Updated 9/7/2020
Disclaimer: There are no affiliate links in this post. Please consult your health care provider before using cold therapy!
This post is an answer for the question, “Can I recommend a favorite cold pack?” This question came up in response to My Favorite Pain Relief Tools: Part 2.
Gel Cold Packs
I mainly use cold packs for joint and back/neck pain. Most of my experience has been with the cheap drugstore gel packs, but my favorite one came from my chiropractor. I’ve had it for at least 5 years. It came from a chiropractor supply company.
The cheap gel cold packs always get a hole in them somewhere, and start to leak gooey gel everywhere. To extend their life, I put mine into a freezer zip-top bag, and wrap a towel around the bag during use to sop up any drips.
The Cold One
I won a knee ice pack from Cold One during an arthritis give-away contest. It keeps cold for over an hour which means it will do the job for the 15-20 minutes recommended. It has easy to adjust Velcro straps. However, it’s hard ice cube-shaped cold areas make my knee cap hurt when using it strapped on while sitting up. When I just lay it over my knee with my leg stretched out it’s better. For me, wearing it while sitting or upright would not be comfortable at all. The Cold One comes in a variety of shapes for all body parts.
The Chattanooga Colpac
In my research Chattanooga Colpacs kept popping up as one of the best as far as staying cold for 30 minutes, able to conform to body parts, and quality construction. These are used by many Physical therapists, so they should be durable. However, I’ve never tried one at home.
The Top 10 Cold Packs of 2020
According to this article, Top 10 Cold Packs of 2020, you pick a cold pack depending on what you need it for. The article covers everything from ankle/wrist packs, to large flat ones for your back. This article written by Gabrielle Taylor, has some great information!
The author’s #3 pick is an Azmed Ice Bag. (Imagine that…an old-fashioned water-bottle style is in the top three.) It doesn’t leak, and is great for migraine pain and smaller needs. The exterior is cloth. You just need a supply of ice cubes. I’ve never used this brand, but definitely used them growing up.
Her #2 pick is a Therapaq Flexible. It has long, wide, Velcro straps, and comes in shapes/sizes for a variety of body parts. Can be used hot or cold. I’ve never used this one either.
Her #1 pick is Flexikold Gel packs. It’s used by physical therapists, and molds easily to any body part. I’ve never tried this one either.
Here’s someone else’s review of this ice pack. https://buildingstrongerbodies.com/flexikold-gel-ice-pack
I’m considering getting a Flexikold Gel pack shaped for my neck, because it’s a pain trying to hold my squarish gel pack on my neck.
Wrap up About Cold Packs
I hope this post helps you pick a quality cold pack! Remember: Don’t put ice packs on bare skin. Limit time of icing to 15-20 minutes, and leave ice off for several hours to prevent damage to skin and nerves.
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Till next time, Kathy