Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing, Ordering & Shipping
I'm ordering for an EU business, Can I order without VAT?
Yes, it is possible to order without VAT with a
valid EU VAT number.
If you wish to do so, please get in contact with
us at info@ezcooldown.com with your EU VAT number and we can setup your account
accordingly.
Do you offer any discounts?
We offer 10% discount on any extra set of PCM ordered with any Complete PCM cooling vest.
We also offer 15% discount on each 2nd Complete Performers vest. Discounts will be applied automatically at checkout.
VAT
When ordering from the European Union, prices are shown including Value-Added-Tax
(VAT) rate for your country. If needed, you can change your location in the
drop-down menu in the top right of the page. When you select a different
country as shipping destination at check-out, the VAT rate for that country will
be applied. Orders with a destination outside of the EU will not be taxed. Tax
and customs fees may be charged to the customer when receiving the order. Check
with your local tax authority for more information.
Tax, Customs & Duties
Orders are shipped from the Netherlands. Depending on your country of residence, you may be charged for tax and customs fees by your local tax authority.
Where do you ship to?
We ship to most countries worldwide. If your destination is not available at check-out, it means we simply can not ship due to local import regulations or other limitations.
Phase Change Material (PCM) cooling vests
How long does a PCM cooling vest last. How many hours of cooling do I get out of it?
This is not an easy question to answer. It would be similar to: How far can I get on 1 gallon of fuel? It depends on which kind of fuel, which kind of vehicle, your driving style, road condition and more.
How long a PCM cooling vest will keep you cool depends on many factors, such as:
- Ambient temperature and humidity.
- How active you are.
- Being exposed to direct sunlight or not.
- Which kind of clothing you’re wearing under or on top of your cooling vest.
- Your PCM’s temperature and cell configuration.
A cooling vest with our 70°F thick 4-cell packs will last the longest: up to 4 hrs, depending on circumstances.
My PCM packs feel a bit greasy. I think they’re leaking but I can’t find a leak. What’s going on?
PCM packs tend to “sweat” a little. This can happen particularly when you’re not using your PCM packs for a while. This is normal and not a leak or defect. When your packs feel a bit
greasy, you can wipe them of with some kitchen paper or you can wash them in warm water with some washing-up liquid. You can prevent sweating by storing your PCM packs in a fridge or freezer.
Why are my PCM packs solid without being in a fridge or freezer? Why are there solid crystals in my PCM?
When Phase Change Material (PCM) is exposed to a temperature below its phase change temperature, it will become solid. This is completely normal. Actually, this is exactly how PCM is supposed to work: A PCM pack being solid means it is activated and ready for use.
If your PCM packs solidified in a weird or inconvenient shape, simply put them in warm water until the PCM becomes liquid. Next, place your packs flat in a fridge or freezer to activate then again.
Can I take PCM packs with me on an airplane?
You can safely take PCM packs with you on planes. Just be sure to pack them with your checked luggage, not your hand luggage. So far we haven’t heard of customers experiencing problems with airlines or border security. We don’t recommend travelling with PCM packs in your carry-on luggage.If you travel with carry-on luggage only, be sure your inserts are fully activated and keep them in a cooler bag or wrapped in a towel. The liquid inside the inserts will be solid as long as the inserts are activated. Most airlines don’t allow you to carry liquids, so don’t bring de-activated PCM inserts with you in your carry-on luggage. Expect security officials to ask you questions about your PCM inserts. Just explain what they are and what you use them for. When asked, you can inform officials that the inserts contain a solid vegetable oil. If needed you can direct officials to our website.
What is the best way to activate the PCM packs?
You can activate the PCM packs by exposing them to any temperature lower than their target temperature:
For the blue packs this is 15°C (59°F). and for the yellow packs it’s 21°C (70°F)
The time needed to fully activate the PCM depends on your cooling method: Ice water: 20 minutes, freezer: 40 minutes, refrigerator: 60 minutes.
The 15°C (59°F) inserts take a bit longer to activate compared to the 21°C (70°F).
Regardless of your cooling method, you can shorten the activation time by laying the inserts flat in a single layer instead of stacking them. If you use the inserts straight out of a freezer, they might feel uncomfortably cold to wear. That is why we recommend waiting at least five minutes to give the inserts time to warm up to their target temperature of 15°C (59°F) or 21°C (70°F). Once the PCM has reached this temperature, it will stay at that temperature for hours. Inserts that have been activated in a refrigerator or cold water can be used instantly.
Activated inserts can be stored in a cooler or cool box to keep them cool and ready to use for up to twelve hours. If you plan to store PCM inserts in a cooler and/or cool box, we recommend activating them in a freezer.
How do I store PCM packs?
You can keep the packs in your freezer or refrigerator so they’re always ready to use.Or, if you want to save space in your freezer for other things, they can be stored at room temperature.
When placing packs in a freezer, make sure they are dry so they don't stick to the inside of your freezer.
Can a PCM pack burst?
That would be very unlikely. EZ Cooldown PCM packs are extremely robust and can stand immense pressure without bursting.
We have put our PCM packs through some very extreme tests. See the results for yourself!
The only way to destroy a pack is by puncturing it with a very sharp object.
If PCM gets in contact with your skin or clothing, simply wash your skin with a mild soap. EZCooldown bio-based PCM is made of vegetable oils and is harmless when spilled.
What does PCM cooling feels like? Can it be too cold? Is it safe to use?
How our PCM products feel differs from person to person: For one 21°C/70°F feels pleasant, for another 15°C/59°F is not cold enough.
In general, these temperatures are safe to wear against the skin and most people don’t experience it as unpleasant or too cold.
If PCM does feel too cold; wearing a (Lycra) shirt under the vest will make the cooling effect less intense.
Do different PCM vests use different PCM cooling packs? Is everything compatible?
All our PCM vests can use any PCM pack configuration. Vests and packs are forwards and backwards compatible. You can even mix and match PCM pack configurations for each vest, should you wish.
Should I buy a PCM cooling vest or just a PCM CoolCollar?
Our PCM Cooling Vests contain much more PCM compared to the PCM CoolCollar. As a result, a PCM vest has more capacity to help you staying cool. That’s why we recommend using the PCM vest primary and the CoolCollar as an additional cooling aid. Using only a CoolCollar will make a difference but not as significant as a vest will do.
How much does a PCM cooling vest weigh? Will it affect my range of movement?
Our cooling vests won’t limit your range of movement. In fact, our Performers vests are being used by professional dancers, actors and stunt performers for this very reason. They will add some weight: 1.5kg - 1.8kg (or 3.3lbs – 4.0lbs) but in general this extra weight has very little effect on movement.
How often can I re-activate PCM packs?
Our PCM was tested during 12.000 activation cycles without any measurable lost in performance.
EZcooldown PCM is bio-based and biologically degradable. Does that mean the PCM inserts will degrade after a while?
No. Our PCM is made with respect for the environment. That means no petrochemical process is involved during production. Our PCM is based on vegetable oils and has an expected life span of at least 10 years, based on average use. In theory, wear and tear or damaging might be the only reason to replace them. After disposal, the impact on the environment of our bio-based PCM is negligible.
I lost or damaged one of my PCM packs. Do I need to buy a complete new set?
We sell individual inserts here so there is no need to buy a complete new set
Other FAQ's
What makes the EZcooldown Performers vest so special for costume performers compared to industrial/military cooling vests?
We have taken special care to make sure the EZCD Performers vest is not bulky. It only uses segmented inserts, which allow maximum freedom of movement. The inserts are placed in a clever configuration that preserves your outfit’s natural anatomy.
Many ordinary cooling vests have an insulated outer shell to protect the inserts from external heat sources like the sun or hot industrial environments.
This extra insulation is of course not desirable when used under a costume.
EZCooldown Performers vests are made of breathable mesh, adding no thermo-insulating layer to your outfit and keeping you nice and cool.
Many other vests are difficult or impossible to adjust. Our performers vests come in three different sizes and have six cleverly placed Velcro straps, allowing a perfectly snug fit for any body type or build.
Will the vest’s shape be visible under a costume?
In the majority of cases, no.
The pockets for the inserts in the vest are placed in a very clever way. When wearing the vest, the inserts on the back are positioned in the natural curve of your lower back. This makes the inserts virtually invisible. The inserts on the front are located at your chest. If you have an average body shape the inserts will make you look a little more ”buff” or “busty.”
A vest with six-cell PCM inserts adds only 5cm or 2” to your chest circumference. For most people, this is hardly noticeable.
Why are the evaporation vests not suitable for costume performers?
Our evaporation vests are meant for general use and need some airflow to make them work efficiently. Since airflow under a costume is in most cases not possible, evaporation vests will not provide any cooling at all. On the contrary, they’ll make you feel warm and clammy when worn under a costume. Evaporation vests are designed to wear with a minimum of covering clothing.
How do I wash a cooling vest?
All of our vests can be washed by hand or by machine. We recommend washing the vest separately, as the Velcro straps might catch lint, dust, or fibers from other items of laundry.
- When washing your vest, be sure the zipper is pulled up and fully closed.
- Make sure to remove all inserts before washing.
- Use a mild detergent and DO NOT use fabric softener. Do not wash at temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F).
- Spin dry or drip dry. DO NOT tumble dry.
The Velcro straps on my Performers vest are too long. Does it mean my vest is too large?
You will probably need to shorten the Velcro straps of the vest before you can use the vest comfortably. We have deliberately made these straps longer than the average wearer will need, to accommodate people with a larger chest or waist circumference and/or a bigger build.
Follow these simple steps to adjust the length of the Velcro straps. IMPORTANT: You cannot return the vest once the straps have been shortened, so make sure that your vest is the right size before you trim any excess Velcro.
- Put on the undergarment you normally wear under your costume. We recommend a comfortable cotton or Lycra shirt or Under Armour HeatGear.
- Place the four ACTIVATED inserts into the vest's inside pockets.
- Put on the vest and pull up the zipper. The vest is designed to fit snugly around your torso. To create a snug fit, adjust the four Velcro straps on the front of the vest and the two straps on the shoulders. Be sure that the inserts fit closely against your body.
- If the four straps on your chest and stomach area are longer than required, first check to make sure that the left and right sides are pulled evenly and have the same amount of excess strap. This will make sure that the tension on the vest is distributed evenly across the left and right sides.
- You can now cut off any excess length with sharp scissors. It’s best if you cut close to the zipper. The straps will still be long enough to allow the fit of the vest to be loosened if need be.