After immersing the wallet in cold water for the appropriate length of time, the crystals that are contained in the Panels expand into a gel. Once the crystals turn into the gel substance the evaporation process begins. This occurs when air reacts with the gel creating the cooling effect. Due to the gel reacting to air, it is vital that the wallet must be in contact with air, to enable it to Breathe and must not be placed in any air tight container/bag.

Once the wallets have been immersed in water for the correct amount of time, they will have the ability to keep insulin cool for a period of a minimum 45 hours (Based on a constant environmental temperature of 38.8 °C (100 °F)

The wallet can last anything from 12-18 months minimum depending on how well it is cared for. In some cases 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. As wallets age then will take longer to activate.

The outer cover of the wallet can be washed at 30 °C 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 (dry) wallet with the brush. You can then rinse the wallet under the tap without damaging the crystals inside. (do not place into a washing machine).

The wallets keep insulin cool between 18-26 °C depending on the climate which the wallet is exposed to. 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 26 °C for a minimum of 45 hours.

Yes, the FRÍO® wallets can hold other medications but it is advised that you ask your GP or the medications manufacturer before doing so, as further tests other than Insulin has not been undertaken at this stage.

Incorrectly coded meters can cause inaccurate results. For the latest range of No Coding and No Calibrating blood glucose meters, please visit www.ascensia.co.uk

Diabetes Glaucoma Arthritis etc

All we can say, is that the wallets have been used by professional mountaineers in extreme conditions, and they have said the FRIO prevented the insulin from freezing during their trips, please see the section "What customers Say"

WELCOME Thank you for purchasing a FRIO® wallet. Please take a few minutes to read this leaflet carefully, so that you understand how to use your FRIO® wallet, and keep it working effectively over and over again. FRÍO® Keep Insulin Safe Even in Hot Climates! Insulin must be at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature when placed in the FRIO® wallet. FRIO® wallets have been developed to keep insulin within acceptable temperature limits, without refrigeration, for several days before they need to be re-activated. Contents Each pack consists of two parts: 1) Cambrelle outer cover; 2) Inner FRIO® pouch made of polycotton with panels containing crystals, which are non-toxic and non-flammable (Safety Data Sheet available if required). NB. The individual, Duo Pen and Pump wallets are packaged so the FRIO® inner pouch is inside the Cambrelle cover on arrival. In order to activate crystals remove inner pouch from cover before immersion in water. Instructions for use. 1. Immerse the inner pouch, containing crystals, in cold water. 2. Soak fro the relevant time for the size wallet you have purchased as follows: Individual/Duo/Pump 5-8 minutes; Small 5-10 minutes; Large 5-12 minutes; Extra Large 8-12 minutes. 3. Gently spread crystals evenly through the pouch. The gel formed should fill the panels but should not expand to the point where the panels become rigid. The activated pouch should remain pliable. 4. Gently towel pouch dry. Leave for 10-15 minutes to allow gel formed to absorb moisture from the fabric. (The panels will continue to expand slightly after removing from the water). 5. Place medication in the activated pouch and then place in outer Cambrelle cover. The FRIO® inner pouch should be re-immersed in water when the quantity of gel reduces and gel starts to return to its crystal form, i.e. crystals can be felt in the panels. When in continuous use, succeeding immersion periods will be shorter as the crystals are always in gel form, i.e.3-4 minutes. It is extremely important that the correct amount fo water is absorbed during immersion because over-soaking causes the wallet to become too swollen to be used! Should this occur, the wallet must be allowed to dry naturally until it returns to a usable size. DO NOT CARY OR STORE IN AN AIRTIGHT OR WATERPROOF CONTAINER WHEN ACTIVATED. FRIO®s need to breathe. They work by evaporation and need to be in contact with the air. The Cambrelle (outer) cover allows this to happen enhancing the stability of the pouch’s temperature. Carrying in hand luggage or a pocket is satisfactory. Please Note: Care should be taken when towel drying your FRIO® pouch after immersion in water, as there might be some slight colour loss from the fabric of brightly coloured pouches. Insulin from the FRIO® can be placed in a refrigerator when one is available. DO NOT place the FRIO® in a freezer as the fabric may become damaged due to moisture in the gel causing it to stick to the freezer shelving, DO NOT place the FRIO® in the fridge from risk of damage. Storage When not in use, remove the inner pouch from cover and allow to completely dry out naturally until the gel returns to crystal form. To keep the crystals separate give the pouch an occasional shake whilst drying out. When completely dry your FRIO® should be stored in dry airtight conditions until next required. These details are only a guide. Due to varying climatic conditions around the world, FRIO® wallets will respond a little differently according to the environment. Activate them sensibly and they will continue to respond to your needs over a long period of time. With age the length of time of immersion will increase but as long as the crystals expand into a gel the wallet will function properly. When the crystals fail to expand, the wallet will need to be replaced

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

The hotter the climate the quicker the evaporation process, for example: 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.

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 once dried out pinch off the excess gel bits. Do not spread over the wallet by wiping off because this will just spread the gel further.

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 (couple of years old) If the wallet does not swell at all, this means that the crystals are not working any longer and it is time to purchase a new one. Generally speaking if looked after correctly, the life of the crystals is approximately 2 years but many customers have had satisfactory use for several more years.

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

The crystals are capable of absorbing 500 times their volume of water, therefore time restrictions are important because otherwise the wallet may become over soaked and will have to be dried out until the items needed can fit into it! Patience is needed in this instance.

The standard drying out procedure consists of 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 has been immersed in water for the recommended time and has swollen into a gel form then the wallet is functioning properly, 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 extended period of time (Insulin degrades at 30 °C).

Tests were carried out by companies specialising in this field in a constant external environment temperature of 38.8 °C. These tests proved the medication remained at 26 °C for a period of 45 hours. Insulin will degrade when it reaches 30 °C, therefore a FRÍO® will keep insulin below the Temperature at which it could degrade.