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Hot water bottles can help with Raynaud’s phenomenon

At first Janice thought it was the cold weather. Fingers numb to the touch, tingling at the tips. No amount of rubbing together or sliding up and down her jeans would reinvigorate the blood flow.

“Even wearing gloves didn’t help,” she told us. “It was very difficult typing out a text message on the phone as I couldn’t feel my fingers.”

Thinking at first she had a circulation issue, Janice was later diagnosed with Raynaud’s. Sometimes known as a disease, a syndrome or a phenomenon, the labelling matters little when the effects can be so tough to deal with.

First off, let’s find out what we’re up against.

What Is Raynaud’s?

Raynaud’s is a rare disease that mostly affects women living in colder climates. People with this condition experience numbness or a tingling sensation when exposed to coldness. This is because of the constriction in their blood vessels.

As worrying as this sounds, the condition is not life threatening. But we understand that it is extremely uncomfortable to live with.

There are ways of alleviating the effects of Raynaud’s. We’ll take a look at those shortly. First, let’s see where this all started.

The history of Raynaud’s Disease

Its name was coined after the French physician, Maurice Raynaud, who discovered the disease in 1862. After exposure to cold and stress, Raynaud noticed that some of his female patients experienced colour changes in their hands. Raynaud’s seems to be hereditary as there is a common genetic component to those affected by it.

If one of your family members has it, it is suggested to have everyone checked to see if others have it as well. The onset of symptoms might be delayed for some, while it can be as early as age 15 for others.

Types of Raynaud’s

Primary

Primary is often caused by family history or lifestyle (i.e. smoking). It is more common to women at ages 15 – 30 who are living in colder climates.

Secondary

It occurs as a result of other health conditions such as lupus or other auto-immune diseases.

The ongoing impact of Raynaud’s disease

People with the disease find it uncomfortable and often painful. Think of having frostbite, except that it can develop in shorter exposure to cold conditions. It can also occur even in the hot season when the person holds an ice cold cup or something frozen.

In this case, fingers will instantly turn white and numb. There are also instances where the area exposed to coldness might turn blue. This is more common in the hands, feet, nose, and ears. It can last for several hours.

What are the possible treatments for Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

For severe cases, some doctors treat it with drug therapy. This serves to relax the blood vessels and lessen the constriction. However, many people with Raynaud’s don’t need to undergo any medical treatments. Why is this?

Because most cases are mild. They can be alleviated with warm clothing or heat packs. And even hot water bottles. The goal is to keep your body warm as much as possible.

Here are some tips to keep yourself warm:

Don’t wear thick clothes. Instead, wear lots of thin layers. The thermal inner garment is also key. This will help insulate you better by trapping the air in between those layers.
Avoid wearing leggings or tight clothing. These may constrict your blood circulation. Remember, the problem with Raynaud’s is constricted blood vessels. So don’t aggravate the situation.
Hot baths and spas also help.
Hot soups can provide relief. Or something as simple as hot water.

There are plenty of products on the market that can help with the situation. Here are just a few you can consider…

Using an extra long hot water bottle with Raynaud’s

Shortly after Janice got in touch through our eBay store we began to look more into Raynaud’s. She had bought a rainbow extra long hot water bottle to use at home in London. With spiralling fuel and living costs Janice needed a way of keeping her hands and fingers warm, without breaking the bank.

Bodywarmers

A nice tartan body warmer helps raise overall body heat. Choose from water bottles, heating pads, blankets, jackets, cushions, and even seat warmers to keep your body protected from the cold.

Wrapping up in a fleece blanket

Fleece is a synthetic material great for keeping the body warm. It is thick enough to keep your body warm but breathable to make your skin breathe. It is not only soft and smooth, but it can also absorb sweat.

Woollen blanket

Wool is the man-made counterpart of fleece. Knitted, stitched and weaved. Our experienced team of knitters produce some fantastic bespoke covers.

Wool also offers the same benefits, as it can also protect you from the cold by helping the body to regulate temperature better. However, some of the types can be itchy.

It can be pricier and heavier than fleece, but a good investment as it can repel water, making it a perfect choice for outdoor activities where water is involved.

Electric Blanket

Electric blankets once had a dodgy reputation. They were dangerous and could potentially lead to fires. These days, they are much safer and provide a toasty warm bed. Placing your hands and fingers on the sheets can help ease Reynaud’s.

Rechargeable Heated Jacket

Get extra warm for 3 – 10 hours with a heated jacket that you can charge for full warmth. These heated jackets can be fleece or shell type. The shell type is like the usual shell jacket that comes in different colours and sizes, but it is heated and rechargeable. Fleece is ideal for cosy home activities, whereas the shell is for stylish outdoor activities.

Rechargeable Electronic Water Bottle

Electronic water bottles can be charged and heated wherever a power source exists. Heat (literally) on hand as it heats water in just a few minutes.

What’s good about it is that it is electrically heated and packed in three protective layers. You can even use it as a hot compress when you are feeling cold. It’s small enough to apply to targeted areas wherever you need warmth.

Hand Warmers

Love being outside but afraid that Reynaud’s will strike? Don’t fret! With hand warmers, you can now enjoy being out in the cold doing activities in the snow with your loved ones.

Choose from good old fashioned gloves or mittens. Hand exercisers, heating pads and protectors also work effectively. As for gloves, there are three types to choose from — electronic, instant, and microwaveable.

Hand Exercisers

Moving helps the blood circulate and it is essential if you have Raynaud’s syndrome to keep the blood circulating. There are lots of options on the market that can enhance your grip while boosting blood circulation. There are also thermo-plastic latex options to keep your hands strong and warm.

Compression Gloves

If you want to keep your hands warm and protected, try compression gloves. Choose from the copper or silver-infused ones or the anti-microbial gloves. Silver gloves aid heat retention and are known for their antibacterial properties.

Woman with Raynaud's warms hands — Finding relief from cold fingers

Heated Mittens

Do you love outdoor activities? Worry no more! There are mittens designed with innovative technology to keep your hands warm for long hours. Some mittens have integrated batteries for even distribution of heat.

Feet Warmers

Apart from the hands, another part of the body that is greatly affected by Raynaud’s disease are the feet. There are many options to keep your feet warm – insoles, silver and copper socks, and even heated slippers.

Silver and copper socks and insoles are great choices, but you may also opt for triple layer thermal technology, which is usually covered in fleece. If you will be in colder places, the best option would be one with heated technology. It can be rechargeable or battery-powered.

Hopefully some of these methods can be useful for you, just like they were for Janice. She continues to battle the effects of Raynaud’s.

“As if things aren’t bad enough at the moment with the cost of living crisis, higher energy bills and everything else going on in the world!” she told us.

“My extra long hot water bottle does get a little heavy when it’s full. But the warmth really helps my hands – and that’s a life saver for me,” she added.

Names have been changed to protect identity.

Extra long hot water bottles proving popular on TikTok

First we were liking. Then we were Tweeting. Now, all the cool kids are TikTokking. Or is it just Tokking? Who knows…

One thing I do know is that extra long hot water bottles are proving to be popular amongst the community of Tikkers (OK I’ll stop now). In fact, hot water bottles on social media are becoming increasingly popular in general.

Why TikTok loves hot water bottles

At first glance the humble hot water bottle doesn’t seem that special. But they are a necessity on cold winter nights, or when you have body pains.

For those who aren’t familiar with hot water bottles, it’s a bottle usually made up of rubber and is filled up with hot water which is then sealed with a stopper. They are able to preserve heat after being filled up and are used to apply heat to a certain part of your body, or just provide general warmth.

People usually place a hot water bottle on a part of their body that aches. Applying heat to the skin can help open blood vessels, and promote blood flow in the area. Good blood flow prevents lactic acid buildup and relaxes your muscles, which soothes the pains and aches your body feels.

Others heat their beds using hot water bottles by leaving them on their sheets before they go to bed so they are met with a warmed-up bed.

Hot water bottles are easy to carry around and they can keep you warm during cold days and nights. Because they are good at soothing pain, hot water bottles are used in treating the aches that come with existing health conditions such as arthritis, and period pain.

As they are useful and loved by so many people, variations of the hot water bottle soon started trending. This is when social media found out about our favourite: the extra long hot water bottle!

It started gaining attention on the social media platform Tiktok as many people shared their great experiences with extra long hot water bottles ?

Including this punter, who bought a £14 bottle and has had her video viewed over 4 million times!

But, back to the TikTok video! Shared by user @smallex4ft11, also known as Alex, the clip celebrating a cute koala hot water bottle pouch has now been viewed over 4 million times.
Yahoo! Life

Why you need a hot water bottle

Hot water bottles are great for localized thermotherapy treatment to relieve any aches, pains, or discomforts you may have. They have been popular for centuries and continue to be today because they are effective and affordable.

The extra long hot water bottle is a phenomenal variation on the normal hot water bottle. Its tubular shape provides more heat coverage, keeping multiple parts of your body warm at the same time.

Ease menstrual cramps with a hot water bottle

Menstrual cramps are also known as dysmenorrhea. These cramping pains occur in the lower abdomen of women. Women often experience menstrual cramps before, during, and after their periods with varying pain levels.

Some women experience mild discomfort. Others, however, experience really painful cramps accompanied by lower back pain. This naturally interferes with their daily activities. Because of these monthly menstrual cramps, women are very interested in looking up effective methods to relieve the pain.

One of the most common methods women use to ease their menstrual cramps is to use some sort of heat on their lower abdomens to relieve the pain. This is where hot water bottles on social media started showing their worth.

With the extra long hot water bottle, women are able to simultaneously heat both their lower abdomen and lower back. These are usually the body parts where they feel the most pain on their periods.

Since the extra long hot water bottle is wearable, it is very convenient for women to wear it around their abdomen. This helps relieve their pain while lying in bed or even doing simple activities.

Body Aches and Pain

Body pain is very common. This is often caused by stress, dehydration or lack of sleep. Other conditions like the flu, anemia or arthritis also play a part. Another common cause is staying in one position for long periods of time. This is very common nowadays with many people working from home, staring at their computer for hours every day.

Heat can be used to treat the pain from these problems and people often use hot water bottles for this reason. Although they are effective, hot water bottles are usually difficult to use in certain areas of the body such as your back and spine, neck, and shoulders.

The extra long hot water bottle is very useful to keep out of reach body parts warm.
Applying heat to different areas in your body becomes much easier.
The length of the extra long hot water bottle can reach places your normal hot water bottle can’t.

Keeping Warm

Hot water bottles are important in keeping you warm, especially on cold winter days and nights. It can be used to keep you snug on your sofa as you binge-watch your favorite series or warm up your bed before you sleep. It can also help you relax and relieve stress, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep.

The extra long hot water bottle has various uses for cold winters. It can be used to warm many parts of your body such as your hands, neck, waist and back. Sometimes people just need a good old fashioned hug! You can also leave the extra long hot water bottle on your bed before sleeping, giving you a bed full of warmth.

Extra long hot water bottles for endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disorder wherein tissue grows outside of a woman’s uterus. Endometriosis affects around 2-10% of American women who are aged 25-40 years old. This debilitating condition causes severe pain during menstrual periods.

Although menstrual periods are already known to be painful, it is reported that people with endometriosis experience pain that is worse than the usual period cramps.

Like menstrual cramps, one of the common ways of relieving pain from endometriosis is to apply heat on the lower abdomen. Using the extra-long hot water bottle is convenient for people with endometriosis because its flexibility allows it to be applied on specific areas of the abdomen that feel pain simultaneously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWhcBlhUkAs

Extra long hot water bottles are useful for arthritis and body pain

Arthritis can cause joints to swell and become tender. People with arthritis often experience stiffness and pain in their joints. This tends to get worse as they get older. There are many kinds of arthritis that need different treatments.

They may cause varying symptoms, but all types cause inflammation and pain. This makes it difficult for those afflicted to stay active and mobile.

To relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis, many doctors recommend using a hot compress. This helps lessen the inflammation that causes the pain. One of the most common methods is to apply a hot compress to painful parts of the body. One of these methods is using a hot water bottle.

Although it is helpful, many arthritis patients are older and have a difficult time moving the hot water bottle around their body to where it is painful.

The most common parts of the body plagued by arthritis include the feet, hands, hips, knees, and the lower back. As you can tell, these parts are definitely hard to reach with a normal hot water bottle, especially for older patients.

The extra-long hot water bottle has a convenient length that can reach parts of your body that are usually difficult to do so. It is definitely more comfortable to use than a normal hot water bottle as it has way more coverage, making it more convenient for people with arthritis to use comfortably.

Extra long hot water bottle for arthritis — Arthritis can be debilitating

How do you use an extra long hot water bottle?

Filling the extra long hot water bottle is quite similar to the standard size version. You’ll need more hot water of course. It is recommended that you let the boiled water cool down slightly first. Then pour it into the hot water bottle, filling it about two-thirds to retain flexibility. Don’t forget to consult our safety guide when unsure.

Once you’ve filled up your extra long hot water bottle, insert the stopper and tie up the cover. Most of them come with ties that will allow you to wrap it around your waste and secure it in that position. You can also opt not to tie and just rest it on whichever part of your body is in pain or needs warmth.

TikTok loves extra long hot water bottles!

The extra long hot water bottle is useful for keeping warm, and soothing aches and pains. There is a reason users on TikTok are promoting their hot water bottles.

It provides low cost comfort to many people from women with periods to people with arthritis. The normal hot water bottle has retained its popularity through the years. But this new variety just takes comfort to another level. It reaches many parts that the normal hot water bottle cannot.

Its flexibility, unique length, and shape make it a game-changer for normal hot water bottle users.

The extra long hot water bottles that have been taking over social media are totally worth the hype. We recommend you get one as soon as possible! Then again, we are a little biased ?

This blog post is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or physician for more information on any of the issues raised above.

Get rid of cold hands once and for all

In chilly weather, keeping your fingers functioning is no easy task

There was one winter morning I genuinely thought my hands were about to fall off. No exaggeration!

Well, maybe a slight exaggeration. But the chill well and truly set in.

It was back in the freezing cold winter of 2010. I woke up at 6am as usual and drew back the curtains to find a thick, white blanket of snow across every blade of grass, hedgerow and inch of our yard.

How lovely, you might think. A lazy day with the children building a snowman. Sledging down the hill on an old bin lid. Lobbing snow balls at one another as the dog leaves little zig zag footprints across the untouched ground.

If it was a weekend then yes. Or even a day off. But it was a Monday morning and I was due in work in under two hours.

Grab the de-icer, boil the kettle (not too hot as to crack the windscreens), find a snow scraper. Welly boots on, woolly hat, big jacket, shovel from the shed…where’s my gloves?

Cold hands aren’t just a problem when outside raking snow or trying to fix a flat tyre in the biting wind. Numb fingertips make it difficult to even type on your laptop or smartphone.

So, how can you keep your hands warm?

There are a number of ways. From the intricate methods to a quick fix. Got pockets in your coat or trousers? Push your hands inside of them.

Cup them together and blow deeply to release that lovely hot air. Rub them vigorously together to increase blood flow. If you’re really brave then put them under your clothes on to your warm skin.

Some top tips to keep your hands warm

Hot Water Bottle – Use an extra-long hot water bottle. Follow the instructions, clean it well and fill it with hot water.

Be sure to fill in some cold or room temperature water first before pouring in the steaming hot water from the kettle. Some people wrap it in a towel.

I must admit, I’ve never tried using a towel. We use the case provided. In fact with most of our bottles there are two cases provided.

Keep this bottle next to you as you work or watch your favorite shows. You can hold the bottle for a while or even rest your cold hands on it.

Not to mention the one with a loop and tie string. Connect it under your jumper and carry it with you everywhere you go. Slide your freezing digits underneath for a quick warm-up and and say goodbye to those uncomfortable cold hands!

Warmer – Install a hand warmer in your home to use as and when required. Tap a tune on the radiator under the curtains.

If you are at work, use the hand dryer in the toilet to bring back the sensation into your fingertips. If you’re feeling really daring, and it has a flexible nozzle, flick it up and blast the warm air into your face. Oh yeah!

Gloves – It can be difficult to type or cook wearing a pair of gloves but always have them on you. Wear them whenever possible, especially if you are stepping out into the cold.

Fingertips get cold very easily. It takes a lot of time to bring back senses into those tips.

Even more tips to keep your hands warm

Gloves with detachable fingers – If your work involves typing, you can use gloves where the fingers can be detached. This way, the palms are kept warm, and you can slide back the fingertips as and when you want to use them.

Vintage readers will remember the old TV comedy show Steptoe and Son. The dad used to wear a pair all the time. If it’s good enough for Albert Steptoe then it’s good enough for us.

Reduce The Gap – Pull your sleeves closer to your wrists. Reduce the gap between the sleeve and the gloves as much as possible. When there is no room for cold air to enter, your hands will stay warmer for longer.

Wiggle Them – Keep wiggling and rubbing your fingertips to keep them active and warm. However, do not let them sit idle for long as they can get numb.

Massage – Massage your palms and fingers when you are sitting at your desk. Take a break and massage your hands to get the blood flowing. Better blood flow will help keep the hands warm.

Remember those little gel warmers that people used a few years ago? They were sold in chemists and pharmacies. You pressed a little button and it heated up.

I looked them up and they are still a thing. Very popular in the outdoor space apparently. Which leads us back briefly to hot water bottles…

When blogger and explorer Jeff Podmayer trekked the Appalachian Trail he was met with weather of all conditions.

Luckily Jeff had an idea. Fill water bottles with hot water to create his own hot water bottles! If only he’d thought to take one with him he could’ve saved the DIY hassle.

As Jeff was trekking in the wild he had to make do with fresh stream water. None of the conveniences of our final tip were available on an outdoor trail.

Tap Water – If you are out or have no access to a fire or heater, use the tap water. Most public places, including office toilets, will have hot running water.

Now please be careful here. Make sure your hands are sufficiently thawed out first and use warm water at first. Placing ice cold paws straight under the tap is a recipe for disaster. You’ll end up with chilblains.

Better blood flow will help keep the hands warm.
Cuddly Comforts

Grab a hot water bottle and get on with life

Cold hands can be painful and uncomfortable. Especially when they prevent you from completing a basic task.

A good quality hot water bottle stays warm for hours. So fill it up and safely tuck it up while outdoors. Nobody wants freezing cold hands.

Why you need an extra long hot water bottle this winter

The weather is starting to get colder and it’s time to dig out those winter warmers!

Do you experience aches and pains at the end of a long day? Do you loathe it when you have to take painkillers to counter the pain? Do you sometimes feel excessively cold despite covering yourself fully with chunky blankets and clothes?

As fans of the trusty hot water bottle we love nothing more than a swift warm-up. These comfy companions will let you sleep faster. They are great for tying around the waist to stay snuggly warm before the heasting comes on.

And, overall, extra long hot water bottles are the best way to keep warm in the cold months. Winter is around the corner…so let’s prepare!

One out of every three homes has a hot water bottle

A hot water bottle is a staple in most homes. Additionally, it is a tried and tested first line of treatment for pain relief.

Hot water bottles come in lots of shapes and sizes. They are available in pharmacy stores, bargain shops and home décor establishments. They are also very affordable and can be bought without a prescription. Of course you could always pick up a hot water bottle from Cuddly Comforts!

A hot water bottle offers pain relief benefits

Whether it is joint pain, pesky neck pain, or stomach cramps due to periods, you can easily depend on a hot water bottle to give you instant relief. Stomach pain can be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which causes contraction of the intestine and stomach muscles.

This can be a painful experience. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle directly on the abdomen, while lying flat on the bed, can add immediate relief.

Heat therapy is a credible line of treatment for all muscle sores. It is even good for cramps during menstruation. Many women take medicines to deal with the excruciating period pain. Using a hot water bottle can effectively stop the pain naturally.

Pregnancy aches can also be handled better if you use a hot water bottle to soothe pain near the stomach and the pelvis.

Doctors recommend that pregnant mums take hot water baths. But if that seems like a chore, then hot water bottles will do the job perfectly. A hot water bottle is good even for relieving pain after a particularly tough workout.

Are you struggling with back and neck pain?

When back or neck pain strikes, we suggest you reach for the hot water bottle. Sitting too long in front of the computer or reading with your head down can result in excruciating pain in the neck and upper back. Try this the next time to have discomfort in your neck:

1. Stretch your neck and try to massage the area that is hurting

2. Use a cold press and apply to the area. This will help by reducing the lactic acid build-up in the pain site. Please do not place the cold pack directly on your skin, as it can cause burns.

3. Once your muscles relax, soothe the area with a hot water bottle to improve blood circulation in the area.

Other uses for your extra long hot water bottle

Make babies fall asleep quickly…

Do you have difficulty putting your young baby to sleep? Babies are acutely sensitive to changes in temperature. That being said, they love to fall asleep in a warm room. This is precisely why they are quiet till you are holding them.

Any parent will know the moment you put your special bundle to bed, they start crying. There are two hot water bottle hacks that you can try. You can fill warm water in the bottle and place it one or two inches away from the baby’s legs.

Alternatively, if you feel it is a hazard, you could use the hot water bottle to warm up the bed just before you put the baby on it. Adults love warm beds too.

Reduce anxiety…

Stress is an everyday reality for most of us. The next time you feel tense, turn to an extra long hot water bottle to improve your blood circulation. Add a few drops of essential oils to de-stress and get into your yoga pants or pyjama bottoms for added relaxation!

Stay warm on an adventure trail…

When you are out camping at night, the temperature can become really cold really quickly. Carry your hot water bottle whenever you go camping.

You can heat the water on the open campfire and fill your bottle to make your sleeping bag warm. This will ensure you catch quality sleep so that you can take part in all the activities planned for the next day.

Try it when you spend your evenings out for a BBQ or when you are out socializing with your friends late in to the night. You can be sure they will elevate the evening and make it more pleasant and ‘warm.’

Many bars and restaurants have been welcoming visitors to their outdoor areas. Since Covid-19 struck, indoor dining or socialising has been restricted. Therefore, the trusty hot water bottle has sprung into action to provide outdoor heating to weekend revellers and diners.

What to do with hot water bottle water?

When you have got relief from all the annoying pain, remember not to flush down the water when it comes back to room temperature.

Instead, use it to water your plants. Are there any more hot water bottle hacks you know that will help others? Let us know in the comments below.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are unsure.

Give me 24 hours and I’ll post you out a hot water bottle

At Cuddly Comforts we strive for excellent customer service. Seeing messages like these lights up our day as we know we’ve done a good job.

Sometimes there’s a glitch in the matrix. So far we have been able to fulfil our promise and get every extra long hot water bottle down to the post office within 24 hours of purchase. After that it’s in the hands of the Royal Mail or whoever else takes it from them.

An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item

Have you ever seen this message? On the odd occasion the hot water bottle does not make it to our customer within the specified time frame they do contact us directly. As we keep every postage receipt it is easy to type in the code and trace where the bottle has ended up.

However, it is frustrating when we type in the code and it reads out: “An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item”.

But what does this actually mean? Well, surprisingly enough, as confirmed in this Metro article, exactly what it says. Only once the product has been delivered, or an attempted delivery been made, will they have any further information for us.

Postage and packaging on our hot water bottles

When it comes to packaging our extra long hot water bottles we think it is important to reuse and recycle. Nobody has ever complained about this.

Naturally, we clean any previously-used packaging first and remove any old addresses or location identifiers. But after that, as long as it is still in good condition with no identifiable damage, we use it again.

Getting hot water bottles lost in the post

Thankfully the postal service is pretty reliable and this has only ever happened once. When it happened to us the Royal Mail accepted responsibility and we were able to claim the cost of the item back from them. We also sent out a second extra long hot water bottle to the customer to make sure she did not miss out. Job done!

Hot water bottles are dangerous

We often hear about the danger, but is it completely true?

Sometimes whenever we mention to somebody that we are in the extra long hot water bottle business there are two responses.

Firstly, what is an extra long hot water bottle? Well, as you probably know it is an ordinary hot water bottle. Only longer!

Secondly, they may say something like, “wow hot water bottles are dangerous”. Yes of course this is true. They CAN be dangerous.

The potential is always there for a burn, a spill or a scald. Leave it on your skin for a few seconds too long and an itchy red mark can appear. Here at Cuddly Comforts we would never dispute that. Which is why we take safety measures so seriously.

All of our bottles come with a link to the safety guide. On our website their are links to safety guides in different languages. Our outsourced team of specialist interpreters put them together to ensure warmth and safety across the Continent.

Woman with extra long water bottle and laptop — Hot water bottles need to be respected

Hot water bottles can be dangerous but so can many things

The truth is that hot water bottles of all shapes and sizes have the potential to be dangerous. However, a kitchen knife has the potential to be dangerous.

You can slice your finger just as easily as slicing a piece of nice juicy melon! But when was the last time somebody perused your new fitted kitchen and said, “I love it, but that block of knives is pretty dangerous”.

Same as your brand spanking new Honda, Audi or Ferrari. The shiny coat of paint, fast accelerator speeds and alloy wheels all get the thumbs up.

But nobody looks over the car, sitting pretty on the drive, and expresses concern that you might use it to run over a neighbour.

Therefore, lots of things can be dangerous if you don’t use them properly. Bleach, paint, power tools, a lawnmower. The list goes on.

Don’t burn yourself with a hot water bottle

As outlined in the safety guide the key is to remain safe and diligent at all times. Old, worn out hot water bottles are bound to cause issues. Not filling them correctly can be hazardous. Always dispose and replace bottles with damage, visible wear and tear or holes.

Before snuggling up for the night, check, shake and ensure correct filling measurements are adhered to. Boiling water is potentially harmful. Nobody wants boils, burns or blisters.

You want warm feet and toasty fingers! Look forward to trips to restaurants, pubs, outdoor venues. Not a trip to accident and emergency.

As the lockdown eased many managers in the catering industry turned to the trusty hot water bottle. Along with blankets and coats they have provided warmth for people sitting outside and eating.

So, yes, extra long hot water bottles CAN BE DANGEROUS. But they don’t need to be.

Why you need a hot water bottle gift set

Hot water bottles are handy because they have many versatile benefits. A simple hot water bottle can keep you or your loved ones warm. They are also useful for helping ease period cramps or pregnancy aches.

Many of our satisfied customers tell us how they’ve eased neck and back pain, or helped with wheezing and coughing.

Keep warm with an extra long hot water bottle

In addition, hot water bottles, especially extra long hot water bottles, are a cheap and effective way to keep warm whenever there’s a nip in the air.

Furthermore, whenever you’re tired, you can just wrap or place them where you feel the most pain. It might take a while to kick in; perhaps even some deep breathing is needed. But after a while you’ll hopefully feel better, healthier and ready to go again.

These are definitely a great way to show your love for your friends, family, and even yourself.

woman hugs hot water bottle — A warm hug in a furry cover

Hot water bottles in a gift set

More often than not, hot water bottle gift sets are a great idea when buying a gift. They are also great if you decide to create a gift from scratch).

Gift sets are designed to include many other items that can definitely keep you warm on those chilly evenings.
Cuddly Comforts

Aside from that, you have the potential to even save more money with a gift set rather than buying things individually.

These gift sets can include warm clothing such as woolly hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, slippers, and socks. Others may include masks, covers, and teddy bears.

Accessories for Extra Warmth

Who would say no to hot chocolates in a mug? Along with a hot water bottle, a hot chocolate mix and a fancy mug go together nicely. They perfectly complement a gift set for those who love sipping a mug of hot chocolate on cold days.

Not only does a cup of chocolate warm you from inside, but it also makes you feel comfortable and sleepy in the evening. It’s a great treat, and comparatively the hot water bottle can help keep you warm outside along with the delicious hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate in mug — Hot chocolate and a good book

Invest in warm clothes

Clothing such as knitted sweaters and fur-lined boots are popular winter warmers. Gloves, mittens, socks, and hoodies are a great compliment for hot water bottles. they fit snugly in a gift set due to their warmth and trendiness.

Especially in the winter season, these wearable items will never go out of style. Not only do they keep you snug, they can also make you look cute or cool, depending on your style preference. You can even alter them to suit your needs.

An accessory such as a scarf also complements an extra-long or traditional hot water bottle. Design and use choices are down to the individual, but the market caters to many tastes.

These accessories can double the warmth, while keeping the wearer comfortable and fashionable.

Cuddly stuffed toys

Are you in need of cuddles while keeping warm with a hot water bottle? Stuffed toys like teddy bears are a cuddly favourite. Many gift sets include cute cuddly toys that you can hug along with a hot water bottle.

Aside from helping you warm up, these plush animals will also bring comfort and joy to your and your loved ones. Cuddling a soft toy can help ease their anxiety and distress in both children and adults.

Other gift set items

Other products that go well with a hot water bottle in a gift set are crocheted covers, mats, and furry slippers.

Crocheted covers are suitably wooly and designed for covering a product, such as an extra-long hot water bottle. Consequently, this helps to protects you from accidental burns or heat exposure.

Always a plus point for all members of the family, no matter how big or small 🙂

Some of the throws, rugs or floor mats are furry and warm, keeping your feet away from cold as you step out of your bed or your bathroom.

Luxury gift set

Furry slippers will help you battle cold, and feel fashionable and comfortable at the same time. These products can go well with a hot water bottle because using them can make you feel snug, warm, and luxurious! Who doesn’t want to feel luxurious?

These are perfect for not just keeping toasty, but also snuggling and cuddling in your bedroom or near the fireplace.

All in all, there are many different products you can get just from buying or creating home-made hot water bottle gift sets.

You can save money by buying a gift set, and even get snug and comfy with your hot water bottle on cold days.

Your hot water bottle as a heat treatment

Hot water bottles can be great therapeutic tools

After being made redundant in the pandemic, Emma Watts was looking for her next big opportunity.

With a “heated igloo” craze apparently sweeping the country, Emma decided to make an affordable version and a new business was born.

One year later and the Hertfordshire-based endevour is proving to be extremely popular as customers dine outside in the warmth of a pod.

While the traditional icy surround of an igloo might be missing, there are plenty of items inside the pod to make it a comfortable experience. Cushion, blankets, a heater and, of course, the trusty hot water bottle.

Hot and cold treatments

If you get any bumps and bruises in Emma’s igloo you won’t be able to scrape off a handful of ice to press on the area! But should you be applying hot or cold pressure at all? Is it best to treat an ailment or injury with heat or ice?

Applying heat often feels like a quick fix pain reliver. Therefore, it’s normal for people to assume that it’s healed and the injury better. However, it’s only true with certain kinds of injuries – particularly chronic injuries.

How many times as a child did you bump or bruise your head and your parents reached for a cold compress? The bag of frozen peas went into a tea towel and a few minutes later all was well again.

Dealing with chronic injuries

Oddly enough, chronic injuries are more common than other kinds of injuries. They are usually the result of past injuries that did not properly heal.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain

They are also known as ‘overuse’ injuries. They develop slowly from repetitive activities such as running, cycling, and swimming but can last for a while.

Chronic injuries include the following:

Stress fractures
Hamstring strain
Groin pull
Tennis elbow
Shin splints
Runner’s knee
Heel inflammation
Ankle sprain

These injuries could bring you moderate to severe pain. The pain can be conservatively treated through heat therapies or thermotherapy treatments.

Using heat to treat these injuries has been highlighted as an extremely effective method. It widens blood vessels, increases extensibility of tissues, and improves blood circulation.

Heat therapy benefits can be achieved in several ways. Below are the most common heat therapy techniques:

#1 Taking a hot bath/sauna

Getting drenched in a hot tub or basking in a sauna has lots of benefits. Not only can it treat symptoms of chronic injuries and muscle spasms, but it can likewise prevent heart attacks and strokes as several studies indicate.

Dr. Adolph Hutter, who is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said that the temperatures in a sauna or hot tub widens blood vessels and causes blood pressure to go lower.

Hot baths can give you the same benefits you get from your daily workouts. Although, you won’t shed the calories as quickly!

#2 Filling a Hot Water bottle

Using a hot water bottle is a convenient technique for heat therapy. Hot water bottles are great companions when you are chilling on the couch.

We often fill one up while watching our favourite television shows. A hot water bottle usually maintains its highest temperature for approximately twenty to thirty minutes.

There are several hot water bottles available on the market. Extra long hot water bottles are slightly different from traditional hot water bottles.

Cuddly Comforts’ stylish 72cm bottles get to those hard-to-reach places. The 2 litre capacity holds more hot water as well.

#3 Applying Heat Wraps

Heat wraps are most appropriate for chronic lower back pain. A heat wrap is an effective and convenient pain relief medication.

They are especially useful when you have to work at a desk all day. Here, lower back pain can become an issue. Simply apply a heat wrap under your clothes for some discreet warmth.

#4 Using gel packs

Heated gel packs are available on the market just like hot water bottles. They maintain their high temperature for approximately thirty minutes.

Some gel packs come with moist heat, which most people actually prefer.

#5 Have you tried an electric heating pad?

An electric heating pad is an effective method to manage pain. However, you have to be careful when using it. Start using it on the lowest level and then gradually increase the heat level.

Do not use it if the cord is broken or cracked. Moreover, it cannot be applied to damaged skin. It also comes in various sizes.

#6 Heated paraffin wax treatment

Sounds like a fancy option. It is, but also surprisingly effective. Paraffin wax is helpful at relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other joint mobility issues. It provides lots of benefits to your joints.

When it comes to deep heat to ease pain and stiffness, it’s hard to beat warm paraffin wax. Spas offer paraffin to soothe and moisturize the skin. You can get all these benefits at home by buying a portable paraffin warmer.
Arthritis Health

You can enjoy this treatment at home by preparing the following materials:

4 pounds of paraffin wax, food-grade
Double boiler
Measuring cup
Mineral oil
Greased plastic container
Thermometer
Olive oil
Plastic bag, sealable
Towel
Timer
Tissue
Moisturizer

You do not have to spend as much money on pain relief. It’s always nice to save a pound or two. Something as simple as a hot water bottle can ease that pain away.

If you need to take the edge off persistent pain, or simply require some relaxation, heat therapy would be a very comforting idea.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are unsure.

What are the benefits of using an extra long hot water bottle?

Since the 16th century, containers made of metal and filled with hot coals have been used to warm beds. The downside was always the risk of fire due to a stray spark or steaming embers catching.

Nevertheless, it is has proven to be very useful from then until now. We even covered the evolution of our favourite warming tool in a recent deep dive into the history of the hot water bottle.

Vintage Hot Water Bottles

We used to use the stone hot water bottles all the time “when I were a lad”. Glad you mentioned about wrapping them. I can confirm that bare feet and a bare hot stone bottle do not go well together!
Also be careful when you get out of bed in the morning that you don’t roll or push it onto the floor where it may break or even worse you tread on it!!! OUCH!!!
Perhaps you could investigate having your own modern/repro branded ones made for sale? We used to get replacement rubber washers from the local plumbers merchants & they do seem to be still available on eBay.
Keeping it Short and Simple (on YouTube)

Over time, its nature and purpose have of course been improved a lot. Unlike then, containers are currently made up of thermoplastic or rubber that can withstand and keep the heat for a longer period of time. Hot water bottle safety standards are higher.

Instead of coals, they are filled with hot water and sealed by a screw cap. Now, they are easier to use and more portable. Moreover, they are not only used as a relief during cold nights but also to ease aches and pains while helping to alleviate stress.

Hot water bottles for relieving pain

One of the most common uses of the hot water bottle is to ease body pains. These include colon problems, back pain, muscle pain, neck pain, or joint pain. It can also relieve stomach cramps due to menstruation.

Moreover, it is very easy to use. Put the water bottle on the painful part of your body. Then, let the heat gradually drift through your body, leading hopefully to instant pain relief.

Are you sleeping comfortably?

On very cold nights, an extra long hot water bottle can be used to warm the body. You can embrace it while lying down or you can put it beside you or inside the blanket to mitigate the coldness of the season.

You can sleep comfortably without the need for a heater that will only increase your electricity bill. We love saving a few pounds, plus the longer hot water bottles stay warm for hours.

Man Sleeping — Comfortable sleeping is a must

Heat therapy for relieving stress

After a long day at work, you can put it on your forehead while resting or lying down to relieve the stress. This is also a good pain relief when you experience back and neck pain due to prolonged sitting in the office.

A cover with loop and tie string makes for the perfect travel companion

Since it is portable, it is a good travel companion. Whether for a long flight or road trip, it is better to carry a hot water bottle. You might get cold or numb due to a longer period of travel. Who knows? You never know when you will need it.

Take your hot water bottle on outdoor activities

While watching your favourite sport or hanging out with friends outside on a cold day, a long hot water bottle is a very good companion.

You can tuck it in inside your jacket, and then you’ll never worry about the cold again. It is also good to carry around when camping. There’s a good chance that it will be cold at the camp site, therefore a hot water bottle can be used to warm the body.

You can continue talking and relaxing with your buddies without being bothered by the coldness.

At night, you can put it inside your sleeping bag, snuggling beside it to be able to sleep comfortably. When it is no longer warm, you can use empty out the water and re-fill.

Unfortunately, the water is unlikely to be reusable as it will be rubber infused, so no good for making tea or washing up with.

use a hot water bottle on a camping trip — Hot water bottles are good for camping

Easing muscle cramps and pains

After an intense physical activity like working out in a gym or playing sports, a hot water bottle can be used to treat sore muscles. It will prevent them from hurting too much the next day.

Coughs, runny noses, and colds are very common during cold nights. You can put the hot water bottle on top of your chest to help you breathe more freely and sleep comfortably. Maybe smear a touch of Vicks VapoRub on as well?

You never know what you can get from a very simple solution. Let one of our extra long hot water bottles do the hard work. Remove inconvenience, relax after a long day and enjoy that soothing warmth. Truly, a lot of benefits can be derived from an easy and convenient hot water bottle.

How do you make a hot water bottle?

Do It Yourself: Reusable Hot Water Bottles

Hot water bottles are great because they help ease neck pain, back pain and muscle aches. Generally, they reduce stiffness on muscles and joints.

There are a variety of types across the market. Prices vary from the very basic PVC budget options to Sri Lankan rubber, cashmere cover beauties.

Indeed, sometimes you may a want cheaper alternative to keep yourself warm. That quick fix to apply heat to a painful area. There may come a time when you don’t have your extra long hot water bottle at hand, but need its warming impact in an emergency!

OK, emergency might be a bit strong, but when you become used to a hot water bottle it can be difficult to get by when it is not around.

Many stores sell such hot water bottles or heating pads, but it’s actually easy to make a stop-gap alternative at home.

Option # 1: ‘The Microwaved Wet Dishcloth’

One way is using a wet dishcloth, as suggested by a user from Reddit. Soak a wet dishcloth in warm water. Then, place the warm dishcloth in a microwave-safe freezer bag. Heat it in a microwave for 45 to 60 seconds intervals until it is steaming hot.

As the author of that Reddit thread revealed: “I am told that hot water bottles are good for menstrual cramps. This takes about 5 minutes to get ready and works pretty well if you don’t have an actual hot water bottle around.”

After microwaving, wrap the dishcloth in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You can also put the dishcloth first in a zip lock bag before wrapping it in a towel.

Warning! Always approach any hot water or heat-based treatment with extreme caution. That’s why we are always so insistent on promoting our safety guides at every possible opportunity.

We want you warm and safe, not….you guessed it…injured.

Option # 2: ‘Oven-Heated Towel’

There is also a way to make a handmade hot water bottle by putting a damp, folded towel in an oven. Set the oven’s temperature to 300°F (149°C) and leave the towel in for 5 to 10 minutes. You can leave it on longer, but don’t burn it.

Happiness is a warm bath and a soft towel
World of Wall Art

However, the timing will depend on the thickness of the towel.

When it is warm enough, you can now wrap the towel in a thinner, dry piece of cloth, and use it as a heating pad.

Option # 3: ‘Recycled Socks’

Reusable heating pads can also be created out of fabric or old socks. To make this, fill a clean cotton sock (old or not) with a cup of either uncooked rice, dried lentils, salt, or dried beans.

Don’t pack the grains or lentils too tightly, and allow some room so it can easily move to the area to be treated. Once done, tie the end of the sock with a piece of string.

You can also tie the end of the sock instead, to keep the grains from spilling out.

Heat the filled sock in the microwave for about 45 to 60 seconds or longer, depending on your microwave.

Once heated, you can now apply the heated sock to the affected area. To use it as a cooling pad, just place it in the freezer for five minutes.

Option # 4: ‘Bean bags’

Using beans or grain-filled heat bags is an environmentally-friendly alternative to hot water bottles. These can be used as hot water bottle alternatives by heating them in a microwave for no longer than 45 to 60 second intervals, or until you’re happy with the temperature.

These can be reused multiple times and can be stitched up again if they have a hole or one of the seams has blown. Like recycled socks, these can be used as cold compresses by freezing.

Sitting on a bean bag — These bean bags are a bit big

Option # 5: ‘Metal or Plastic Bottles’

For campers, it is hard to always bring excess baggage. In this case, you can use a metal or plastic bottle instead of a hot water bottle.

Just fill it with warm or hot water and wrap it in a sock or towel and you can now place it on the affected body part.

It’s not advisable to fill plastic bottles, or even actual hot water bottles, with boiling water. Why not you may ask….

Because they can melt and break down instead of working as an alternative to hot water bottles.

Heat = good.

Damaged plastic = not good.

They can be safe to use as long as they are filled with warm or hot water, and wrapped in towels or cloths before applying.

These homemade alternatives, unlike hot water bottles, may not stay hot for a long time. Hot water bottles will be more useful if you’re looking for a heater that can be used overnight. This is because all of our hot water bottles are made of rubber, which retains hot water for a long time.

These alternatives can help and work pretty well if you are in a pinch or don’t have an actual hot water bottle.

Should I make my own hot water bottle?

Unless you know what you are doing and feel confident then the answer is no. Actual hot water bottles are made by experienced professional using high-quality equipment.

If you are in a bind or need a quick fix then attempt the above options with caution. However, nothing beats your Cuddly Comforts extra long hot water bottle for safe, effective heat therapy.