What if cooling vests could help save lives during mass pilgrimages in extreme heat? Learn how these innovations are being adapted for religious and cultural use.

"Lean more about Nahtlos Duratrode electrodes at https://www.nahtlos.com/"

In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen and José Näf explore the life-saving potential of evaporative cooling vests in extreme environments, including the Hajj pilgrimage, where temperatures can exceed 50°C. José discusses the development of seam-free cooling garments that comply with religious dress codes, offering relief for thousands of elderly pilgrims walking long distances in dry, desert climates.

The conversation also covers the role of cooling vests in protecting older adults in Southern Europe during heat waves and how humidity levels affect the performance of evaporation-based cooling. José outlines exciting product development on the horizon, including new designs for head and neck cooling and integrating airflow with evaporation for stronger effects—all without electronics.

This episode highlights the future of wearable cooling technology and its role in protecting vulnerable populations under rising global temperatures.

_______

This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

---

Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

---

SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

Learn more about Fibion Research

---

Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

---

Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

---

Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

---

Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

---

Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

---

Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

---

Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

---

Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

---

For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

---

Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

Why is evaporative cooling vital for people who cannot sweat, like those with paraplegia or artificial skin? Learn how smart cooling vests support health and safety in extreme conditions.

"Lean more about Nahtlos Duratrode electrodes at https://www.nahtlos.com/"

In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen and José Näf discuss how evaporative cooling vests support individuals who suffer from heat sensitivity due to medical conditions such as paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, and severe burns. José explains how the loss of sweating ability in these groups can lead to dangerous heat stress and why conventional cooling methods, like ice packs, are not always safe or effective. They also explore the performance of evaporative vests in various humidity levels, with ongoing studies assessing use in places like Dubai and Thailand. From construction sites to clinical recovery, this episode highlights where and how cooling vests are used, including guidelines for wear time and practical use in daily routines. José also shares insights from collaborations with rehabilitation institutions and new testing efforts with artificial skin patients. This conversation offers a rich look into the physiological needs behind cooling innovation and its direct impact on people’s quality of life.

_______

This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

---

Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

---

SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

Learn more about Fibion Research

---

Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

---

Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

---

Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

---

Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

---

Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

---

Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

---

Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

---

Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

---

For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

---

Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

How does an evaporative cooling vest keep your skin up to 5°C cooler for hours—without making you wet? José Näf shares how smart materials can transform temperature regulation.

"Lean more about Nahtlos Duratrode electrodes at https://www.nahtlos.com/"

In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen continues the conversation with José Näf, co-founder of Duracool, focusing on the design, functionality, and physiological impact of evaporative cooling vests. These vests use semi-permeable membranes to gradually release water vapor, providing long-lasting cooling without soaking the user.

José explains the technical design of their shoulder pads and vests, their application in both occupational settings and for individuals with medical conditions such as artificial menopause, and the importance of wearing them over—not under—clothing. Laboratory tests show their cooling performance lasts significantly longer than sponge-based vests, making them ideal for situations with moderate movement, like construction or low-intensity work in hot environments.

This episode is a must-listen for professionals and researchers interested in thermal comfort and performance under heat stress.

__________

This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

---

Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

---

SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

Learn more about Fibion Research

---

Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

---

Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

---

Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

---

Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

---

Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

---

Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

---

Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

---

Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

---

For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

---

Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

What are the real differences between evaporative, phase-changing, electronic, and ice-based cooling vests? Why are athletes, firefighters, and even lab workers turning to these technologies?

"Lean more about Nahtlos Duratrode electrodes at https://www.nahtlos.com/"

In this episode, Dr. Olli Tikkanen speaks with José Näf, co-founder of Duracool, to break down the science and real-life applications behind different cooling vest technologies. As global temperatures rise and performance demands increase, understanding these cooling systems becomes crucial in both sports and professional settings.

José explains the four main cooling vest technologies: evaporative, phase-changing materials, electronic cooling with fans, and traditional ice-based solutions. He highlights where each method fits best—from professional sports to protective lab gear—and discusses why evaporative cooling mimics the natural human sweating process, especially useful for those who cannot sweat. They also explore the scientific controversy around the post-exercise use of ice baths, and the true nature of "phase change" in cooling materials.

This is a quick but informative episode for researchers, athletes, and professionals interested in how technology helps regulate body temperature under extreme conditions.

____________

This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle

---

Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely -

Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS

---

SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.

Learn more about Fibion Research

---

Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions.

---

Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children.

---

Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove.

---

Explore our Wearables, Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep, Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles.

---

Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods.

---

Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide.

---

Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview.

---

Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ".

---

For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability.

---

Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen

Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion

https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher