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. A 2013 study in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research showed that applying heat helps to preserve both muscle strength and activity. The greatest reduction in pain was seen immediately after application.

They typically provide about six hours of warmth; to get the maximum amount of heat from a hot water bottle, fill it up two-thirds of the way and then carefully squeeze out the excess air until the water level is just below the top.

Say farewell to aches, pains, and impromptu shivers with our pick of the best hot water bottles

All of the heated bottles we’ve included here involve the user either being in close proximity to extremely hot water or electrically powering heat devices to be used when you’re falling asleep. This means you should always be aware of the possibility of fire risks and scalding. Read all the information that comes with these products, and ensure you switch off kettles and disconnect plugs before sleeping. 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. 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. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best hot water bottle options on the market. About the author Tightly seal - Ensure that the seal is screwed tight to prevent spillage and wipe down the outside before adding to the bed.

Don’t overfill - Only fill your bottle to two-thirds of its full capacity to avoid the risk of bursting.When used correctly and with care, yes. Like a heated gilet, they even have health benefits as they can be used for easing aches and pains. However, there are some basic safety steps you should follow when using a hot water bottle to keep you safe: READ NEXT: These are the best bedding sets to buy right now The best hot water bottles to buy in 2022 1. Helen Moore Luxuriously Soft Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle: Best luxury water bottle Filling your bottle takes a level of precision and care due to the safety issues of handling hot water. It’s best to pour from a container with a spout, such as a kettle. If you don’t have a kettle and are using a pan on the stove, it might be best to pour the water into another container with a spout first. Along with other penny-saving solutions for keeping toasty like finding the best electric blanket for your mattress and warming your feet with a pair of the cosiest women's slippers, selecting a good quality hot water bottle is a cost-effective way to stay warm in the depths of winter. Heat therapy can also be effective at relieving aches, joint pains, and period cramps according to the NHS, so it's a good idea to have a hot water bottle on hand even on milder days.