Medical rubber hot-water bottle is one of the most popular products in home treatment. In traditional medicine, if it is necessary to create a thermal effect on various parts of the patient's body, physiotherapists use it.
Varieties
Not so long ago it was possible to purchase exclusively heating pads in the form of a rubber bag in which hot water was poured. Nowadays, their range has increased significantly. Warmers are issued:
- saline;
- electric;
- rubber;
- chemical;
- gel.
Each has advantages and disadvantages. Thanks to the large selection, it is not difficult to purchase a suitable product.
Saline
The most modern are salt warmers - these are hermetic plastic containers. Inside is salt in liquid form.
The peculiarity of these products is that there is no need to heat them with the help of additional devices or fill them with hot liquid. On the salt medical heating pad there is a catalyst that starts the heating process. The catalyst may be a button or a spring. When they are activated, a certain chemical reaction occurs in the heating pad, as a result of which the liquid salt turns into crystals. During this change, heat begins to be generated. The highest temperature from such a heating pad reaches 40-60 degrees, it takes no more than 15 seconds. In order for the salt to become liquid again after cooling, it is necessary to put the product in hot water for 10-15 minutes. After it cools, you can use it again. Salt is capable of such transformations over 12 years.
The advantages of salt products are that they easily adapt to the shape of the body and hold heat for 3-4 hours. These heaters are compact. Inside contains a substance that does not cause allergies. In case of damage to the membrane and contents on the skin surface, rinse the area under running water. One drawback - the product must be protected from cuts and punctures.
Electric
Medical electric heating pads are the latest rubber substitutes. On top is a cover made of natural material, inside there is an electric heater.
Such products are produced in various shapes and sizes, for example, in the form of:
- boot;
- Belts
- collar;
- blankets.
Almost everyone has a thermostat designed to regulate the heating power, which is a definite plus. This product does not cause allergies. The downside is that electricity is needed to use it. Thus, electric medical heating pads are not the safest option.
Rubber
Rubber heating pads, in which hot water is poured, are still popular. They are considered the most practical to use. They can be used in any conditions. You can control the heat by wrapping the container with layers of a towel or any fabric. Today, rubber products are produced in different designs and colors, made of many materials. So, for children there are safe options where phthalates are not used. For those who are allergic to latex, PVC heating pads are produced. The advantages of such products include:
- ease of use;
- low cost;
- opportunity to use many times.
The rubber medical warmer also has disadvantages. One of them concerns the fact that a person must lie down during the procedure. Also, if suddenly it is poorly closed, then you can get burned.
Gel
A medical heating pad of this type is similar to a salt-water bottle. It differs by the presence of a gel-like substance inside, and the principle of heating is the same. The largest heat transfer reaches 60 degrees, works about 1 hour. Such products are also used as cold heating pads, therefore they are also called flexible ice. The ability to use in two versions is a definite plus. However, the gel warmer cools quickly, there is also a danger of damage to the outer shell - these are the disadvantages of this product.
Chemical
Chemical heating pad is a bag that is filled with a special mixture. When the components begin to interact, a chemical reaction occurs during which heat is generated. Calcium oxide may be inside the bag. When interacting with water, it turns into calcium hydroxide. As a result, heat is generated. The most common filler is a mixture of metal chips and salt. In order for chemical heating pads to begin their action, they must be ground or crushed in the hands. After that, they heat up to 70-80 degrees, they give off heat for 8 hours.
The benefits are:
- ease of use;
- there is no need for hot water and electricity;
- compactness;
- fast heating.
The only drawback is that most of these products are disposable.
It must be borne in mind that a medical heating pad often helps to cope with pain without taking pills. However, uncontrolled use does not always end well. There are bans on the use of dry heating devices, therefore, without consulting a doctor, you should not use them.