APEX COOL LABS FAQs
You got questions, we got answers.
Ordering Info
How can I place a tax exempt order?
Please email hi@apexcoollabs.com with your Certificate of Tax Exemption and we'll be happy to get you set up for tax exempt ordering.
Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
There are no bulk discounts during our pre-sale of the Next Gen Narwhals because each set is currently $100 off! We will offer bulk discounts in early 2025.
Can I customize my Narwhals?
Not yet. We plan to offer customization options in 2025.
Shipping and returns
Do you ship outside the U.S.?
Currently, we ship within the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. If you live in another country, international shipping gets expensive, but we can make it happen if you’re willing to cover the costs. Reach out to us for a quote.
What is your return policy?
We’re a small team of two building palm cooling devices in Boulder, Colorado. We want you to be thrilled with your Narwhals. If you have questions or concerns about your purchase, please reach out. We’ll do everything we can to make it right. We offer refunds within the first 30 days after delivery. Please read our full refund policy.
product info
Why Narwhals?
Well, our palm cooling devices also have a distinctive tusk made of heat pipes, which provide a constant circulating cooling effect. The resemblance is strong if you ask us!
Where are the Narwhals made?
The Narwhals are built in Boulder, Colorado using domestic and global components. The heat pipes and vacuum-insulated base are made in China. All other parts are sourced from the U.S. and Canada. In fact, the entire handle and rubberized exterior are made right here in Colorado! For more information, read our comprehensive sourcing details.
What happened to the XLs?
As of December 2023, we retired what were known as the "regulars" and the XLs became the standard version of our original palm cooling device. The Narwhal XLs formed the basis for the dimensions we use in the Next Gen Narwhals.
What’s in the Cool-Not-Cold pack?
It’s a nontoxic substance that has a freezing point higher than that of water.
Can I get more Cool-Not-Cold packs?
Each set of Narwhals comes with four Cool-Not-Cold packs so you can always have one set in the freezer. If you need more, contact us.
On Palm cooling
What is palm cooling?
Palm cooling is a proven method for mitigating heat stress, increasing training volume, gaining strength faster, and improving aerobic endurance. It works by removing heat from your muscles. As you workout, your muscles heat up and this heat inhibits your ability to perform.
Our palms, along with the soles of our feet and cheeks, have special structures called arterio-venous anastomoses (AVA) that directly connect arteries and veins, and allow you to efficiently offload heat. In short, cooling your palms cools your blood, your blood runs through your muscles, so it cools your muscles, thus you can workout harder, longer.
Palm cooling has been studied on heat stress mitigation, strength training, bodyweight exercises, and cardiovascular exercise. Its ability to allow us to push harder is comparable to performance enhancing drugs… but without the negative side effects!
Feel free to geek out even more on palm cooling.
How do I get started with palm cooling?
For volume-focused work, we recommend you start with one exercise you can do with a reasonable amount of volume (ex: 6+ reps) and perform 8+ sets. This could be pushups, pullups, or dips. You’ll notice that palm cooling enables you to perform at a high level for more sets than you could otherwise.
You can also use palm cooling in strength protocols, sprint training, and for faster recovery during activities with built in rest. We’re beginning to document more specific palm cooling protocols. For now, here are some ideas for improving pull-up endurance.
Which sports and activities are best suited to palm cooling?
Palm cooling is best suited to activities with built in rest: weightlifting, climbing, combat sports, basketball, track practice, football, etc. In studies, participants cooled their palms for 3 minutes between bouts of exercise. This cooling rest period provides the greatest impact in a reasonable amount of time. However, many people report benefits with a shorter period of cooling – even as little as 30 seconds. Here are seven ways you can incorporate palm cooling into your training.
What about palm warming?
We’re glad you asked! Yes, you can warm the body up via the palms very effectively for the same reason you can cool the body via the palms. One day, Evy spent too long in our factory (aka Ariel’s basement) and got cold. We filled the Narwhals with 125°F (52°C) water. In minutes, she warmed up.
More
Are Narwhals real?
Fair question. One of us had to look it up to be sure too. While they are called the unicorns of the sea, narwhals are real. These beautiful animals live year-round in the Arctic. Their distinct tusk is actually a large tooth with sensory capabilities!
Are you two as quirky as you seem?
Would anyone use these for…You know…?
Don’t even go there! The Narwhals are exclusively for external use! And since we’re here, no, they are not weapons.