Speaking of the incident that happened last April, Helen said: "I put it on the side of my leg while I was laying on the couch and it perished in the middle and went all over me. I can’t even explain the pain," Wales Online reports. When it comes to temperature, everyone has a slightly different tolerance for heat on their skin. But a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether the temperature feels comfortable. If you’re tempted to remove the hot water bottle, then the water is too hot. There are two main ways to keep you warm with a hot water bottle. The first is by resting it on or close to your body and the second is to use it to heat up the inside of your bed or sleeping bag before entering. In the winter months, the best hot water bottles will provide extra warmth where it's seriously needed – and if you don’t have one yet, this is undoubtedly the season to invest. There's no better time to prepare for the frosty night's of the winter season with buttery soft blankets, chunky knits, warm baths and yes, a trusty hot water bottle. Over time the hot water in the bottle cools down as more heat energy is released and dissipated until eventually it reaches the same temperature as the surrounding room. At this point, there is no longer a difference in temperature driving the heat from inside the bottle to the outside environment and it is time to refill your hot water bottle - if you haven’t already done so.

Once a hot water bottle shows signs of wear or damage it is important to discard it right away to prevent someone else from using it. For optimal safety, we also recommend replacing a hot water bottle every 2 years or as frequently as the instructions recommend, even if there are no signs of wear or damage. Cleaning a hot water bottle Don’t use tap water to fill your hot water bottle as the impurities it contains can cause the rubber to perish more rapidly. Use boiled water that has been allowed to cool for a few minutes.The best course of action is to proceed very slowly through all the steps. If you do get burned, here are some important first aid tips: When purchasing a hot water bottle or using it for the first time, make sure it is compliant with the relevant British Safety Standards, BS 1970:2012 (which supersedes BS 1970:2006). Knee cushions are great if you need to do work close to the ground for instance if you are cleaning, gardening or fixing something. Simply fill your hot water bottle with soft materials such as cotton balls, excess fabric and newspaper until you are satisfied with its softness. Don’t forget to seal the stopper before using. The 45-year-old had filled up the hot water bottle with boiling water. "Most people will tell you that unless you boil the water you can’t feel the heat – no matter how many times the doctors tell you that you shouldn’t be using hot water," she added. However, newer thermoplastic hot water bottles may keep water hotter for longer. Many thermoplastic products are transparent, which can help people avoid spills and burns as they can see how much water is in the bottle. How can I make my hot water bottle hotter for longer?

A 2013 study in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research showed that applying heat helps to preserve both muscle strength and activity. The greatest reduction in pain was seen immediately after application. Once you are happy that the hot water bottle is safe to use, unscrew the stopper and pour out any water left in inside. Ideally there shouldn't actually be any water present as it should be removed whenever you stop using it.

The Rinkit! guide to using a hot water bottle for back pain

verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ A hot water bottle is a rubber or thermoplastic bottle with a hollow inner void into which hot water can be poured and stored. A screw cap lid or stopper is used to completely seal off the water from the surrounding air.

Store your tablet and i-pad cover in your disused hot water bottle in a few simple steps. Firstly, place your tablet over your hot water bottle to make sure it is the correct size by aligning the bottom of your tablet with the bottom of your hot water bottle. Then cut above the top edge of your tablet. If you want you could also attach studs at the top so that it can be closed but remember to cut further up the hot water bottle to allow space for this. Once complete you can simply slide your tablet inside. These days hot water bottles come in all shapes and sizes and are made using a variety of materials. Therefore, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option and choose the right hot water bottle for your specific needs.Below are the answers to some common questions about hot water bottles. What is the best material for a hot water bottle? Remember it’s the little things you do every time you use your hot water bottle that will help it last longer. Janine Evans, an advanced practitioner occupational therapist at the Morriston centre, said: “We’re not saying not to use hot water bottles, we're saying that if you must use them, to ensure to use them safely. It's all about minimising the risk of an accident happening. For a long time, people have applied heat to the body as an effective way to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. One of the most effective ways to apply heat locally is with a hot water bottle. Increasing the temperature on a specific area of the body improves circulation and blood flow, working to relax and soothe damaged tissue. Helen says she's been left "traumatised" by the incident and is now too scared to have a bath, instead resorting to lukewarm showers. “People don’t think about these things. The fear of a boiling kettle – I couldn’t drink coffee or a cup of tea for nearly three months because of the fear. That’s how it has affected me,” she said.