What you should know and how to make gel ice packs?

What gel is used in ice packs?

The gel beads in lip shaped ice packs wholesale are usually made of sodium polyacrylate, which can be irritating if swallowed. Some early reusable ice packs contained very toxic substances such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol (antifreeze).

Do gel ice packs expire?

Most gel lip ice packs don't expire and display no expiry date. While some suggest they expire after 18-24 months they are not being used for consumption and are protected by thick plastic exterior so even if they expire they pose no health issues if you continue using them.

Are gel ice packs toxic?

The gel in most freezer packs is non-toxic and biodegradable; it is usually a polymer or cellulose. Some products may also include additives like preservatives, sodium chloride, minerals, water, or dye.

Are gel packs colder than ice?

Gel packs freeze at a lower temperature than ice and generally last longer than ice. The length of time it can remain frozen varies based on the size, shape, temperature exposure, and how you are packing a shipment/cooler.

How to Make Your Own Gel Ice Pack or Moist Heat Pack

Heat therapy and cold therapy are low-cost yet effective ways to reduce many types of back and neck pain. Here are some easy ways to make reusable heat or cold packs so you can get quick relief.

Homemade gel ice packs

Cold therapy can help reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. These homemade bulk reusable gel ice packs are more comfortable than a bag of frozen peas, because they mold better to your body.

What you need:

1 quart or 1 gallon plastic freezer bags (depending on how large you want the cold pack)

2 cups water

1 cup rubbing alcohol (70%)

Instructions:

Fill the plastic freezer bag with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water.

Try to get as much air out of the freezer bag before sealing it shut.

Place the bag and its contents inside a second freezer bag to contain any leakage.

Leave the bag in the freezer for at least an hour.

When it's ready, place a towel between the gel packs wholesale and bare skin to avoid burning the skin.

As an alternative to rubbing alcohol you may simply use dish soap, which has a gel-like consistency and will also freeze/retain the cold.

Another way to apply ice to your painful back is by freezing water in a Styrofoam cup, and then asking someone to rub on the painful area of your back to reduce inflammation.

Homemade moist heat packs

Heat therapy increases circulation to aching muscles and injured areas of your back and can provide soothing pain relief. There are two types of heat therapy: dry and moist.

Moist sodium acetate heat packs are less dehydrating to the skin than dry heat. They also allow heat to absorb better into the skin and may relieve pain faster.

What you need:

Cloth container (sock, small pillow case, fabric)

4-6 cups of filling (such as uncooked rice, flaxseed, buckwheat, oatmeal)

Needle and thread (optional, but recommended)

Instructions:

Fill your cloth container with the filling.

Tie or sew the container shut.

Microwave container for 1-3 minutes.

Whether you are using cold or heat therapy, apply for at most 15 or 20 minutes. Then take a break for about 2 hours to allow the skin to recover and avoid damage.