Customer Reviews

FRIO Small Insulin Cooler Wallet

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The first time I used the Frio cooling wallet my insulin was cool but not as cool as advertising for the product claimed. The second time I used the wallet, it not only did not keep my insulin cool but the wallet oozed slime when I soaked the wallet as instructed. What felt like crystals inside the wallet seemed to be disintegrating when wet. Doubt that I would ever purchase another produce from Frio. Wrote to the manufacturer and heard nothing back from them.

I've been using a FRIO cooler pack for insulin for 7 or 8 years with very happy results. Insulin doesn't need to be refrigerator-cold, it only needs to stay below 80 degrees F to be safe. The three secrets are 1) make sure it's well-soaked and holding plenty of water, 2) make sure it has moving air to "breathe" because evaporation is what cools, and 3) keep it out of direct sunlight because that will heat the bag, which heats the water, which heats the contents. My first pack lasted all these years of daily use, it's time for another only because the fabric is soiled. I'm a lifetime customer.

Used as directed and lost 3 pens when the temperature hit 100 degrees. Foolish me, I kept thinking that the error was mine because of all the supposed reviews about how great this item is in hot weather. We had a small and a large pack. The small pack was essentially worthless, the larger pack seemed to be large enough to keep for for last for a few hours. Works great as long as the temp doesn't go much over the recommended maximum temperature for your insulin and/or you keep it cool by adding some kind of ice pack. If you're expecting the answer to having to carry around all the stuff in the heat...this isn't going to be it.

I'm very surprised at the information below as I researched the company an they're from the UK and haven't been in business for 7 or 8 years from what I could tell.

I also looked on the FDA website under the approved devices section and could not find their approval there despite claims that they were approved by the FDA for diabetic devices. Perhaps it's a recent approval and it's not there yet or perhaps I missed the information though.

I am very please with the Frio Cooling Wallet. It especially helps during long flights and no where to put your insulin to keep it cool (notice I did not say cold).

I simply wet it, put my insulin vials in it, slip it in the pouch and and forget about it until I get to wherever I am going to pull out my "Medi-Fridge" (which is also a great product) from my suitcase.

Does it keep whatever inside cold?

No, it will not keep your items cold. It will keep your items cool. This thing is not a refrigerator. This product is made for short trips. I used mine for 12 hours at a time. I then re-wet it slightly the next morning and used it another 12 hours. But I personally think it worked great and kept my insulin cool enough. Also, they call this a "COOLING WALLET" not a "FREEZING-BITTER COLD WALLET".

Does it last 45 Hours like advertised?

I have no idea. I didn't use it this long. I used it for 12 hours, and then by morning it still seemed cool. But I still added a little water just in case for the rest of the day. And once I am done using it, I just forget about it.

Does the gel leak?

You do see the gel coming through the mesh (or whatever fabric it is) a little. But it does not get on anything, it is non-toxic (I don't suggest you lick it or eat it... its not an ice cream) and does not smell (if you are into sniffing things). I know when you hear "leak" you get scared. Don't. The mesh is like a sponge, you simply see it inside of the mesh, it never really "seeps" out or anything. I wouldn't even call it a leak. Plus, the pouch that comes with this product helps... and once this thing dries, the gel goes back in and you no longer see it (funny, reminds me a of the blob).

Does it last?

I have had mine for 2 years and use it a lot.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Be sure if you are traveling on an airplane that you open your pouch before you get the security area so they can see in it. Also be sure to tell them it is a "cooling pouch" to keep your insulin (or whatever) cool. Then show them your prescription letter or insulin box with the prescription label on it.

I know the company says it lasts 45 hours. But it doesn't hurt after about 12 hours to re-wet it slightly. I do not mean dunk it in water, I just put it under the faucet and made it damp again. I am not saying it doesn't last 45 hours, I am just saying this seemed to help me.

DO NOT PUT IT IN A CLOSED CONTAINER! A lot of people when they travel, like to put things in containers or zip-lock bags. THIS NEEDS AIR to keep it cool. Without air, it will just be a big blob (gel) in a pouch. And I don't think you want to pay for a "Frio Big Blob in a Pouch".

Hope I helped the people who had problems with this product and the people who are thinking about purchasing this. I know I loved t and it has helped me out a lot.

The Frio Cooling Wallet is EZCELLENT! It keeps my insulin cool just as described. it's easy to travel with, even though airport security. I highly recommend this product for keeping your items cool. Great value for a great price

The cooling wallet was a life saver for traveling with my insulin. TSA had no problems with the cooling envelope and it kept my insulin cool for all of my flights. Small enough to fit in my purse, this was a great buy.

I bought this item for travel storage of an injectable for rheumatoid arthritis. I found the case didn't get below 65 deg in temp which is ok for a few hours but be careful of temperature for longer storage.

I have owned the frio wallet for about a year now. I do not feel that it keeps the insulin cool enough. I put it straight from the fridge into the prepared frio wallet and when I remove it about 2-3 hours later, the insulin vial feels just a few degrees above room temperature. I was under the impression that it keeps it at the temp that it was when it went into the wallet but this is definitely not the case. It's a shame because it is a good idea in theory but I just don't feel comfortable using it for extended periods of time. Furthermore when the wallet is expanded after being in the water it is extremely difficult to stuff the insulin vial into it and even more difficult to get it out. I read that Frio advises to wait for the wallet to start evaporating...who has time for that when you need to leave the house at that moment??