FAO
How to
Use Ratings on Certain Packs
Ratings on the
Instant Twin Cold Pack
Full Review:
Order
a Instant Twin Cold Pack NOW!
The Bottom Line - Thera-Med Instant Cold Packs
Works well - don't store it in
your car as the temperature changes outside will affect the product.
| Pros |
-
Easy and convenient - conforms to kids ankle nicely.
|
| Cons |
-
The room temperature storage suggestion is not listed on box only on the pack
itself.
|
I purchased a box of Thera-Med Instant
Cold Pack, Twin Pack last Fall 2003 so I would be prepared for my sons up and
coming Fall and Spring baseball seasons. Luckily we went the fall and spring
seasons without any injuries so the Thera-Med Packs remained in the back of my
Lincoln, fall, winter and spring along with the teams first aid kit.
In the summer of 2004 however, we did have an injury on the baseball team that
required an ice pack. I retrieved the Thera-Med Cold Pack from the car, opened
the box, followed the directions on the box and found that the cold pack itself
was kind of shriveled up with no way of squeezing it to break the inner water
pack to make it cold. The only thing I could figure out is that the changes in
the temperature in my Lincoln during the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons must
have affected the Cold Pack.
I looked on the box and found no instructions on not leaving it in the car or
that outside temperature changes would affect it. However, under the directions
for use on the ice pack itself it does read "For best results pack should
be store at room temperature." So this first pack I tossed out and went and
purchased another Thera-Med Twin Pack. This time however, I kept the Pack in the
house figuring I will carry it with me to the games instead of leaving in the
Lincoln. (I also sent an email to the company suggesting the list the room
temperature storage suggestion on the box, since most people don't open up a
product like this until they need to use it.)
The next time I needed the Cold Pack was actually at my own home when my son
sprained his ankle jumping on a friends trampoline. Apply a cold pack the doctor
instructed. I took one of the Thera-Med Cold Packs out of the box and was very
happy to find that it wasn't a shriveled up clump like the last one.
This instant cold pack is 8" x 5 1/2" and is flexible. My son is 12
and weights about 80 lbs. He is very thin even though I feed him well, this cold
pack wrapped around his ankle nicely. However you don't put it directly on the
skin. I put a towel underneath and he was able to feel the cold through the
towel.
I followed the instructions and used the cold pack for about 15 minutes on and
then about 15 minutes off. The pack remained cold for about 1 1/2 hours and then
I threw it away.
Each pack contain Ammonium Nitrate and water and they come with the following
WARNINGS:
"Extreme cold causes frostbite - use with a towel or other insulating
material. Do not use for more than 10-15 minutes. Cold Therapy is not
recommended for people with circulatory problems Raynauds Syndrome or Diabetes
without first consulting your physician. Supervise Children during use."
and the following CAUTIONS:
"If solution contacts eyes, skin or open wounds, flush with water. If
solution is swallowed, give one or two glasses of milk or water and induce
vomiting. Contact Poison control immediately - FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY."
Please keep an eye on young children and pets when using these as a child at the
teething stage may find it soothing on their teeth and a dog or cat may think
it's a wonderful chew toy.
There are 4 steps in using this product which are pictured on the box and as
well as the bag itself.
1. Squeeze the side of the pouch to break the inner bag of water. (As soon as
the inner bag breaks you feel as if ice water is running down the
palm of your hand).
2. Shake the pouch quickly for about 10 seconds to mix until it's ice cold.
3. Put cold pack on desired area using a towel or other cloth for insulation.
4. Throw it in the garbage after using.
As with all injuries, if swelling and pain persist, contact your doctor.
My sons sprain was bad enough that I took him to the hospital on the morning of
the 4th of July, the day after the initial injury. (I thought it might be
broken). Luckily it was just sprained and was told to keep putting ice on it, 15
minutes on and 15 off.
Order
a Instant Twin Cold Pack NOW!