6 best flat ice packs

Flat ice packs are medical and therapeutic devices designed to provide cold therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.They are commonly used in first aid, sports medicine, and home healthcare settings. Here's what you should know about flat ice packs:

  1. Basic Functionality: Flat ice packs consist of a flexible, flat container filled with a gel or liquid that can be frozen. When applied to the skin, these packs help lower the temperature at the site of an injury or discomfort.

  2. Cold Therapy Benefits:

    • Pain Relief: Cold packs are effective in numbing the affected area, which can temporarily alleviate pain, especially in cases of muscle strains, sprains, and minor injuries.
    • Inflammation Reduction: Cold therapy can help decrease inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels and limiting the flow of fluids to the injured area.
    • Speeding Recovery: It is often used in post-surgery recovery or after intense physical activities to reduce muscle soreness and accelerate healing.
  3. Types of Flat Ice Packs:

    • Reusable Packs: These are designed to be stored in the freezer and can be reused multiple times. They are typically made with a durable, leak-resistant outer material.
    • Disposable Packs: These are often single-use packs that are pre-filled and activated by breaking or squeezing. They are convenient for one-time use but not as environmentally friendly as reusable options.
    • Gel Packs: The gel inside these packs remains flexible even when frozen, conforming to the shape of the body for better coverage and comfort.
  4. Ease of Use:

    • Flat ice packs are straightforward to use. Simply place the pack in the freezer until it reaches the desired level of coldness, then apply it directly to the injured or sore area.
    • It's essential to place a cloth or towel between the skin and the ice pack to prevent frostbite or ice burn.
  5. Size and Shape:

    • They come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different body parts. Smaller packs are suitable for localized injuries, while larger ones can cover broader areas.
    • Some packs are designed specifically for use on the back, shoulders, knees, or other commonly affected areas.
  6. Safety Considerations:

    • It's important to follow recommended usage times to avoid overexposure to cold, which can lead to tissue damage.
    • Always check the skin for signs of frostbite or irritation during and after cold therapy, and discontinue use if any issues arise.
  7. Storage and Maintenance:

    • After use, store flat ice packs in the freezer to ensure they are ready for future applications.
    • Regularly inspect reusable packs for leaks or damage and replace them if necessary.
  8. Applications:

    • Flat ice packs are used in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and sports facilities.
    • They are also essential items in home first aid kits for treating minor injuries and providing pain relief.

In summary, flat ice packs are valuable tools for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and recovery from injuries or strenuous physical activities. They come in different forms, with reusable and disposable options, and are easy to use for both professional and home applications in the field of healthcare and pain management.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best flat ice packs on the market
  

Fit & Fresh XL Cool Coolers Freezer Slim Ice Pack for Lunch Box, Set of 4, Large, Blue

Fit & Fresh

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Heading back to work, school, or just need to get out of the house? These Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers XL Ice Packs are larger, thicker and longer lasting. Each ice pack measures 7"" x 4.5"" x 0.50"" making them the perfect solution to keeping food and drinks cold for school, work, beach days, picnics, and more! For greater cooling power, use several packs together, especially on extra hot days – But make sure to always have one in your freeze.Included in this set are 4 reusable blue ice packs that are non-toxic and BPA-Free Plastic. If the kids are headed back to school or you are planning a fun day at the park with the family, Fit & Fresh is here to help you stay healthy and safe along the way. The versatile shape also allows you to pack ice on the bottom and sides of your lunch bag/cooler without taking up lots of space. Plus, you can prevent germs from the cafeteria, shared office refrigerator, or takeout containers by packing a lunch using these long-lasting ice packs. Hand wash only, do not microwave.Proudly designed in the USA by women, for women, Fit & Fresh is dedicated to supporting your active and healthy lifestyle. We get it. Some days you eat leafy greens and rock it at the gym. Other days you can’t resist a decadent donut and live in yoga pants. We know firsthand that the key to living your best life is creating a colorful balance and we’re here with a line of accessories to help you do just that.

  • XL ICE PACKS: Whether you’re headed back to work, school, or just want to escape the house, these XL Ice Packs are perfectly sized for any bag. Measuring at 7" x 4.5" x 0.50" these ice packs are perfect for lunch bags, beach bags, picnic baskets & more
  • VERSATILE DESIGN: These extra-large ice packs help keep food and drinks cool & fresh even longer. The versatile design allows you to pack them on the bottom and/or sides of your lunch bag or cooler. Tip: use several ice packs for greater cooling power
  • LONG-LASTING: These reusable ice packs are designed to last long so you can head out knowing that what you pack will stay cool and fresh until you are ready to eat. For maximum cooling power, freeze the ice packs the night before use
  • HEALTHY AND SAFE: Included in this set are 4 reusable non-toxic, BPA-Free plastic ice packs. Prevent germs from the cafeteria, shared office refrigerator, or takeout containers by packing a lunch with these ice packs. Hand wash only, do not microwave
  • WE ARE FIT & FRESH: Proudly designed by women, for women, we are dedicated to supporting your healthy lifestyle. We know that the key to living your best life is creating a colorful balance & we’re here with a line of accessories to help you do just that

FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack (Standard Large: 10.5" x 14.5") - Reusable Ice Pack for Injuries (Cold Pack Compress to aid Back Injuries, Pain Relief for Shoulder, Ankle, Neck, Hip, Elbow, Wrist) - 6300-COLD

NatraCure

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price
  • Colder For Longer: Reusable ice packs for injuries with proprietary gel interior that stays Colder for Longer than competing cold packs using inferior bentonite formulations.
  • More Flexible: The Most Flexible Cold Pack available due to the best professional-grade gel interior that remains pliable when frozen. Large Ice pack for knees, back, shoulders, hip, neck or anywhere injuries occur.
  • Healthcare Professional's Choice: The large ice pack used by thousands of Physical Therapists and other medical, healthcare professionals to aid acute and chronic pain relief, muscle pain, arthritis, inflammation, swelling, menopause-related hot flashes, headaches, and injury recovery.
  • Premium Construction: Each gel cold pack compress is built with double-sealed seams to prevent leaking; with extra thick nylon exterior. Washable and reusable cold therapy ice bags at its best.
  • Fast Pain Relief: for anywhere you need a cold pack compress: shoulders, hip, elbows, neck, legs, hands or feet. Try our reusable gel ice packs for knees, back injuries, or to aid any recovery.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this only intended for cold. Im a massage therapist and I have a towel warmer, can I just roll this up and throw it
Answer: Good question, not 100% sure. Maybe reach out to the manufacturer.
Question: What is the warranty? I've had two out of the three ice pack I've owned leak. How do you stand by your product
Answer: Yes there is a built in seat belt.
Question: Is "proprietary gel" non-toxic? I have found that all ice packs leak eventually, and don't want toxic chemicals in my freezer or on my skin
Answer: I believe this is just the shade. I paid quite a bit more for the carrier and the shade did not come with it
Question: How long does it remain cold? This was asked already, with all giving positive answers, but there are dozens of people who say it only lasts 5-15 min
Answer: This is adjustable for different heights. The torso range is 15.5 - 21 in. Thanks!

Product features

Stays Pliable when Frozen

FlexiKold's proprietary gel remains flexible when frozen at even your freezer's lowest temperature setting. Easily conforms to any body part for a more targeted and effective treatment.

The Professionals' Choice

The same professional-grade quality relied upon by thousands of physical therapist practices across the USA can also be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

Built to Last

With a heavy-duty nylon exterior and double sealed seams, FlexiKold gel cold packs are built to last for hundreds of quality cold therapy treatments.

Ice Pack for Lunch Box - Freezer Packs - Original Cool Pack | Slim & Long-Lasting Ice Packs for your Lunch or Cooler Bag (Set of 4)

Healthy Packers

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price
  • Slim Lightweight and Long Lasting - Set of 4 slim, reusable and versatile hard gel ice packs. Each ice pack measures 7 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches. Keep your insulated cooler bag freezer-cold for longer!
  • Super Versatile - Perfect chillers for everyday use in lunchboxes, breastmilk bags, bento boxes and coolers. Great for kids to take to school in their totes, adults to the office or for outdoor camping. Keep your to go food containers cold and dry.
  • Safe and Durable - Our Cool Packs are made with 100% BPA-Free Non-Toxic materials. They stay cool as ice for many hours and keep your food fresh and your body fit. These small babies sure pack a punch!
  • Quality Guaranteed-Try the best ice packs available risk-free. You won't regret it. Not fully satisfied? Shoot us an email and we'll fully refund you no questions asked.
  • TSA Disclaimer: Healthy Packers Long lasting Cool packs can be brought through TSA security checkpoints when fully frozen or otherwise stored in checked baggage

User questions & answers

Question: I see two different dimensions listed. Are these 5” x
Answer: There is no XL to my knowledge. They sell 3x lg(meaning 3(times) large packs). Dont worry, i was trying to find the water volume for XL too!
Question: Are these TSA approved
Answer: I just did a test: yes, but just barely in fresh water. I think there is a small amount of air in the frozen packs that keeps them buoyant.
Question: How long do these stay frozen in a cooler
Answer: aI believe what they mean is that the latent heat point for the melting phase (transitioning from solid to liquid or liquid to solid without changing temperature) is 18 Degrees F, whereas pure water (note the pure) transitions at 32 Degrees F. This is a big deal because the energy difference between 18 and 32 means it will absorb a lot more heat for a relative temperature rise. 32 to 40 is only 8 degrees whereas 18 to 40 is 22 degrees, almost 3x the amount.
Question: is that water inside of it? or Gel
Answer: Mine have stayed frozen for approximately 9-10 hrs. I left food in the cooler,which was well-insulated, and it which was still cold when I got home. This was kept in office setting with temps in room in the 70’s.

Set of Cooler Shock Ice Packs - high Performance 18 Degree Fahrenheit Using Phase Change Science to Achieve 8-10 Hour Cooling - Avoid spoilage so You can eat Your Lunch! Safe US Made

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price
  • Better than Ice - 2 lb. mid-size gel pack makes items in cooler slushy cold Only Cooler Shock is 18° F so packs last 24-48 hrs.
  • Non-hazardous food safe - made in the USA since 2013 (not a China chemical copy) Accelerates cooling with burst cooling at 18 degrees - 8 mil thick flexible 3-layer purpose-built pack rapidly transfers energy – Fully reusable
  • Reusable - Click the blue "CoolerShock" at top of this page to see all versions - Coldest pack available
  • Ships with CS dry mix, you hydrate and save. 2lbs gelled - simple instructions or see our website video Made in USA with Non-toxic ingredients, child safe. Lasts up to 48 hours depending on use
  • Great reviews, tell me about the bad reviews. What if I’m not happy? What about warranty? We are easy to reach, contact us with any issues and we will ship you a replacement at no charge. Located in Phoenix, AZ - NOTE:Our latest screw cap does not have a bottom rim, it has ridges. The cork is the primary seal

User questions & answers

Question: I lost my instructions. How much water do I add to an xl pack
Answer: There is no XL to my knowledge. They sell 3x lg(meaning 3(times) large packs). Dont worry, i was trying to find the water volume for XL too!
Question: Do the packs float or sink in water
Answer: I just did a test: yes, but just barely in fresh water. I think there is a small amount of air in the frozen packs that keeps them buoyant.
Question: When you say that this item is colder than ice, what does that mean? ice can be cooled to any temperature unless i'm mistaken. a rock can be 18*f
Answer: aI believe what they mean is that the latent heat point for the melting phase (transitioning from solid to liquid or liquid to solid without changing temperature) is 18 Degrees F, whereas pure water (note the pure) transitions at 32 Degrees F. This is a big deal because the energy difference between 18 and 32 means it will absorb a lot more heat for a relative temperature rise. 32 to 40 is only 8 degrees whereas 18 to 40 is 22 degrees, almost 3x the amount.
Question: How long do these stay frozen for
Answer: Mine have stayed frozen for approximately 9-10 hrs. I left food in the cooler,which was well-insulated, and it which was still cold when I got home. This was kept in office setting with temps in room in the 70’s.

Product features

Colder, Faster, Longer

An ice alternative that far outperforms ice, Cooler Shock reusable ice packs are designed to provide extended cooling at 18 degrees F that can last up to 48 hours.

Great for camping, picnics, boating, fishing, tailgating, and any perishable transport (both personal and commercial), Cooler Shock ice packs turn warm drinks ice cold in the cooler and your sandwiches won't turn soggy from melting ice. Just return Cooler Shock to your freezer and they'll be ready for the next outing.

DIY Reusable Bags — Just Add Water Once

Cooler Shock ice packs are shipped dry with a proprietary cooling gel mixture inside that turns into a solid block when frozen. Just add water at home, shake, and seal to create reusable ice packs that can be used over and over.

Choose from two closure types:

  • Screw cap (with cork and included funnel for filling).
  • Zipper version that's sealed permanently shut with an iron.

Thin, Durable Construction

Cooler Shock's flexible, multi-layer bags are made with aluminum and polyethylene to keep the contents secure and reinforced with thin nylon to help strengthen the pack.

Measuring about one-fifth the thickness of rigid ice packs, Cooler Shock's thin walls (8 mils, or about 0.2 mm) both freeze more quickly and transfer chill in a cooler more effectively.

Superior Cooling

Cooler Shock's proprietary cooling gel mixture is more dense than ice and uses a scientific phase change formulation, providing a higher energy concentration for sustained cooling at 18 degrees F (read more below).

Longest Lasting

When paired with a high quality cooler, Cooler Shock ice packs will keep your food and drink chilled longer — up to 48 hours for Large and Medium packs, and up to 8 hours for Lunch packs.

Reuse Over and Over

Return Cooler Shock ice packs to the freezer after using and they'll be ready for your next outing.

Affordable & Convenient

Cooler Shock ice packs will pay for themselves in just a couple outings (compared to the cost of 10 to 20 pounds of ice) — and no extra trip to the store.

Ice Packs for Coolers - No Ice Required - Reusable Long Lasting (-5C) Large Thin Freezer Packs - Freezes in 25 Minutes

Nickle's Arcade LLC

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • BEST SIZE FOR COOLERS: Extra Large 13 x 10 and only 1/2 inch thick. Stop wasting space and increasing weight with ice and thick ice packs. Also use with reusable shopping bags, ice boxes, etc.
  • RAPID FREEZE: Ready for use in under 25 minutes. Each pack absorbs a massive amount of heat keeping everything cold for a longer time period!
  • LONG-LASTING and REUSABLE: These are tough and ready to withstand the test of time! Store your meat, fish, ice-cream, food and drinks with no ice-problems in mind!
  • WHAT YOU NEED: Are you tired of cleaning melted ice water? Store everything with confidence at all times. Our extra large ice packs are exactly what you need!
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR FULL REFUND: There's nothing above our clients' satisfaction and happiness. If you don't fall in love with our extra-large ice packs, we'll fix it hassle-free!

User questions & answers

Question: How do I get the bonus pack you offer you offer
Answer: no the shoulder straps are not removable,
Question: how much do these weigh once frozen
Answer: I have the 30L bag and my Northface Jester fits tightly when it’s moderatley packed. The Jester’s dimensions are 19.75" x 13.25" x 7.5" (50 cm x 34 cm x 19 cm). I can’t speak to the 45L, but I would presume it’s the large enough to accommodate your camera bag given the specs you provided.
Question: Can you wash these in dishwasher
Answer: why would you do that.
Question: Are these filled with water
Answer: It has only been completely submerged once, and yes, it floated. I don't think it would do well for a long time in the water - hope I don't have to find out!

FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack w/Straps (Standard Large: 10.5" x 14.5") - Reusable Cold Pack Compress (Therapy for Pain, Injuries of Knee, Shoulder, Foot, Back, Ankle, Neck, Hip, Elbow) - 6300 Cold-Strap

NatraCure

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • Colder For Longer: Proprietary gel cold pack stays colder for Longer than competing products that use inferior bentonite formulations. Soft, flexible Insulating layer enhancing cold therapy.
  • Hook friendly surface allows the two stretch straps to be attached anywhere! Allows the pack to be used on many different body segments. New flexi straps hold the pack in place while providing a level of compression. Now you can be mobile with your cold pack.
  • Premium Construction: Double sealed to prevent leaking; with extra thick nylon exterior. Washable and reusable. Includes TWO 24" straps.
  • More Flexible: The Most Flexible Cold Pack available due to the best professional-grade gel interior that remains pliable when frozen, which provides better contact by conforming to any part of the body.
  • Healthcare Professional's Choice: Used by thousands of Physical Therapists and other healthcare professionals for cold therapy to aid acute & chronic pain, muscle pain, arthritis, inflammation, swelling, menopause-related hot flashes, and injury recovery.

User questions & answers

Question: Which size should I order for hip surgery
Answer: Hello, The outer covering is a PVC nylon and velvet fabric. The inside is a water based gel with additives that do not cause it to freeze all the way. It is also hypoallergenic! Best, Shannen H. at NatraCure
Question: Anyone know what the gel pack is made of as Natra is made of mud/clay (thank you
Answer: Hi, Yes, the straps should fit around your head. Sincerely, Griffin M. of NatraCure
Question: I have a tension headache in the back of my neck. If I buy the one with straps and I have a smaller head, will the velcro fit like a hat
Answer: Yes. The fabric content: Front: PVC & Nylon. Back: PVC & blue loop velvet fabric.
Question: It is latex free
Answer: Yes

Product features

Stays Pliable when Frozen

FlexiKold's proprietary gel remains flexible when frozen at even your freezer's lowest temperature setting. Easily conforms to any body part for a more targeted and effective treatment.

The Professionals' Choice

The same professional-grade quality relied upon by thousands of physical therapist practices across the USA can also be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

Built to Last

With a heavy-duty nylon exterior and double sealed seams, FlexiKold gel cold packs are built to last for hundreds of quality cold therapy treatments.

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