When water or sweat evaporates on the surface of the skin it absorbs heat and cools the body. The amplified cooling effect of the Omius technology comes from water being absorbed into the cooling pieces where it has 5x more surface area for evaporation. The transformation of water from a liquid to a gas on the surface of the graphite pulls heat from the inside of the cooling pieces which are in contact with the skin and thus cooling the skin. Because the cooling effect is driven solely by water evaporation the effect will continue indefinitely as long as the cooling pieces are wet and have airflow across them.

The cooling pieces are made of a highly thermally conductive graphite coated in a hydrophilic coating that optimizes the uptake and evaporation of the water that powers the cooling effect.

NO! The only requirement for amplified cooling is that the cooling pieces are wet during use, sit in direct contact with the skin and are uncovered so air can flow across them to enhance the evaporation.

The cooling pieces will continue to cool indefinitely as long as they are wet, sit in direct contact with the skin and are uncovered so air can flow across them.

The headband cools via direct contact of the skin with the graphite. After about 5 minutes, the thermal receptors in the skin stop noticing the temperature gradient between the warm skin and the cooler graphite and instead perceive it as the “new normal”. But the cooling effect persists and can be detected by moving the headband slightly so the graphite comes in contact with skin that has not yet adapted to the “new normal”.

No. The cooling technology will work indefinitely as long as it is maintained with regular washes and care in handling.

No. The cooling pieces can be stored dry and then re-soaked before each use.

Cooling pieces are by design fragile and will occasionally break through normal wear and tear. Replacement cooling pieces are for sale on the Omius website in 20-piece and 10-piece packs. Once you receive the replacement pieces simply push out the old piece from the headgear and insert a new piece in its place.

Each cooling piece fits in an elastic grid that is sewn into the headgear. First, push the piece that needs to be replaced out of the grid taking care not to damage the surrounding pieces. Take a replacement piece and gently insert it into the grid, again taking care not to damage the surrounding pieces while handling.

For traveling you should take steps to protect the cooling pieces. The headband ships in a protective casing which can be used for storage and for travel. The visor and cap do not have a protective casing and it is recommended that you remove the cooling pieces from the headgear and store them in the original casing. Upon arrival you can the re-insert the pieces in the headgear

Yes. Each variety of headgear is sold separately but still needs the cooling pieces to work properly. The cooling pieces can be bought separately from the headgear and easily be moved between different types of Omius headgear.

The cooling pieces are fragile and can chip or break from normal wear and tear. The most important thing you can do is to always handle the cooling pieces with great care. Think of your headgear as a premium pair of sunglasses that you don’t want to scratch. Do not hit the cooling pieces on hard surfaces and always store in a safe place when not in use. It is also important to regularly wash salts and other impurities off the pieces. GENTLY hand wash the headband and BACKSIDE of the cooling pieces using soft soap (dishwashing soap works great!). Rinse thoroughly to get rid of all the soap.

The cooling effect comes exclusively from keeping the cooling pieces wet but there is no harm in wetting the headgear as well.

Most likely not but it depends on the sweat rate and ambient conditions. Sweat will augment the cooling effect but for optimal performance the headband should be kept wet with water.

No. The temperature of the water is not important. The water will quickly adapt to the ambient conditions and the evaporation process will work regardless of the starting temperature.

Yes. The cooling technology works as well indoors as outdoors but you will need to have a small fan blow air across the cooling pieces to simulate the airflow you get naturally from moving outdoors.

No. The technology has benefits both at race pace and during regular workouts. The cooling effect increases performance and at the same time increases the comfort level and enjoyment from the workout.

Your Omius hat, visor and headbands include a warranty against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. In the event of any such defect occurring during the warranty period, Omius will, at its option: (a) repair or replace the product with one of the same or then current design. (b) issue a refund. NOTE: The Omius cooling pieces DO NOT include a warranty against damage or breakage as they are by design fragile and may on occasion break.