Nexcare Reusable Hot & Cold Flexible Gel Pack w/ Cover - 4" x 10"

I recently suffered severe toothache due to infection, and I was using crushed ice cubes in resealable sandwich bags as well as a bag of frozen peas. I would wrap them in wet paper towel (the wetness transfers the cold much more effectively, but provides a comfortable barrier from the plastic). The problem with this approach is that it can get a little messy if you're not careful, and they don't last too long. I got tired of dealing with the compromise and decided to look for solutions that were designed especially for this purpose. I'm so glad I did, because this product is far superior in every way.First of all, it can be used as both cold and hot packs. How awesome is that?Second, it retains it's soft and malleable form even when cold, so you can mold it against whatever body part you're trying to use it on.Third, it lasts longer than ice cubes and frozen peas.Fourth, the fabric sheath provided is comfortable to use against the skin, and transfers the cold/heat very well, and you don't even have to wet it!I enjoyed using it so much that I almost wanted to have excuses to use it more often. Luckily, I do, because I have a bad wrist that I'm now icing everyday with it. :D

If you need to apply heat or cold to a part of your body due to injury, these are great. They even come with a cloth bag to insert them in to keep the cold or hot plastic off of your skin.

I wrote a glowing review about this product several years ago. How times have changed. The original product had an edge one could hold that did not get very hot. The new pack looks just like my cold packs. Microwaving a cold pack would cause an explosion. I call this new pack extremely hazardous. I am using them, because I have no choice. They are very expensive. I would think it should be unlawful to sell such a dangerous product. I am legally blind as are thousands of your other clients. I really hope I won't have my family sue you, because you might have caused my death, due to explosion if one of cold packs was microwaved by mistake.

I am using these as hot pads, heating up in the microwave. Two come in the package. I am using only one, to see how many heat sessions it lasts before the plastic deteriorates. I've heated it up about ten times with no problem. It's the perfect size for heating an area, wraps and conforms to body shape.I haven't used it for this, but it seems like they would be great for warming cold feet or fingers. I used to work in a place that kept it chilly in winter but allowed no heaters at the desk. It did have a microwave nearby. I could've heated up a pad like this, then used it to warm up my fingers.In the olden days the only choice was an electric hot pad and the cord was always a nuisance. Plus it would take up to a half hour to heat up. These are ready in one minute to 1:10, and the heat stays for at least 15 minutes, warm for another 15.Each comes with a white cloth sleeve; it's really durable paper that feels like cloth and it does a good job of spreading out the heat. I like the sleeve. Although some people complained about it, I can't imagine how it could be more perfect.

Before I get on with the review, I should mention that my order, while it was as described, was branded with "3M" and not "Nexcare." I don't know whether that makes a difference; after all, Nexcare is a 3M brand. I suspect it's the exact same product, but packaged for another market. (Perhaps these are labeled 3M when sold to healthcare providers and Nexcare when sold to consumers?) But I wanted to mention it in case it matters to anyone.On to the product. The covers are cheap, thin polyester, so I add another layer of cloth before I put the pack on my skin. The packs themselves are wonderful. Flexible, no cold spots, no hard spots, and they stay cold for a long time (about an hour for me). They've been a godsend as I recover from foot surgery, both for the postsurgical pain and for the tendonitis I've been getting as I try to relearn how to walk.Highly recommended for everyone who ever needs the R-I-C-E protocol, or who ever needs icing in any way. In other words, everyone should have one of these in the freezer waiting for the inevitable boo-boos life brings our way...

Updating my review...I just recently realized these are NOT NON-TOXIC! On the product it warns to completely flush with water if the contents come in contact with the skin, and to call poison control if any is ingested. It also warns not to lay on it, as that might make the pak rupture. This is disappointing. I just can't fully recommend it because of this, but otherwise, my original review (as follows) stands, and so far, I have not had one leak. I use these for migraines and am very sensitive to smell. These are the best I have found. They had no strong odor when new and haven't absorbed the freezer smell that others have. They stay flexible and are a nice, manageable size.

I bought one about 10 years ago. The plastic pouch the gel came in seems to have been thicker and more malliable in the past. The gel was also more weighty and less clear. It held temperature really well.I thought I should purchase some backups since my old one is so old... but these aren't the same. The pack is cheapy. And, the "fabric" pouch is very, very thin paper-like felt sleeve, no closure. The older one came with a soft felt pouch with Velcro and elastic to enclose the pack and attach it to your body.Disappointed.