Written by KIM COOK
Sometimes, sitting in front of an open fridge can only provide temporary relief from the scorching heat.
As heat waves sweep through the world, people are turning to various cooling solutions like portable fans, cooling neck wraps, high-tech vests, and heat-beating headwear.
While staying hydrated, seeking shade, and resting are crucial strategies to combat heat, wearable cooling gadgets can offer additional relief. These quirky accessories become essential when the air conditioning is struggling, and the pavement feels like a hot stove.
For indoor comfort
Indoors, you can stay cool with sheets that have a silky finish or lightweight fibers, bed fans that circulate air around you, or cooling pillows and chill pads filled with a gel that remains cool for hours. Brands like Serta, Sealy, Casper, Pluto, and Threshold offer these products.
Chill pads can also be used for pets’ beds, and there are full-size mattresses and smaller pads available from brands like Chilipad, 8Sleep, BedJet, CoolCare, and Sharper Image.
Outdoor cooling options
Clare Epstein from Vector Solutions recommends wearable cooling products like scarves and evaporative cooling vests that can be soaked in cold water to provide long-lasting relief.
Clothes made with phase change materials containing gel capsules or pads can help regulate body temperature. Brands like Uline.com and AlphaCool offer cooling vests and neck tubes that stay cool for hours.
For kids, Warmies plush toys can be frozen before outdoor activities for a refreshing experience.
Other wearable options include items with small fans, thermoelectric coolers, and vests with water reservoirs for hydration on the go.
Various cooling accessories like buffs, headbands, wristbands, socks, scarves, brimmed hats, and ball caps are available from brands like Mission, Ergodyne, and Sunday Afternoon.
If you prefer a refreshing breeze, consider USB-chargeable handheld or wearable fans.
Beat the heat with these tips
Lynn Campbell, from 10Adventures, suggests waking up early or splitting outdoor activities to avoid the hottest part of the day. Wearing light colors and breathable fabrics can also help.
Carrying an ultralight umbrella and pouring cool water on your head and back are simple yet effective ways to stay cool. Freezing water bottles to use as ice packs on pressure points can provide instant relief.
For a cool night’s sleep, Apartment Therapy writer Annita Katee recommends placing sheets in the freezer before bedtime for a refreshing experience.
Kim Cook is a New York-based writer who regularly covers design and decor topics for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.
For more AP Lifestyles stories, visit https://apnews.com/lifestyle
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