Everything you need to know about dry ice: where to find it, in what quantities and what to do with it...
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO₂) at a very low temperature. It does not melt like regular ice, but instead sublimates, meaning it goes directly from a solid to a gaseous state without becoming liquid. It is used for cooling and freezing purposes, including in the context of scalp cooling cap use during chemotherapy.
**Where to order dry ice?** The main supplier of dry ice in Québec is [https://www.lindecanada.ca/en-ca/store-locator](Linde Canada), a company that is well informed about the use of scalp cooling caps and is sensitive to the mission of the Fondation Garde tes cheveux. Thanks to a partnership agreement between Linde Canada and the Fondation Garde tes cheveux, Linde offers a preferred price, formats and cuts adapted to the realities of treatment, as well as simplified procedures for patients. To make things easier for patients, *Linde* invites you to:
- Call a unique number: 1 (877) 452-2373 (do not contact local sales points).
- Specify the *Garde tes cheveux* foundation account number: **73103456**.
- The rate will be automatically applied, and you can pay by credit card over the phone.
- Pickup or delivery (rates will be communicated to you; delivery within 24 to 48 business hours) will be determined based on your needs.
**What is the cost of dry ice?** Thanks to the collaboration with *Linde Canada*, the privileged price is $2.50 per kilo. The cutting fees adapted to the method of cooling caps are graciously offered. A minimum order of 23 kilos (50 lbs) is required to obtain this rate. The ice can be collected at one of Linde's service points or delivered when possible (regular delivery fees apply). Visit [https://www.lindecanada.ca/en-ca/store-locator](Linde)'s to find the service point closest to you.
**How much should you order?** It is important to order a minimum of 50 lb (23 kg) of dry ice if you choose the slab/block/slice format measuring 10 inches x 10 inches x 2 inches, or 75 lb (34 kg) of dry ice if you choose the pellet/granule format. If you pick up your dry ice on the same day as your treatment, a quantity of 50 lb (23 kg) may be sufficient. **Why do recommendations in Québec differ from those of Penguin Cold Caps?** In Canada, Penguin Cold Caps recommends standardized quantities of dry ice, primarily in pellet/granule form, a format that is more readily available in Ontario and elsewhere in North America. In Québec, Linde Canada is a partner of the Fondation Garde tes cheveux. Thanks to the field expertise of their team and individuals such as [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/blog-singles/2026-01-03-sylvain-charron-un-humain-derriere-la-glace-seche/](Sylvain), a dry ice specialist, their recommendations have been adapted based on the local availability of blocks (also referred to as slabs or slices) produced locally. This practical format is not available elsewhere. Québec’s recommendations are therefore designed to secure supply, reduce patient stress, and prevent any shortage of dry ice on treatment day. In Québec, dry ice bags are also 25 lb, and it is generally not possible to open the bags. This is not a contradiction, but rather a preventive regional adaptation based on real-world, on-the-ground experience.
**What cut of dry ice to order?**
- **Slab, block or slice format (preferred format)**: A square format of approximately 10 inches with a thickness of about 2 inches is recommended. The key is to have enough slices to place them between each cap in the cooler (typically three layers). *Linde developed this specific type of cut in Québec especially for people using cold caps.*
- **Granule or pellet form**: If you purchase dry ice in granule or pellet form (small individual rectangular or cylindrical pieces), you can divide the contents into approximately ten large airtight freezer bags. Be sure to puncture the bags so that the gas can escape. Make sure to have 75 lb of dry ice if you choose this format, as it sublimates more quickly than blocks.
Please note that the choice between blocks and pellets is entirely a matter of personal preference. **When to order the ice?** Depending on the manufacturer's service point hours and the time of your treatment, it may be easier to pick up the ice the day before. Depending on the service point, the order sometimes needs to be placed the day before collection. Remote regions: If you live in a remote area and need to have the ice delivered by a delivery service, plan for extra volume to compensate for evaporation during delivery. For example, for a treatment in Gaspésie, plan for 100 lbs of dry ice for an order departing from Varennes (*Linde* plant) in time for delivery to Gaspé on Wednesday, with treatment on Thursday. **When to schedule your treatments?** Avoid scheduling your chemotherapy treatments on Monday mornings because Linde's service points are closed on weekends and holidays. If your treatment period includes holidays on Mondays, planning your treatment days from Wednesday to Friday is optimal.
**Storage of dry ice**
- Once the dry ice is placed in the cooler, fill all remaining space with towels to eliminate air and slow the sublimation process (the conversion of dry ice into CO₂ gas as it sublimates).
- Leave the cooler lid slightly ajar to allow CO2 to escape.
- Never sleep in the same room where the cooler is stored. It is advisable to store the dry ice outside, such as on a balcony, protected from the elements.
- Consult the [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/outils/](Dry Ice Handling and Storage Guide by Linde Canada) on our website in the “Tools” section.
**Prepare the contents of the cooler on the day of treatment** Consult the [https://gardetescheveux.org/en/ressources/](Ressources) section of our website for tools, as well as this explanatory video (Subtitles in English).
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