A large hot water bottle, (which we define to be at least 1.5 litres in size) will be able to store more hot water than a smaller one and hence more heat energy. Due to the ratio between its surface area and water capacity, all other things equal, it can be expected to release heat over a longer period. This would result in you keeping warmer for longer. In the winter months, the best hot water bottles will provide extra warmth where it's seriously needed – and if you don’t have one yet, this is undoubtedly the season to invest. There's no better time to prepare for the frosty night's of the winter season with buttery soft blankets, chunky knits, warm baths and yes, a trusty hot water bottle. When it comes to temperature, everyone has a slightly different tolerance for heat on their skin. But a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether the temperature feels comfortable. If you’re tempted to remove the hot water bottle, then the water is too hot. Fill your hot water bottle with boiled water that has been allowed to cool down to a safe temperature. Do not use boiling water or hot tap water as both can significantly shorten the life of the hot water bottle and adds to the risk of burns.

Begum, F., et al. (2019). In hot water: The impact of burn injuries from hot water bottles - experience of a UK burns unit and review of the literature [Abstract]. If you are suffering from an uncomplicated form of pain or ache then heat and cold products may be effective forms of treatment and relief. Many hot water bottles can double up to provide both forms of treatment with the freezer being used to cool down it down to an appropriate temperature. Below are the answers to some common questions about hot water bottles. What is the best material for a hot water bottle? If I wear shorts it’s very visible. Horrible, crumpled, crusty and dry. That upsets me too, but it could have been my face.” The impact of stress and anxieties along with difficulties in sleeping can be reduced by using heat products such as a hot water bottle. The science behind this is quite simple: heat helps you to relax. It does this by stimulating blood flow and improving circulation around your body. Furthermore, heat also has the effect of making you more comfortable in your surroundings. Have you ever tried to fall asleep in a cold room? Hot water bottles can also be used to warm up your bed before you get in.

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Over time the hot water in the bottle cools down as more heat energy is released and dissipated until eventually it reaches the same temperature as the surrounding room. At this point, there is no longer a difference in temperature driving the heat from inside the bottle to the outside environment and it is time to refill your hot water bottle - if you haven’t already done so. If you’re going to use a hot water bottle, it’s important to know when to use hot or cold therapy for pain. Generally, use cold for acute injuries and to reduce inflammation, and use heat for longer-term muscle pain, such as arthritis. Don’t use tap water to fill your hot water bottle as the impurities it contains can cause the rubber to perish more rapidly. Use boiled water that has been allowed to cool for a few minutes. On the contrary, cold heat numbs the injury by narrowing blood vessels and slowing down blood flow. This in turn, reduces the build-up of fluid in the affected area. Cold is also believed to help with inflammation and swelling. It relieves pain but does not necessary treat the underlying cause. Most hot water bottles will come with a maximum lifespan or expiry date - typically around 1-5 years from when you first used it - after which it must be discarded even if there are no signs of wear and tear.

verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Store your tablet and i-pad cover in your disused hot water bottle in a few simple steps. Firstly, place your tablet over your hot water bottle to make sure it is the correct size by aligning the bottom of your tablet with the bottom of your hot water bottle. Then cut above the top edge of your tablet. If you want you could also attach studs at the top so that it can be closed but remember to cut further up the hot water bottle to allow space for this. Once complete you can simply slide your tablet inside.However, if a person notices any damage to the hot water bottle, they should dispose of it immediately. Are hot water bottles cost-effective? Helen says she's been left "traumatised" by the incident and is now too scared to have a bath, instead resorting to lukewarm showers. “People don’t think about these things. The fear of a boiling kettle – I couldn’t drink coffee or a cup of tea for nearly three months because of the fear. That’s how it has affected me,” she said. Remember it’s the little things you do every time you use your hot water bottle that will help it last longer. For a long time, people have applied heat to the body as an effective way to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. One of the most effective ways to apply heat locally is with a hot water bottle. Increasing the temperature on a specific area of the body improves circulation and blood flow, working to relax and soothe damaged tissue.