Review: Best Gloves and Mittens for Raynaud’s in 2024

While there are many Raynaud's gloves on the market, few are effective and long-lasting.

If you have Raynaud’s disease, you know how tough it is to keep your hands warm, especially in winter. Even indoors or in mild weather, your hands can feel painfully cold.

People with Raynaud’s often rely on gloves and mittens to stay warm. Many products available are either ineffective, expensive, poorly made, or too bulky for everyday use at home.

What if you had a product that could transform any glove into the perfect solution for you. A warmer that is reusable, well-made, long-lasting, eco-friendly, and, most importantly, providing lasting warmth.

If you’re looking for the best alternatives to Raynaud’s gloves, Aurora Heat might have just the right products for you. They offer a unique solution that will make you wish you found them a long time ago.

But before we get into the best products for managing Raynaud’s disease in 2024, here is an outline of this article:

• Brief Overview of Raynaud’s Disease
• What causes Raynaud’s?
• How can I cure Raynaud’s?
• How Wild Beaver Fur Can Help Raynaud’s Symptoms
• The Sustainability and Ethics Behind Wild Fur Products
• 3 Best Solutions for Raynaud’s Gloves
• Reusable Hand Warmers
• Reusable Wrist Warmers
• Reusable Thumb Warmers
• Bonus: Reusable Bundles
• Reviewing the Different Warmers

What is Raynaud’s?

Raynaud’s disease is also called Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s syndrome. Raynaud's is a common condition where your hands and toes struggle to keep warm under stress or when exposed to cold weather. People with mild cases of Raynaud’s can often manage their symptoms reasonably, but those with more severe cases will experience attacks more easily and intensely.

 

During or after an attack, Raynaud’s symptoms include:

• Pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected regions 
• White fingers and toes, often turning blue
• Painful and swollen hands when warmed
• Sores on finger pads, in severe cases

We all know what it’s like to suffer from cold hands and feet from time-to-time, but people with Raynaud’s experience poor circulation on a whole different level. That’s why finding the right warmers and gloves for Raynaud’s syndrome is key.

What Causes Raynaud’s?

Raynaud’s disease doesn't have a known root cause, but for some it links to other health issues like lupus or scleroderma. This is known as secondary Raynaud’s. The disease causes blood vessels in the body to temporarily spasm, blocking blood flow. This affects the hands and feet most, making them feel cold, turning them white or blue, and then red when blood returns.

If you think you have Raynaud’s but haven’t had a diagnosis, it’s crucial to see your doctor for a thorough evaluation.

How Can I Cure My Raynaud’s?

While there is no cure for Raynaud's, the condition can be managed in a few ways, depending on how severe it is for you:

• Calcium channel blockers: these medications relax those tiny blood vessels in your hands and feet, allowing for steadier blood circulation to the affected areas and thereby decreasing the frequency and severity of Raynaud’s attacks. 
• Socks and gloves for Raynaud’s phenomenon: these products help with retaining heat in your hands and feet, aiming to counteract poor circulation and alleviate pain associated with Raynaud’s.
• There are several products out there on the market, many of which fall short. But in this article, we will detail Aurora Heat’s unique options for Raynaud’s gloves - alternatives that meet your needs where other products cannot.
• Chemical injections: for more severe cases of the disease, local anesthetics or onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) may be injected to block sympathetic nerves in affected regions, preventing the muscles from spasming and disrupting blood flow.
• Nerve surgeries: sympathetic nerves control the widening and narrowing of blood vessels. For more extreme cases of Raynaud’s, sympathetic nerves are cut at the affected site(s) in order to minimize their exaggerated responses to cold and stress.
• Lifestyle changes: these include avoiding exposure to cold temperatures and minimizing mental stress where possible.

That being said, a good pair of Raynaud’s disease gloves and socks are usually enough for milder cases of Raynaud’s. However, finding the right pair is the hard part. There are many products on the market that promise respite, but as mentioned, they are either too costly, ineffective, poorly made, or impractical for everyday use.

Below, we detail the best alternatives to Raynaud’s gloves that are not only incredibly effective at keeping your hands and fingers warm, but are natural, well-made, practical, and not too expensive.

How to Manage Raynaud’s Naturally: Sheared Beaver Fur

Yes, you read that right. Beaver fur is traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to keep warm throughout the winters. The fur’s thick undercoat acts as an insulation layer, and is what keeps beavers warm as they go in and out of freezing waters in Northern Canada.   

Therefore, it only makes sense that when temperatures drop (sometimes to below -40 degrees), Indigenous peoples turn to wild fur for its inherent insulating properties.

With 10,000 fur filaments per square inch, body heat gets retained within the fur. Because of this, your body is less likely to perceive a change in temperature, so your blood vessels are less inclined to spasm in response to the cold. And, if they do spasm and blood flow is temporarily blocked, the soft texture may play a role in recovery. Nonetheless, heat is so effectively retained, that the fur maintains a comfortable temperature despite any decreased blood flow or cold triggers.

So, how can you benefit from this remarkable yet natural concept? Aurora Heat offers many fur-based products that provide long-lasting warmth, wherein the most popular ones for managing Raynaud’s include their hand, thumb, and foot warmers. They are simply inserted inside any pair of mittens or socks, keeping you warm in the face of poor circulation.

Aurora Heat also offers fur-based wrist and ankle warmers, which can keep some Raynaud's sufferers warm without the need for gloves or socks. In other words, your fingers and toes are free when wearing them! This is especially practical for those who suffer from poor circulation indoors, or when performing tasks that require dexterity, like typing, writing, gardening or any form of labour. It’s also helpful for those with co-morbidities such as arthritis. 

Sheared beaver fur has many other attractive qualities that make it stand out against competitors:

• Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable: providing a comfortable experience for all without disposables and harm to the environment
• Reusable and cost-effective: no concern of them falling apart, running out of heat or battery-power, or needing to upgrade after frequent use, unlike most other Raynaud’s gloves
• Practical and versatile: beaver fur can be used in many ways, providing a wide product selection for those afflicted with Raynaud’s in a variety of capacities
• Excellent return on investment: the first Aurora Heat sheared beaver fur warmers were purchased in 2015, and they are still in use to this day, providing everlasting warmth

Year after year, there is a growing number of people in search of relief from Raynaud’s, and they report significant satisfaction after purchasing Aurora Heat products. Considering their wide range of products, we're quite certain that you will find a solution just right for you and how your Raynaud's presents.

But Are Wild Fur Products Sustainable & Ethical?

Sustainability has become a pressing concern at the forefront of our minds. We are called to pay more attention to the products we consume and do our best to minimize our negative impact on the environment.

With this in mind, you might be wondering whether fur-based warmers are sustainable. It is important to note that Aurora Heat's products are made with fur harvested from the wild meaning that the beavers are neither domesticated nor farmed.

In traditional wild fur harvesting practices, Indigenous trappers are very attuned with nature and the balance of the ecosystem. Sustainable practices are carried out as follows:

• Beavers reproduce in large litters, wherein overpopulation is common.
• When this happens, populations plummet as beavers compete against each other for resources.  
• Through careful monitoring, fur harvesters help maintain healthy beaver population sizes.

This helps to maintain ecosystem balance and cultivates the abundance of beavers in the long term.  

Indigenous practices are also not wasteful. In deep respect for their life, the whole animal is put to use, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Since beaver meat is so nourishing, Indigenous peoples will often feed themselves when harvesting. They will also return the carcass to the land, providing nourishment for other wild animals to thrive. 

While animal harvesting is a traditional and sustainable practice, ethics is still considered. The fur industry is well-regulated in Canada. Aurora Heat participates in the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur™ (GMVF) program, which preserves the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples while complying with the International Agreement of Humane Trapping Standards. 

In summary, buying products made from wild fur is favorable in many ways:

• It minimizes chemical and toxic waste in landfills
• It honors traditional Indigenous practices and culture
• It gives value to Indigenous and local economies 

When you purchase reusable fur warmers, you are reducing the need for single-use products or products made unsustainably.

Top 3 Solutions for Raynaud’s Gloves 

Now that you’re informed on the benefits and effectiveness of sheared beaver fur for everlasting warmth, let us go into more detail about the best products for managing Raynaud’s disease in your hands, and how they compare against other Raynaud’s gloves on the market. Or, if you're interested in a solution for your feet, you can check out Aurora Heat's best alternative products for Raynaud’s socks.

1. Reusable Hand Warmers

Aurora Heat's reusable types of Hand Warmers are perfect for the outdoors. They are breathable and odor resistant, allowing for a comfortable experience. 

Their passive warming system is remarkable at keeping your hands and fingers warm in cold environments. Simply insert them into your gloves or mittens with the fur-side to your skin for ultimate insulation. Since the fur has been sheared to an optimal height, they do not feel bulky, providing a best fit in any pair of mitts.

Alternatively, slip them inside your pockets for warmth when indoors or idle. If you find your hands getting cold at home, place them in your pockets and hold onto these ultra soft warmers. Within seconds, you’ll feel your hands and fingers start to warm.

 

Features & Benefits

• Reusable and everlasting
• Excellent return on investment
• No concern of them falling apart, running out of heat or batteries, or needing an upgrade
• Sustainable and made from natural materials
• Unlike other Raynaud’s gloves made with synthetic fleece or non-renewable copper or silver
• Practical and versatile
• Can be used in any pair of gloves or mittens
• Most Raynaud’s gloves that are marketed for extreme conditions are bulky and costly (over $100) 
• Suitable for occasional wet conditions
• While you should avoid getting them wet regularly, simply lay flat to dry if they become damp
• Easy to take care of 
• Shake to fluff up as needed
• Keep pristine with a Natural Fur Cleaner

Many customers affected by Raynaud’s rave about this product. See what they say for yourself:

And if you’re looking for longer warmers to fold over top of your fingers, check out their Ultra Hand Warmers designed just for that. They are another favourite amongst those with Raynaud’s:

Shop Reusable Hand Warmers

2. Reusable Wrist Warmers

Aurora Heat's reusable Wrist Warmers are perfect for those afflicted with Raynaud’s or poor circulation indoors or outdoors. The beauty of these Wrist Warmers is that they keep your hands free while still providing comfort and warmth - no more bulky gloves getting in the way of getting work done! 

Having these fur-based warmers on your wrist helps keep heat circulating to your hands, even though your hands and fingers aren’t covered themselves. Just pull them over your hand and they fit snugly on your wrists. The result: warm hands and fingers as you engage in everyday activities!

The Wrist Warmers are also just as suitable for outdoor activities. Want to get some gardening done, but need good dexterity while doing so? Typical Raynaud’s gloves might restrict your movement, but it’s hard to go without them if you want to avoid a painful Raynaud’s attack. Enter the Wrist Warmers: slip them on and let them work wonders with their passive warming system. You’ll appreciate having  dexterity to do your work!

Features & Benefits

• Reusable and everlasting
• Excellent return on investment
• No concerns of them falling apart, running out of heat or batteries, or needing an upgrade
• Sustainable and made from natural materials
• Unlike other Raynaud’s gloves made with synthetic fleece or non-renewable copper or silver
• Suitable for everyday tasks that require dexterity
• Simple and subtle
• Most Raynaud’s gloves marketed for the indoors are bulky, not allowing your fingers to move easily
• The same is true for Raynaud’s gloves marketed for outdoors
• Easy to take care of 
• Shake to fluff up as needed
• Keep pristine with a Natural Fur Cleaner

Customers affected by Raynaud’s love this product. See what they say for yourself:

Shop Reusable Wrist Warmers

 

3. Reusable Thumb Warmers

For some milder cases of Raynaud’s, one finger is predominantly affected. To improve circulation and warmth at the site, try Aurora Heat's reusable Thumb Warmers. They are their smallest design, yet highly effective. 

Just fold it over top of your finger before guiding your hand into your glove or mitten. Once inside, it is kept in place due to the grippy texture of the leather side. Note that when using the warmer for a finger other than the thumb, you’ll need gloves (not mittens) to keep it in place.

 

Features & Benefits 

• Reusable and everlasting
• Excellent return on investment
• No concerns of them falling apart, running out of heat or batteries, or needing an upgrade
• Sustainable and made from natural materials
• Unlike other Raynaud’s gloves made with synthetic fleece or non-renewable copper or silver
• Practical and versatile
• Can be used in any pair of gloves or mittens
• Most Raynaud’s gloves that are marketed for extreme conditions are bulky and costly (over $100)
• Suitable for occasional wet conditions
• While you should avoid getting them wet regularly, simply lay flat to dry if they become damp
• Easy to take care of 
• Shake to fluff up as needed
• Keep pristine with a Natural Fur Cleaner

And for those who still want the warming benefits from the Hand Warmers, customers often combine them with their Thumb Warmers for the ultimate experience of warmth.

Shop Reusable Thumb Warmers 

Bonus: Reusable Bundles

Aurora Heat offers a range of products to keep your hands and fingers comfortably warm. You might start with one product, then find it so effective that you get another.  

For those who foresee the need for warm hands, feet and head/body parts, Aurora Heat offers a Traditional Bundle starting at $279.99 (and often discounted), which includes:

  - Hand Warmers

  -  Foot Warmers

  - Thumb Warmers

  - Head & Body Warmer

They come in various sizes, so you can mix and match sizes where needed.

See what other customers afflicted with Raynaud’s have to say about the bundles:

If you're looking for products for children, Aurora Heat also offers hand and foot warmers in kid sizes. They've bundled each of these products into a Kids Bundle as well, often offered at a discount!

Shop Reusable Bundles

Compare & Review

For your review, here is a table summarizing the different benefits across Aurora Heat's fur-based warmers:

Product	Reusable?	Sizes	Thickness	Good for	Cost
Hand Warmers	Yes - everlasting warmth*	Small, Large, Ultra**	Regular, Slim	Indoor and Outdoor	Starting at $79.99
Wrist Warmers	Yes - everlasting warmth*	Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large	One thickness	Outdoor and indoor warmth (gardening, typing, using your phone)	Starting at $119.99
Thumb Warmers	Yes - everlasting warmth*	One size	Slim, Regular, Thick	Outdoor warmth	$29.99

 * = their first products from 2015 are still in use, with a 10 year life-span.

** = different product altogether; longer in length offering more warmth

Putting it All Together

We recognize how frustrating it can be to live with Raynaud’s. Navigating all the products on the market can be exhausting, especially when you must consider several factors in addition to effectiveness, like cost, material, durability, and practicality.  

With Aurora Heat's reusable and fur-based warmers, product testing for your Raynaud's symptoms ends here! Combine them with any pair of gloves, mittens or socks, and you’re all set.

Visit their website to learn more and browse their full range of products. If you have any further questions, Aurora Heat's team welcomes you to get in touch via their contact form. 

Related Articles:

• Review: Best Solution for Raynaud's Socks in 2024
• A Review of the Best Reusable Hand Warmers in 2024

About the Author:

Andrea Di Lorenzo, BSc 

Andrea is an experienced scientist in the field of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. She has several years of experience studying the molecular mechanism underlying chronic diseases. She was honored to write about the positive effects of Aurora Heat's fur-based warmers for Raynaud's disease, as the science behind it is truly fascinating to her!