Hair loss (alopecia) is a much feared side effect of chemotherapy and is one of the most psychologically devastating aspects of cancer treatment. More than 80% of patients who receive chemotherapy consider hair loss the most distressing aspect of their treatment. 

HOW IT WORKS

The cold temperature of the cap constricts the blood vessels beneath the skin of the scalp, preventing the chemotherapy medicine from reaching the hair follicles, therefore allowing the patient to preserve their hair. This process is referred to as vasoconstriction. The cold also slows down the hair follicle metabolism, making the hair cells dormant or less active, further preventing the absorption of chemotherapeutic drugs. During chemotherapy treatment, the patient wears the cap for:
  • 1 hr prior to treatment
  • Throughout the entire treatment
  • 3 hrs after treatment

Polar Cold Caps must be changed every 30 minutes during this entire process to ensure the scalp remains cold.

Premedication infusion is not considered chemotherapy and caps can be worn during this time.

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO


As mentioned in the instructional video, important items to keep in mind while using Polar Cold Caps include:
  • The cap must be securely fastened to the scalp.
  • Caps must be replaced every 30 minutes. 
  • Caps must be changed out as quickly as possible, preferably less than 1 minutes.  
  • The cap temperature must be between -32ºC to -38ºC.
  • Caps are numbered 1 - 6, be sure to use in numeric sequence to allow for sufficient freeze time.

Proper technique is essentially important to ensure best possible results. 

USER GUIDELINES

  1. Remove caps from ordinary home freezer and place in cooler, under dry ice 3 hrs prior to chemotherapy treatment. If using biomedical freezer at hospital, place caps in freezer the day before treatment. 
  2. Prior to applying cold cap, cut moleskin to size and place on forehead just below hairline to protect the skin from cold temperatures.
  3. Remove cold cap from cooler and test with infrared thermometer to ensure cap temperature is between -32ºC to -38ºC.
  4. Place cold cap on patient's head with the interior gel portion against the scalp and fasten chin strap.
  5. Securely fasten forehead straps.
  6. Tightly fasten rear straps, working from the interior bottom to top. 
  7. Once interior straps are fastened, secure rear support strap.
  8. Ensure all straps are tightly fastened, firmly securing cap to patient's scalp. Readjust chin strap for comfort if needed.

When removing cap, simply undo chin strap and remove cap as a helmet. Do not undo other fastened straps. Be sure next cap is ready to go prior to removing cap.

Polar Cold Caps are numbered 1 - 6.  Be sure to use in numeric sequence to allow for sufficient freeze time.

SCALP COOLING PROCESS

POLAR COLD CAP STORAGE 

Once you have received the Polar Cold Caps, place in ordinary home freezer with gel side facing out within each individual cap container.  Contact a local dry ice supplier and order a total of 80 lbs of dry ice.  40 lbs in slab form (4 slabs at 10 lbs each), 40 lbs in pellet form. 
  • 1st Layer: Starting at the very bottom of cooler, lay two slabs of dry ice across bottom.
  • 2nd Layer: Next, place cold cap containers in numeric order on top of dry ice with number side facing up.  
  • 3rd Layer: Place two slabs of dry ice flat across top of cold cap containers. 
  • 4th Layer: Lastly, separate pellets in plastic resealable freezer bags, ensuring not to completely close bag, allowing for adequate ventilation, and place on sides and top of containers filling any available space within cooler. If your dry ice provider does not supply pellet form, broken pieces of slab form will work as well.


Once completed with treatment, place caps back in containers with gel side facing out and return to ordinary home freezer. To avoid damage, do not leave caps under dry ice over night. 


Please speak with your dry ice supplier regarding the appropriate safety precautions when dealing with dry ice. Be sure to always wear safety goggles and safety gloves when dealing with dry ice.
Please understand hair loss prevention (chemotherapy induced alopecia) is not guaranteed and individual results may vary. Use Polar Cold Caps at your own risk. Please consult with your physician prior to using this product.