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How do I Choose the Best Cold Compress?

Meghan Cunningham
Meghan Cunningham

A cold compress, or ice pack, is a device or wrap that can be placed over an injury or bruise to help prevent or reduce swelling and pain, and to help speed healing. It may be used for insect bites, sprains and strains, bruises, headaches, or toothaches. Whether you purchase a single-use compress, a freezable compress, or you make your own, the best cold compress depends on your needs and emergency situation. A single-use compress is a good choice for situations where a freezer is not easily accessible, while those that are freezable are a good choice for the home and have the advantage of being used multiple times.

One of the first items to consider when you choose the best cold compress is where you plan to keep the compress. If you plan on keeping it in a first aid kit that you bring with you in your car, to sporting events, or on a camping trip, then the best cold compress for you is a disposable one that can be squeezed or shaken to activate it. Called a single-use cold compress, it comes in a double-insulated bag so that it does not leak and can last for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the brand.

An ice pack.
An ice pack.

Another ice pack you might think about is called a freezable cold compress. Often filled with a blue gel, this compress comes in a thick, durable, sealed plastic bag. This is a good type of compress to choose when you have a refrigerator or cooler handy because it needs to be frozen before use. It can also be re-frozen and re-used multiple times.

For some people, the best cold compresses are those you can make on your own. Fill a plastic bag with one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water, seal the bag, place it in another plastic bag, and put the pack in the freezer. The rubbing alcohol will keep the water from freezing solid, making your new reusable cold pack moldable to your injury. Additionally, you may make different sized packs with different sized plastic bags. Making your own cold compress is often best because commercial ice packs do not cool as well as one you make, and they may losing their cooling power more quickly.

Toothaches can be treated using a cold compress.
Toothaches can be treated using a cold compress.

You can also improvise to make the best cold compress for your needs and emergency situation. A unopened bag of frozen peas or corn works well as a compress. A plastic bag filled with snow can also be used. In a pinch, a plastic water bottle can be filled with crushed ice and a little water and applied to an injury.

Any cold compress should not be placed directly on the skin as it can cause frostbite. Instead, wrap it in a towel or cloth and then use it against the injury. Leave the compress in place for 20 minutes every hour. A cold compress is most effective in decreasing pain and swelling if used immediately after an injury.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@donasmrs-- Why don't you use a cold compress wrap? These are fabric wraps with a slot to place the cold compress. You don't need to hold the compress with your hands.

donasmrs

@candyquilt-- I also think that the reusable compresses are better. The instant packs can be kept in the car for emergencies as you said. But for office and home use, the reusable cold compresses are best, but in terms of effectiveness and cost.

The only issue I have is that I have a hard time keeping the compress in place. Especially if I need to use it on my leg or on my foot, it becomes tiring to hold it by hand, not to mention that my hand freezes in the process.

candyquilt

The instant cold packs are great for outdoors but they don't work as well as home cold packs or frozen compresses.

The longest an instant cold pack lasted for me was half an hour. It always becomes warm after that. So it's not ideal for injuries that require a cold compress for long periods of time. But it can be useful in emergency situations until the person can get home or to a hospital. Schools and sports coaches usually stock these.

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    • An ice pack.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack.
    • Toothaches can be treated using a cold compress.
      By: detailblick
      Toothaches can be treated using a cold compress.
    • Reusable cold compresses must be kept in a freezer.
      By: nito
      Reusable cold compresses must be kept in a freezer.
    • A cold compress may be used to treat bruising.
      By: roblan
      A cold compress may be used to treat bruising.
    • Resealable plastic bags are an inexpensive compress solution, but they may leak.
      By: koosen
      Resealable plastic bags are an inexpensive compress solution, but they may leak.
    • Most gel filled ice packs can be frozen and re-used multiple times.
      By: Lovrencg
      Most gel filled ice packs can be frozen and re-used multiple times.