Disposable Heat Pad

[Guest guest]

A couple of weeks ago, the nurse at the Pain Clinic recommended that I

try a " disposable " single-use heat pad and they have been a great

success for me - so far. I thought I'd pass the information along.

Here are a couple of advertorial sites describing the pads

http://www.mypharmacy.co.uk/health_products/products/c/cura_heat/cura_heat.htm

http://www.hotteeze.net/

The heat release " magic " for the single use pads works by an

air-activated chemical reaction. Once the pads have been taken out of

their air-tight bags they stay at a pretty constant warm temperature for

10-12 hours. The nurse was happy to recommend them for a full day's use.

While my body does habituate to the warmth after a while, I find it

great to give the pad a " cuddle " when the pain is being a problem or

getting me down.

The pads can work-out to be quite expensive if you pay full retail. The

UK over the counter price is approx 3 pads for £4:00 (at Boots, one of

the national pharmacy/drug store chains). With some searching on the

Internet I have managed to locate a wholesale source and have just

ordered 100 (which brings the cost down to around a US dollar each).

Maybe we should club together and buy in bulk!

The pads come in different sizes - the most practical for my needs is

about 6 " x4 " and 1/4 " thick. They have an adhesive surface on one side

and so they can be stuck to clothing and held close to the body. (I put

my pad on the inside of a tee shirt and then tuck the shirt into the

waistband of my skirt/trousers). Most pads are intended for placing on

clothing/underwear rather than directly onto the skin - but one brand

(sold under the brand " Nurofen " here in the UK) is intended for direct

application to the skin (it also includes ibuprofen in the patch so I'd

be reluctant to use this long-term).

According to one Internet site I found, the chemical reaction that

gives-out the heat can be slowed/halted in its tracks by returning the

pack back into an airtight container. I've not experimented yet! I'd

also like to find some way of reversing the chemical reaction so that

the pads might be reused - but if there is an easy way to do this,

nobody is saying so (publicly). Apparently, the chemicals involved are

oxides of iron and are safe for disposal with normal garbage.

I'll be interested to hear if others find these little comforters to be

of use -

Love

Rosie

[Guest guest]

Rosie,

I use these all the time. Especially when traveling. I have one that has

little pouches that you just refill and the band that wraps around you is made

of

velcro. The little refills are alot less expensive than buying the whole

thing. I also use them at work etc. The kind with the adhesive don't always

stick

on me very well, so I prefer the one's that have velcro.

Angie in SC

" The happiest of people don't necessarily have the

best of everything; they just make the best of everything that comes along

their way. "