TempraMed VIVI CAP Review - The Best Insulin Cooler Travel Case For Insulin Pens?

Looking for a simple way to keep your insulin pen protected when you’re out and about?

Then the VIVI Cap by TempraMed might be exactly what you’re looking for.

I originally reviewed the VIVI Cap a while ago, and since then TempraMed have expanded their range with products like the VIVI Med and the VIVI Cap Smart.

But I still think the original VIVI Cap has a really clear place.

It’s simple.
It’s slim.
It’s easy to use.
And it doesn’t need ice, water, charging, freezing, or any real faff.

Which, when you’re travelling with diabetes, is exactly the sort of thing I want.

I’ve been testing the VIVI Cap again alongside the new VIVI Cap Smart, and my thoughts are actually pretty similar to before.

I still think the VIVI Cap is a brilliant day-use solution for protecting your in-use insulin pen.

Would I use it as my only insulin storage solution for a long trip?

No.

But would I use it for sightseeing days, theme parks, water parks, airport days, road trips and excursions?

Absolutely.

And honestly, I think that’s where this product really shines.

Quick verdict: is the VIVI Cap worth it?

Yes, I do think the VIVI Cap is worth it, especially if you use insulin pens and want a simple, compact way to protect your in-use pen from temperature changes.

For me, it’s best used as a daily insulin pen protection solution, rather than a full long-term travel storage system.

So for example, if I was travelling, I’d keep the majority of my insulin supply properly stored in a fridge or another suitable storage solution, like a Breezy Pack, and then I’d use the VIVI Cap for the insulin pen I’m actually using during the day.

That’s where it makes the most sense.

It’s especially good if you want something really slim and space-saving.

Compared with the VIVI Med, the VIVI Cap is even more compact because it replaces your normal insulin pen cap rather than acting as a separate case.

So if you’re only carrying one insulin pen and want the smallest possible option, this is probably the better choice.

Quick purchase? Get it here!

Who are TempraMed?

TempraMed are the company behind the VIVI range of medication temperature protection products.

Their products are designed to help protect temperature-sensitive medication from extreme temperatures, without needing the usual extras like ice packs, water, freezing or charging.

The VIVI Cap is their insulin pen temperature shield, and TempraMed describe it as a maintenance-free temperature protection product for insulin and GLP-1 pens. Their website also says it is reusable for years, does not require charging or freezing, and fits insulin pens. 

They now also have the VIVI Cap Smart, which adds smart features such as injection-time tracking, app logging and reminders. 

So there are now a few different options depending on what you need.

But this review is mainly focused on the original VIVI Cap, with a comparison to the VIVI Cap Smart later on.

Why is it important to protect insulin from temperature changes?

If you use insulin, then you’ll already know how stressful it can be trying to keep it at the right temperature.

Insulin can be affected by extreme heat and freezing temperatures, and the worrying thing is that damaged insulin does not always look damaged. I’ve had insulin freeze before.

Or should I say, a hotel froze my insulin before. And when it defrosted, it looked completely normal. But it did not work properly. That’s the scary part. You don’t always get a visual warning sign. It might not look cloudy, discoloured or “off”, but it won’t work effectively, or at all. 

And when you’re travelling, there are so many situations where insulin can accidentally get too hot or too cold. I’m thinking, hot cars, theme parks, water parks, long hikes, beach days, cruise excursions, basically anything fun ;) 

So having a reliable way o protect your in-use insulin pen is genuinely useful.

What is the VIVI Cap?

The VIVI Cap is a reusable insulin temperature shield that replaces the original cap on your insulin pen.

So instead of carrying your insulin pen inside a separate cooling pouch or case, the VIVI Cap becomes the cap on your pen.

That is what makes it so compact.

You don’t really feel like you’re carrying another device. It just becomes part of your insulin pen set-up.

TempraMed says the VIVI Cap is designed to help keep insulin pens within safe temperatures without needing ice, water, refrigeration or charging. Their original product information also states that the VIVI Cap is intended to keep insulin pens below 29°C / 84.2°F for a minimum of 12 hours, even in an environmental temperature of 37.8°C / 100°F, when placed inside a personal bag such as a handbag. 

That’s why I see it as a great day-use product.

For example, if I’m heading out for a day of sightseeing, I can pop my insulin pen with the VIVI Cap into my bag and know that it has that extra layer of temperature protection.

It’s not a big bulky insulin cooler, nor a full travel storage system, rather it’s a compact way to protect the insulin you’re actively using. 

What comes in the box?

The VIVI Cap comes with the cap itself, operating instructions and the pieces you need to fit it to your insulin pen.

The newer version I’ve been testing also comes with a transparent protective cover and a ring cover.

You use the right set-up for your pen, remove your original insulin pen cap, and replace it with the VIVI Cap.

The instructions are pretty easy to follow, and once it’s fitted, that’s basically it.

There’s a light indicator on the device, and when you press the button, the light tells you whether the device is operating correctly.

Green means you’re good to go.

Red means the device needs to return to room temperature before use.

And the light doesn’t stay on permanently, which is normal. You press it, check it, and then it switches off.

Simple - And that’s what I like about it.

How does the VIVI Cap work?

The VIVI Cap works using insulation and a heat-absorbing material that helps protect your insulin from temperature extremes.

TempraMed describe it as using special insulation and PCM, which stands for phase change material, to help manage heat naturally. During warmer conditions, the insulation helps block heat and the PCM absorbs excess heat.

When conditions cool down again, the PCM releases that heat so it can be ready to work again.

In plain English?

It helps protect your insulin pen without you having to do anything.

My experience using the VIVI Cap

I’ve used and tested quite a few insulin cooling products over the years, and my thoughts on the VIVI Cap are still very similar to my original review.

I think it’s a great little device.

It’s compact, easy to use, and genuinely convenient.

The biggest thing for me is how slim it is.

Compared with a lot of other insulin cooling products, the VIVI Cap takes up barely any extra space because it replaces the normal cap on your insulin pen.

So if you’re travelling with a small bag, sling bag, handbag, bum bag, or even just trying to keep your diabetes supplies as minimal as possible for the day, this is really useful.

I especially like it for days where I’m not carrying my full diabetes kit.

For example:

• Theme park days
• Water park days
• Cruise excursions
• Beach days
• Sightseeing days
• Airport days
• Road trips
• Hot weather days out

Water parks are a big one for me!

When I’m at a water park, I usually use insulin pens rather than my pump, and this is exactly the kind of situation where the VIVI Cap makes sense.

You don’t want to carry a huge insulin cooling bag around a water park.

You don’t want to rely on random lockers getting too hot.

And you definitely don’t want to spend the whole day worrying about your insulin.

For that kind of day, the VIVI Cap is a really practical solution.

What I like about the VIVI Cap

1. It is very compact

This is probably one of the biggest benefits.

The VIVI Cap is small, slim and easy to carry.

Unlike the VIVI Med, which is more of a small case, the VIVI Cap actually replaces the cap on your insulin pen.

So it doesn’t feel like you’re adding another bulky item to your bag.

For day trips and travel days, that’s a big win.

2. It doesn’t need ice, water or charging

This is my favourite thing about the VIVI range in general.

Most insulin cooling products require some form of preparation.

You need to freeze an ice pack, soak something in water or charge something, or find a fridge.

But with the VIVI Cap, there’s none of that.

You can just grab your pen and go.

3. It is perfect for in-use insulin pens

This is where I think the VIVI Cap is strongest.

It’s not trying to carry all your insulin and it’s designed for the insulin pen you’re actually using.

And I like that.

Sometimes you don’t need a huge travel case.

Sometimes you just need to protect the insulin pen that is coming out with you for the day.

That’s where the VIVI Cap works really well.

4. It is really easy to use

There’s nothing complicated about the VIVI Cap.

You fit it to your pen, press the indicator button, check for the green light, and use it as your normal pen cap.

That’s it.

5. It’s designed to last for years

The VIVI Cap is designed to be reused for years, which makes the upfront cost feel more like a long-term investment.

TempraMed also describes it as lasting for many years and offering 24/7 insulin protection. So whilst it may seem expensive at first, it’s not something you need to replace after every trip. And when you consider the cost of insulin, and the stress of insulin being damaged, I do think it makes sense as an investment if you regularly carry insulin pens.

6. It gets cheaper if you buy more than one

This is worth mentioning because if you use multiple insulin pens, you may want more than one VIVI Cap.

For example, if you use a rapid-acting insulin pen and a long-acting insulin pen, you might want one cap for each.

TempraMed do sometimes offer bundle deals when buying multiple units. At the time I checked, their VIVI Cap page mentioned 40% off on 2+ units and also showed 2-pack and 3-pack options, but I’d always double-check the current offer because deals can change. 

Personally, I probably wouldn’t use three caps as my main long-term travel system.

But if you are someone who uses multiple pens daily and wants each pen protected, it’s good to know the multi-buy option exists.

Cons of the VIVI Cap

1. It only protects one pen

This is the main downside.

The VIVI Cap is designed for one insulin pen.

So if you’re carrying multiple pens, back-up insulin, spare cartridges, pump supplies, sensors, needles and all the rest of it, this won’t replace a bigger diabetes travel case.

But I don’t think that’s really the purpose of it.

For me, the VIVI Cap is for your active pen.

The rest of your insulin supply should still be stored properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. It’s not a full travel storage system

I wouldn’t use the VIVI Cap as my only insulin storage solution for a long trip.

If I’m travelling for a week or longer, I’ll have more insulin with me than just one active pen.

So I’d still need a proper plan for storing the rest of my insulin.

That might be a hotel fridge, a bigger insulin travel case, or another appropriate storage solution. But for daily use? I think it’s great.

3. It’s an upfront investment

The VIVI Cap is not the cheapest insulin cooling option on the market.

There are cheaper cooling pouches and gel-pack style products available.

But the difference is that the VIVI Cap doesn’t need soaking, freezing, ice packs, water or charging. So I think the value comes from convenience.

If you travel a lot, go on regular days out, or you’re often carrying insulin in warm weather, I can see the value.

If you only very rarely need to carry insulin outside the house, then you may not feel the same need for it.

VIVI Cap vs VIVI Med: what’s the difference?

The VIVI Cap and VIVI Med are both temperature protection products, but they are designed slightly differently.

The VIVI Cap replaces the cap on your insulin pen.

The VIVI Med is more like a small protective case for temperature-sensitive medications.

So if you use insulin pens and want the slimmest possible option, I think the VIVI Cap makes the most sense.

If you use vials, GLP-1 pens, biologics, test strips, or you want something a little more universal, then the VIVI Med may be a better fit.

For me, the VIVI Cap is the most space-saving option.

But the VIVI Med is more flexible.

So it really depends what you’re carrying.

VIVI Cap vs VIVI Cap Smart: which one should you choose?

This is the big update since my original review.

TempraMed now also have the VIVI Cap Smart, which is basically the smarter version of the VIVI Cap. The original VIVI Cap is all about temperature protection.

The VIVI Cap Smart adds extra features like injection-time tracking, app logging, reminders and shareable records. TempraMed say the Smart version has sensors that detect when you uncap and re-cap the pen, Bluetooth connectivity, app reminders, logging, trend views and exportable reports.

So which one should you choose?

Personally, I’d look at it like this.

If you just want a simple insulin pen temperature shield, go for the VIVI Cap.

If you want temperature protection plus help remembering when you last injected, then the VIVI Cap Smart may be worth looking at.

The VIVI Cap Smart is especially useful if you’ve ever had that moment where you think:

“Wait, did I actually take my insulin?”

Or:

“How long ago did I inject?”

Or:

“Did I dose before lunch or did I just think about dosing?”

Because let’s be honest, diabetes brain is real - I’m serious! Lol 

The Smart version gives you an extra layer of support by tracking the time since your last injection.

However, the Smart version does come with one extra bit of maintenance: the smart tracking cover needs to be charged, usually around once a week depending on usage. TempraMed do say the temperature protection works independently and does not need charging, but the smart tracking part does.

So for me, the choice is pretty simple.

If you want the lowest-maintenance option possible, choose the original VIVI Cap.

If you want the extra tracking, reminders and app features, choose the VIVI Cap Smart.

They are both really useful.

They just suit slightly different people.

Is the VIVI Cap good for travelling with diabetes?

Yes, I think the VIVI Cap is a great product for travelling with diabetes.

But I’d be clear about how I’d use it.

I would use it for the insulin pen I’m actively using that day.

I would not rely on it as my only insulin storage solution for a full trip.

So for example, if I was travelling abroad, I’d keep my main insulin supply stored properly, and then use the VIVI Cap for the pen I’m carrying with me while sightseeing.

Overall verdict: is the VIVI Cap worth buying?

Overall, I still think the VIVI Cap is a great little device.

It’s simple, compact, easy to use, and genuinely helpful for protecting your in-use insulin pen when you’re out and about.

I don’t think it’s a full long-term travel storage solution.

But I also don’t think it’s trying to be.

For me, this is a day-use solution.

It’s for the insulin pen you’re actively using while you’re out sightseeing, travelling, going to theme parks, heading to a water park, sitting in the sun, or just going about your day in warmer weather.

If you want the simplest option, I’d choose the original VIVI Cap.

If you want the added benefit of injection tracking, reminders and app logging, then the VIVI Cap Smart is probably worth considering too.

But either way, I think TempraMed have created a really useful product range for people who travel with insulin pens.

FAQs about the VIVI Cap

Does the VIVI Cap need to be charged?

No, the original VIVI Cap does not need to be charged.

There are no charging cables or charging ports involved, which is one of the reasons I like it for travel.

Does the VIVI Cap need ice packs?

No, the VIVI Cap does not need ice packs.

You don’t need to freeze anything before using it, which makes it much easier for days out and travel.

Does the VIVI Cap need water?

No, the VIVI Cap does not need to be soaked in water before use.

This is one of the biggest benefits compared with some other insulin cooling products.

What temperature does the VIVI Cap keep insulin at?

The VIVI Cap does not work like a mini fridge, so it is not keeping your insulin at one exact fixed temperature.

Instead, it acts as a temperature shield to help keep your insulin within a safe-use temperature range.

TempraMed state that the VIVI Cap is intended to keep insulin pens below 29°C / 84.2°F for a minimum of 12 hours, even in warmer conditions when used as directed.

You should always follow the storage instructions for your specific insulin pen.

Is the VIVI Cap a replacement for a fridge?

No, I would not use the VIVI Cap as a replacement for proper refrigerated storage for your full insulin supply.

I see it as a product for your in-use insulin pen while you’re out and about.

Can I use the VIVI Cap for long-term travel?

Yes, but I’d use it as part of your wider diabetes travel set-up.

For long trips, you’ll likely be carrying more insulin than just one active pen, so you’ll still need a separate plan for storing your main insulin supply properly.

What is the difference between VIVI Cap and VIVI Cap Smart?

The original VIVI Cap is mainly for temperature protection.

The VIVI Cap Smart adds extra features such as injection-time tracking, app logging, reminders and shareable records.

The Smart version’s temperature protection does not need charging, but the smart tracking cover does need to be charged, usually around once a week depending on use. 

What is the difference between VIVI Cap and VIVI Med?

The VIVI Cap is designed for insulin pens and replaces your original pen cap.

The VIVI Med is more like a small protective medication case, so it can be a better option for vials or other temperature-sensitive medications.

Would I recommend the VIVI Cap?

Yes, I would recommend the VIVI Cap if you use insulin pens and want a small, simple, low-maintenance way to protect your in-use pen from temperature changes.

It’s not the cheapest option, and it only protects one pen, but for daily use and travel days, I think it’s a really useful and smart product!

Have you used one? Or curious? If you’ve got any thoughts, opinions or questions, then drop me a comment below. 

You can buy directly on the TempraMed Website right here.

Love, 

Cazzy