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OMG! Air conditioned clothes?

Jul 29 06:01

Quads and paras unable to sweat have a new summertime savior thanks to a Japanese invention called Kuchofuko. Meaning “air conditioned clothing” in Japanese, it’s exactly what it says it is - shirts, jackets, beds and cushions, all with a built-in air-conditioning system. You may look like a Puffer fish while wearing them, but at least you’ll not die of a heat stroke.

The company, Kuchofuko Ltd., has seen a surge in sales since the devastating earthquake that hit Japan last March. Power restrictions are forcing millions to sweat it out this Summer, and this brilliant shirt is the guilt-free solution Japanese residents are going nuts for. Construction workers to housewives are buying these babies up. For cable guys outside all day or for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and not overheat, this is an awesome solution.

And while its not marketed as such, this invention is perfect for people with spinal cord injuries, or anyone unable to sweat. I have had so many scary moments since my injury where I don’t think; spend too much time outside, or don’t have access to AC…and majorly overheat. It’s a living Hell not being able to sweat. Imagine the freedom this shirt will bring to people like you and me…especially high quads? Why isn’t this product over here again??

The Kuchofuko is what I’ve been wishing for since I was injured: A self-contained air-conditioning system that went with me wherever I went. In my mind I always envisioned a bubble that encased me, like the Bubble Boy, filled with AC, but these clothes are much more practical. That may fail the fashion quota - they look like a tax man’s short sleeved white button-up shirt - but they do the job. Two fans that run on Lithium batteries are built into the shirt, and are the main components of the cooling system.

To get your very own Kuchofuko it’ll run 11,000 Yen, which is about $140 US. For that price, they should just start giving these away in rehab, only with a fashionable upgrade of course.

Kuchokufo's official site

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By Tiffiny Carlson

Tiffiny Carlson Disability buzz, travel, fashion and dating — fun things to amp up everyday wheeling life.

Tiffiny Carlson is freelance writer and writes the “SCI Life” column for New Mobility. She's also a C6 quad from a diving accident that occurred when she was 14 years old. A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Tiffiny has been a writer in the disability community for over 10 years and writes for several publications and blogs, as well as her personal blog BeautyAbility. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as Nerve.com and Playgirl.