Review: The Best Ice Compresses (Hot/Cold Packs)
Ranked #1,055 in Healthy Living, #21,002 overall
Ice/Heat Therapy for Arthritis, Joint Pain, Sinuses
So which is the best to use? I haven't tried every ice compress out there, but as someone with fibromyalgia (left over from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) and frequent sinus infections, I have tested quite a few hot/cold packs.
Here's the ones I use now. I keep them in the freezer as ice compresses for achy joints or for my sinuses to reduce swelling after a hot shower. Or I can microwave them as heating pads. Always follow the directions carefully so as not to scald yourself!
(Above: yep, that's my own stubby hand in a ThermiPaq Ice/Heat Pack
. Foreshortening plus flash makes my forearm look like a dead whale.)Review: ThermiPaq Therapeutic Hot & Cold Pad
Longer-Lasting than Gel Packs or Wheat Bags
.Instead of blue gel, it contains a non-toxic, fine-grained clay, an unfired ceramic like that found in heaters, stove tops, or even the space shuttle's insulating tiles. Ceramic takes a long time to change temperature, so it will retain heat or stay cold much longer than the propylene glycol found in most blue gel packs. Clay is also eco-friendly: it's just mud!
Thermipaq Features:
- Comes in two sizes: Sm 6x12" (what I've got) or Lg 9.5" x 16"
- Flexible strap with velcro patch at end sticks to any part of cloth cover for wrapping
- Flexible clay interior is soft like gel to conform to limbs, sinuses
- Biodegradeable, non-toxic, no-latex wrapper
- Cloth cover is washable, or may be dampened for moist heat
- Cloth cover has slightly padded side which is useful when it first comes out of the freezer and is VERY cold; after 20 minutes flip it to thin-cloth side and enjoy another half hour or so of cold
- Instructions for microwaving from room temperature OR from freezer temperature are printed on label attached to cloth cover (English and Spanish)
- Instructions for microwaving printed on inner plastic bag as well
Amazon: Buy ThermiPaq Hot & Cold Pad
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
The Thermi-paq hot/cold pad which I reviewed above is my favorite ice compress, good for both hot and cold therapy. I recommend buying two (they're cheap through this seller) so you always have one cooling while you're using the other.
Amazon: Sinus Mask Cold Compress
I Also Use Sinus Mask by Elasto Gel
Amazon Price: $7.13 (as of 06/01/2012)
I use the Elasto-Gel Sinus Mask to reduce sinus congestion. It's not quite as icy-cold as the Thermi-Paq (above) and conforms more snugly to the eyes, plus it's not as heavy. It doesn't stay cold as long. It also blocks out all light, making it a good sleep mask. Again, I've got two, so one's always cooling while I'm using the other.
My Tips for Beating Sinus Infections
Home Remedies and Most Effective OTC Meds
Five Steps to Fight Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are no joke. If you've got one, consult your doctor. But here's my five steps for fighting sinus infections, with both natural remedies and...
Pros and Cons of Heat vs. Cold Therapy
Should I Use a Hot Pack or Ice?
vs.
- Heat EXPANDS. Heat relaxes muscles, loosens tension and soothe pain, but causes swelling and aggravates inflammation.
- Cold CONTRACTS. Ice reduces inflammation, so it's good for arthritis or muscle strains, but may cause cramping.
Now here's three final recommendations for natural ice compresses / hot packs which I haven't used myself, but many users recommend.
Microwavable Buckwheat Pillow: Cuddly!
Amazon Price: $52.43 (as of 06/01/2012)
All-natural, microwaveable buckwheat neck pillows are used by many as a home remedy alternative to gel packs. They are often scented with soothing lavender. To my surprise, this cat neck pillow by Warm Whiskers is one of the top-rated buckwheat pillows by Amazon customers. The plush cover is removable and washable.
Alternate designs including dogs, cats, and several other cute animals, plus other pillow shapes including comfy slippers and kids' stuffed animals. Customer feedback seems to be very positive. (See Warm Whiskers Therapy Pillows
Hot/Cold Wheat Bag
![]("http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=greekgeek-20&l=ur2&o=1""){kind=small}
Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)
If you're not keen on wearing a critter around your neck, here's a more traditional wheat bag hot/cold bodywrap from Comfort Essentials. It's got a washable, comforting chenille cover and is filled with 100% buckwheat hulls.
All-Natural Rice Hot and Cold Wrap
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
All-natural, microwaveable Rice Heating Pads by Herbalcroft come in this shape or a snuggly neck-pillow shape. They offer a soothing lavender aromatherapy scent, or, if you prefer, ask for unscented. Rice Heating Pads may be microwaved or frozen. The covers are even pretty!
Guestbook
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VickiSims
Jan 14, 2012 @ 10:42 pm | delete
- Great info about when to use ice vs heat packs.
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AlleyCatLane
Nov 6, 2011 @ 11:24 am | delete
- Very good advice. Thanks. Need to find that blue gel sinus mask I used to have.
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ajgodinho Feb 14, 2011 @ 7:32 pm | delete
- Thanks for this concise lens and review on ThermiPaq Ice/Heat Pack. It looks like a very handy pack to have. **Kissed by a Squid-Angel**
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