After immersing the wallet in cold water for the appropriate length of time, the crystals that are within the Panels expand into a gel. Once the crystals turn into the gel form the evaporation process begins. This begins when air reacts with the gel creating the cooling effect. Due to the gel reacting to air, it is essential that the wallet must have sufficient air circulating, to enable it to Breathe and must not be placed in any air tight bag.

The wallet keeps insulin cool between (54-79°F) depending on the external temperature. For example, if the wallet was in a constant climate temperature of 38.8 °C (100 °F) then the wallet will keep the insulin cool at 79 °F for a minimum of 45 hours.

Once the wallets have been immersed/activated in water for the correct amount of time, they will have the ability to keep insulin cool for a period of a MINIMUM of 45 hours (this is based on a constant external temperature of 38.8 °C (100 °F)

The wallet can last from 12-18 months minimum depending on how well it is looked after. In some instances the wallet has lasted for much longer. As long as the crystals expand to a gel when immersed in water the wallets will keep medication cool. AThe older the wallet the longer it will take to activate.

Yes, the FRÍO® wallets can hold other medications but it is advised that you ask your GP or the manufacturer of the medication, regarding excursion temperatures before doing so. Frio as the manufacturer have not done further tests other than that of Insulin.

The outer cover of the wallet can be washed at 86 °F using a mild detergent. The inner wallet can be cleaned by using a Nail brush and only dipping the nail brush into slightly soap water (not the wallet) then scrub the wallet with the brush. You can then rinse the wallet thoroughly under the tap without damaging the crystals inside. (Do not place into a washing machine or tumble dryer).

The odour may be due to the wallet being stored away whilst it is still damp (active)in an air-tight situation i.e. the crystal have not completely returned to their original hard and crisp condition. If this occurs refer to the cleaning and drying out process.

The wallet will not start evaporation process unless the external temperature is over 65 °F then it starts.

The hotter the external temperature the quicker the process, e.g.: if the wallet is exposed to a constant (day and night) temperature of 38.8 °C (100 °F) it would dry out completely after 45 hours. So based on this information, if the environmental temperature was a lot less the wallet will stay active for a lot longer period. Minimum average time 78 hours

The crystals can absorb 500 times their volume of water, therefore activating times are important because otherwise the wallet may become over soaked and will have to be dried out slightly before you can fit anything into it! Patience is needed in this instance.

The standard drying out procedure - placing the wallet on a low heat radiator or window sill, turning and shaking regularly to prevent the crystals congealing together.

DO not put into a tumble dryer.

If the wallet is sticky, this means that at some stage the wallet has been over-soaked causing the gel to force its way through the material. If this happens you can when dried out pinch off the excess gel. Do not spread over the wallet by wiping off because this will just spread the gel further.

If the wallet has been soaked in water for the appropriate length of time and has swollen into a gel then the wallet will function properly, and as long as the wallet is not enclosed in an air tight bag etc the evaporation process can start. (The wallets need air to breathe) The wallet does not keep medication as cold as a fridge, this is not how it is designed, but it does keep the insulin at a safe temperature for an large number of hours MINIMUM 45 (Insulin degrades at 86 °F).

Tests were carried out by companies specializing in this field in a constant climate temperature of (100 Deg F) 38.8 °C. These tests proved the medication remained at 78 °F for a period of 45 hours. Insulin will degrade when it reaches 30 °C (86 Deg F), therefore a FRÍO® will keep insulin below the Temperature at which it could denature.

The older the wallet the longer it takes for the crystals in the panels of the wallets to absorb the water. In some cases it can take up to an hour (1-2 years old) If the wallet does not swell at all, this means that the crystals are no longer working and it is time to buy a new one. Normally if looked after correctly, the life of the crystals is approximately 2 years but many customers have had satisfactory use for few more years.