A hot compress bottle is a relatively safe and natural way to warm or relieve aches and pains. These bottles can often be purchased at convenience stores or pharmacies, and only take a few minutes to prepare. When using a hot compress bottle, be sure to follow the safety instructions to avoid injury to both yourself and others.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Filling a Hot Compress Bottle
Step 1. Choose the hot compress bottle that you will use
Hot compress bottles are usually the same, regardless of brand. It is usually a flat, thick-lined bottle, often made of rubber, with a little cushioning or protective film on the outside. Some bottles may be coated with a thicker guard of a different material. So, choose a bottle that is right for you. However, be sure to buy a bottle that has a protective coating to prevent your skin from being directly exposed to heat.
Before filling the bottle with water, make sure that a protective film is applied to the surface. Even though it might get a little wet, holding a bottle of hot water without a protective film might feel too hot for your hands
Step 2. Unscrew the hot compress bottle
Hot water bottles are usually equipped with a protective layer and have a lid on the top that prevents water from spilling out of it. Start by opening the bottle cap so you can fill it with hot water.
If there is still water left in the bottle, be sure to drain it first. Try to maximize the temperature of the hot compress bottle. The use of the remaining water can hinder the heating of the bottle
Step 3. Let the water in the bottle heat up
You can use tap water, but often it's not hot enough for a compress bottle. However, boiling water in a kettle often results in water that is too hot for a compress bottle. Try to use water that is no more than 42 degrees Celsius.
- If you are using a kettle to heat water, let it sit for a few minutes first. That way, you'll get water that's hot enough, but not too hot and scalding your skin.
- Using water that is too hot can not only damage the skin, but also reduce the service life of the compress bottle. The rubber in a hot compress bottle is not resistant to very high temperatures in the long term. So, we recommend using water that is less than 42 degrees Celsius to maximize the life of your compress bottle.
- Different compress bottles have different temperature requirements. So, read your bottle's user manual specifically before using it.
Step 4. Fill the compress bottle up to about two-thirds of the way water
This step must be done carefully so that you don't get hurt by hot splashes. If you are using a kettle, slowly pour water into the compress bottle until it is two-thirds full. If you're using a faucet, turn off the faucet once the water has warmed up, then align the mouth of the bottle with the faucet. Turn the faucet on again slowly so that the water doesn't splash on your hands.
- Be sure to hold the neck of the compress bottle to stabilize it. If you hold the bottle body, the top may bend before the bottle is full. This can cause hot water to spill on your hands.
- You may want to consider wearing gloves or other hand protection in case hot water spills over. You can also support the water bottle so that it can stand on its own by placing objects around it. This way, you can pour water into the bottle without risking injuring your hands.
Step 5. Keep bottles away from water sources
When it's almost full (don't fill the bottle to the brim as you'll have to get the remaining air out of it, and bottles full of hot water spill easily), slowly turn off the tap. Next, carefully remove the bottle from under the faucet so that water doesn't spill out of it.
If you are using a kettle, place the kettle while still holding the compress bottle with the other hand. Make sure that water doesn't spill out of the bottle, or tilt the bottle to one side
Step 6. Remove the air from the compression bottle
Make sure the bottle is standing upright with the bottom touching a flat surface. Then, gently press both sides of the compress bottle to let the air out. Do this step until the water in the bottle appears to rise to his mouth.
Step 7. Reattach the bottle cap
After the air is removed from the compression bottle, put the cap back on. Make sure to close the compress bottle tightly. Turn the bottle cap until it can no longer be turned. Make sure the water can't get out of the bottle by slowly turning it upside down.
Step 8. Place the compress bottle where you want it
You can use a compress bottle to relieve pain or keep you warm on cold nights. After filling the compress bottle, place it on the body or bed and leave it for 20-30 minutes. The compress bottle may take a few minutes to warm up. However, as soon as it is filled, its maximum temperature will be reached.
- Make sure not to leave the bottle on the compress for more than 30 minutes. Prolonged exposure to direct heat can damage the body. So you have to make sure it's safe. If a bottle of compress is used to relieve pain and you still feel pain, stop using it after 30 minutes and then use it again after giving it a break of about 10 minutes.
- If the bottle is lying on the bed, tuck it under the covers for 20-30 minutes before you go to bed. Next, when going to bed, take it out and empty the compress bottle first. Compress bottles left in bed while you sleep run the risk of burning your skin or sheets.
Step 9. Empty the compress bottle after use
Empty the bottle once the water has cooled, then hang it upside down to dry with your mouth open. Before using it again, check for leaks in the bottle by filling it with cold water first.
Do not dry the compress bottle in a place where the temperature changes (such as on the stove), under the sink, or in direct sunlight, as this can degrade the quality
Part 2 of 2: Using a Hot Compress Bottle
Step 1. Relieve menstrual pain
Hot water compress bottles are very often used to relieve menstrual cramps pain. Heat can help block pain signals sent to the brain by turning off heat receptors in the area that hurts. These receptors will block the chemical signals that cause pain are detected by the body. So, if you experience menstrual pain, fill a hot compress bottle and place it on your lower abdomen for about 30 minutes.
Step 2. Relieve back pain or other pain
If you have back pain or other joint or muscle pain, a hot water bottle can often help reduce it. Just as in relieving cramps, heat on the area that hurts will block pain signals from reaching the brain. Heat can also help improve blood flow, bringing healing nutrients to the painful area.
Often, a combination of cold and heat treatments can also relieve muscle pain. The difference between hot and cold temperatures can trigger stimulation and strong sensations without the need for much movement, and this is beneficial for pain relief. You can use a hot water bottle alone for a few minutes, or alternate hot water bottles and ice packs on the affected area for a few minutes
Step 3. Treat headaches
Heat can help relieve muscle pain and tension that may be causing a headache. Place the compress bottle on your forehead, temples, or neck. Try placing the bottle in several places to determine which one has the best effect. Leave the bottle on the area for 20-30 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Step 4. Warm the bed
On cold nights, a hot compress bottle can be used to warm your feet and body. Place a hot compress bottle at the end of the bed near the soles of your feet or under a blanket near where you sleep. Thus, your bed will feel warm. Hot water compress bottles are also suitable for use when you are sick and experiencing changes in body temperature.
Warning
- Do not press the hot compress bottle when the temperature is hot. For example, don't sit or lie on a compress bottle. If you want to use the bottle on your back, lie on your stomach or on your side. You can also place a compress bottle on the affected area and then wrap a cloth to hold it in place.
- Avoid using hot compress bottles on infants or young children as the temperature may be too extreme for their skin.
- Be careful using a hot compress bottle if you have sensitive skin. Try using a compress bottle on a lower temperature first, then increase the temperature as you get used to it.
- Never use a hot compress bottle that is suspected to be damaged or leaking. Always check for leaks in a compress bottle by filling it with cold water first, and if you're still in doubt, don't take the risk. Buy a new hot compress bottle if you feel the old bottle is not working properly.
- Filling tap water can cause bottles to break faster due to the chemicals in them. If you want to maximize the life of your compress bottle, try to use purified water.
- Some hot pack bottles can be microwaved, but always check the packaging first. Many hot compress bottles should not be heated in the microwave or oven.
