The hot water bottle is a relatively safe tool, a natural means of warming up and relieving pain. You can buy it at the supermarket or pharmacy and it only takes a few minutes to prepare it. When using a hot water bottle, follow the safety instructions to the letter so as not to risk harming yourself or others.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Fill a Hot Water Bottle
Step 1. Choose the model that's right for you
Hot-water bottles are generally all very similar and, regardless of brand, are mostly flat-shaped, thick rubber containers with some kind of padded lining or cover on the outside. Some models have a thicker outer shell made from a different material, so choose the one that best suits your needs. But buy one with a cover, because you have to put something between direct heat and your skin.
Before filling it, put the cover on the bag. It may get a little wet, but if you try to hold the bag while filling it with boiling water, the gum may get too hot for your hands
Step 2. Unscrew the cap
Most models are sold already inserted in the cover and are equipped with a screw cap at the top that prevents liquid leaks. Start by unscrewing this cap to fill the container with water.
If you find any residual water in it, remember to eliminate it before proceeding. Your goal is to get heat from the tool and if you use cold, old water then it will be difficult for it to heat up
Step 3. Heat the water
You can use hot tap water, but in most cases it's not hot enough for the bag. However, that of the kettle may be too hot. Make sure that the water does not exceed 40 ° C.
- If you have decided to use the kettle, then you can let the water come to a boil and then wait a few minutes. This will give you very hot water, but not to the point of scalding yourself.
- If you use boiling water, you will not only damage the skin, but reduce the life of the bag. The rubber it is made of cannot withstand extreme temperatures for a long time, so you shouldn't exceed 40 ° C if you want the bag to last that long.
- Each model meets different temperature requirements, so read the package instructions carefully before proceeding.
Step 4. Fill the bag about two thirds of the capacity
This step requires a lot of caution, as you need to avoid getting burned with boiling water. If you are using a kettle, slowly pour in the water until the bag is two-thirds full. If you are using the faucet instead, turn it off when the water gets very hot and then line the opening of the bag under the flow. At this point, open the water again slowly, to prevent the pressure from splashing the liquid on your hands.
- Remember to grab the bag by the neck for a more stable grip. If you hold it by your body, the top may sag before the bowl is full, causing the water to run over your hands.
- You can also wear gloves or another type of hand protection in case the water overflows. You can also keep the bag straight, without your help, by arranging objects all around it. This way you can pour the water without the risk of burning your hands.
Step 5. Move the container away from the water source
When the bag is almost completely full, turn off the tap (you don't have to fill it to the brim, as you will need some space to let the air out, otherwise the water may overflow). Then move the device from the sink, taking care not to let the water out.
If you have opted for the kettle, place it on a surface while holding the bag vertically with the other hand; also in this case be careful not to tilt the container or to let the water out
Step 6. Squeeze the bag to remove excess air
Hold it upright, with the base resting on a flat surface. Then press it lightly to the sides, expelling the air contained. Continue this way until you see the water level approaching the edge of the opening.
Step 7. Screw on the cap
Once all the air has been eliminated, screw the cap into its seat and tighten it completely. Rotate it as far as it will go and then test it by tilting the container slightly in search of any leaks.
Step 8. Place the bag where you want it
You can use it to relieve physical pain, or to warm yourself up during a cold night. When it is full, you can apply it to the painful part of the body or place it under the sheets for 20-30 minutes. The rubber container takes a few minutes to warm up, but will reach its maximum temperature shortly after filling it.
- Remember not to apply the hot compress to the body for more than half an hour. Prolonged direct heat can cause damage, so you need to comply with safety regulations as best you can. If you are using the hot water bottle to relieve pain and are still in pain after 30 minutes, take a break of at least 10 minutes between applications.
- If you put the container in bed, leave it under the covers for 20-30 minutes before going to bed. Later, when you go to sleep, take out the bag and empty it. If you keep her in bed while you sleep, you run the risk of scalding yourself or burning the sheets.
Step 9. Empty the bag after use
Once the water has cooled, you can discard it and hang the bag upside down, without a cap, to let out any residual liquid. Before using it again, check for damage or leaks by filling it with cold water.
Do not allow it to air dry in areas subject to sudden changes in temperature (for example above the stove) or in direct sunlight, as both elements damage the rubber of which the bag is made
Part 2 of 2: Using the Hot Water Bottle
Step 1. Relieve menstrual cramps
This is a popular remedy for reducing the pain that accompanies menstruation. Heat helps block pain messages that are sent to the brain by activating heat receptors in the affected area. These receptors prevent the body from detecting the chemical messengers of pain. For this reason, if you experience painful cramps, fill a hot water bottle and place it on your lower abdomen for about half an hour.
Step 2. Reduce back pain and other muscle aches
If you suffer from back pain or muscle and joint aches, then the hot water bottle can relieve these tensions. Just like with cramps, heat applied to the affected area prevents pain messages from reaching the brain. It also stimulates the blood supply which brings nutrients to the painful area.
A combination of cold and heat therapy often proves helpful in relieving muscle aches. The contrast between the two treatments stimulates and generates strong sensations without involving excessive movement, relieving pain. You can use the hot water bottle alone or alternate it with an ice pack for a few minutes
Step 3. Treat the headache
Heat relieves pain and muscle tension that can be the cause of headaches. Place the bag on your forehead, temples or neck. Heat each spot for a few minutes to figure out which is most beneficial and then leave the bag on this area for about 20-30 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Step 4. Warm the bed
On freezing winter nights, a hot water bottle is the perfect "trick" to keep your body and feet warm. Put it on the bottom of the bed, near your feet or under the covers, where you will lie down, so the linen will be very warm. The hot water bottle is also a great help when you are sick and feel constant changes in body temperature.
Warnings
- Do not apply pressure to the water bottle when it is hot. For example, don't sit and lie on it. If you need to use it to warm your back, lie on your back or on your side. You can also place it on the painful area and then wrap it with a cloth to lock it on the body.
- Do not use the hot water bottle on small children or babies, as the heat emitted is too intense for their skin.
- If you have sensitive skin, be careful when applying the hot compress. Start with a lower temperature and then gradually increase it to a level you find bearable.
- Never use the hot water bottle if you think it is damaged or has a leak. Do a test first by filling it with cold water and, if you still have doubts, don't risk it. Buy a new bag if you are concerned that the one you have is not working properly.
- If you use tap water, the bag will ruin faster due to the chemicals in it. If you want the bag to last a long time, you should use the purified or distilled one.
- Some models can be heated in the microwave, but always check the instructions on the packaging before proceeding. Many other bags cannot be heated either in the oven or in the microwave.
