not ones they sell) and yet they still received a patent. It's simply a material pouch that has sewn in to it water-absorbing (hydroscopic) beads which you can buy large quantities of for small amounts of money in a lawn and garden store (it's the gel material some people mix with their soil to keep it moist longer).

The fabric they use is actually resistant to mold -- so the typical fabric that you would find in a sewing shop would probably not be ideal. I can't recall the name of the fabric they use in the product, but several years ago, I did find a website that sold it (and also provided samples).

I imagine that a person could relatively easily challenge their patent and sell their own FRIO-type cooling wallets by showing prior art and the simple fact that I don't think you should be able to patent a rule of physics, as well as the hydroscopic plant gel beads that they use, as well as the fabric that they buy from a major fabric supply manufacturer. Although, I guess a company can put a trademark on something like a dress, but that shouldn't stop some other company from coming out with a dress that is slightly different, right?

I think it's funny that they claim to have received "FDA approval" -- I could never locate any sort of FDA approval documents on the FDA's website.

Like most diabetes inventions, the person who develops it also decides they must get rich while the item is popular. We can only thank Banting and Best for not having the same mindset when discovering insulin.

How did I get off on this rant? lol :ridinghor

[buzzborne]

I used one last year when I went travelling around Europe for 4 weeks, and it worked wonders, it was in my rucksack... in temperatures of 35 degrees C an it still was all puffed up 3 days later... i tended to top it up just to make sure that it did keep cool, but im sure it would have lasted longer.

[HollyB]

Where it doesn't work so well -- in a small, enclosed container. I sent my son off to a school camp trip (three days) with one and the pack was in a fishing tackle box with a bunch of other supplies. Came back, after a trip in a hot bus hold, pretty warm. Probably, now I think about it, because it's pretty hard to evaporate in an airtight plastic container!

[welsh_dragon]

You're right Holly, they say in the instructions not to keep it in a sealed container. I got one for my cozmo a couple of days ago but it is really bulky, the cozmo fits ok but its not something you could keep in a pocket (unless your pockets are really big).

Jules

[Mystere]

Hmmm...ok, so my Byetta is supposed to remain between 36 F and 46 F. It sounds like the Frio packs are more for keeping something from getting real hot rather than keeping something very cool like an ice pack?

So do you think I'd be better off with something like a Dia-Pak then that has an ice pack in it?

[Mich]

I've used my Frio packs for years. They are really helpful for travel as long as they have air circulation. I keep my working bottle of Novolog in one during the summer. The constant cool temp is better than in and out of the frig, and seems to eliminate the "refrigerator bubbles" syndrome when filling my pump's reservoir.

I wore my Cozmo inside the pump-sized Frio last weekend while camping. It was around 100 degrees where we were camping. It is not always easy to keep pump and tubing out of the hot sun. I kept sticking my finger in with the pump to test the temp and was surprised at how cool it stayed. I took the Cozmonitor off the back and switched caps, rolled up extra tubing and put it into the Frio first, then the upside-down pump (reservoir is in the top half of the pump and so is the tubing attachment.)

I used a key ring to suspend the outer Frio bag (it has a belt pocket) from the belt loop of my shorts on the same side as my infusion set. It also kept the tubing and infusion site cool as the bag hung over it outside my shorts. Only about a 1 1/2 inch bit of tubing was exposed to the air.

I think it's the bees knees. I've used them for years while sailing, too. The more air circulation, the colder they are. They look goofy (I hide the Frio tag or cut it off) but give me a lot of outdoor freedom.

Mich with the cool Cozmo :cool:

[Lex4153]

You can call the Byetta hotline (it's on their website) and they will send you a free travel pack to keep it cool. I think you can also just order you online.

[Mystere]

Thanks! I just called them up and ordered it via phone at 1-800-868-1190. It was all automated and they never even hinted that there would be a charge...just free all the way. Unfortunately the recording also said the travel pack would be delivered in 6 to 8 weeks. Ouch!

The recording also said you could order a travel pack online at http://www.byetta.com/welcome but their website seems to be down right now.