In this article, we have reviewed the best hot water bottles for cramps. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top ones.
Contents
Cramps are painful conditions caused by involuntary contractions of one or more muscle groups in the body. Though cramps can affect any muscle in the body, they are most often experienced in the calves, thighs, back and neck.
Muscle cramps are often a result of an electrolyte imbalance in the body. Improper methods of exercising, especially in dehydrating weather are often the chief cause of muscular cramps. That said, some medicines may also cause cramps as a side effect.
Women may also experience abdominal cramps when they are menstruating. Though usually self-limiting, muscle cramps can be very inconvenient and temporarily debilitating, making daily chores a pain until they wear off.
Cramps tend to increase in frequency and severity with age and tend to be problematic for the elderly, especially if the muscle soreness persists for more than a couple of days every time.
Cramps can be treated at home most of the time with self-care. However, one must consult a medical expert if cramps occur very frequently, are too painful or do not relieve with home care.
Our Top Choice – HomeTop Premier Hot Water Bottle
The HomeTop Premium Classic Rubber Hot Water Bottle (Red) is our top choice for hot water bottles for cramps, for the following reasons:
- The bottle is made of 100% natural rubber
- The filler neck of the bottle is made of metal
- It complies with globally recognized BS 1970:2012 safety standards
- The bottle is rated very highly for comfort
- It comes in 5 colors
Top 5 Hot Water Bottles for Cramps
#1 HomeTop Premier Hot Water Bottle
This hot water bottle from HomeTop is rated very high on comfort and durability by users. It definitely is our favorite hot water bottle for cramps.
Features and Benefits
This premium product from HomeTop is multi-functional, in the sense that it can be used for heat and cold therapy. It comes in 5 colors-cream white, grey, purple, red and blue.
The bottle is made of natural rubber, making it an ideal insulator that traps heat inside for a long time. The manufacturer has rated the bottle to retain heat for 2-3 hours indoors, and 4-6 hours if used under a quilt.
The outer surface of the bottle is ribbed, providing better grip and heat retention. The bottle is stated to comply with the globally recognized BS 1970:2012 safety standards.
The biggest advantage of this hot water bottle is that the inside of the filler neck is made of metal, rather than plastic as seen in many competing products. This and the rubber gasket on the stopper ensure a tight seal on the bottle and help prevent any leakage.
One big drawback of this product is the absence of a fleece cover. Given that almost all products in the market come with one, the lack of it is strongly felt.
Why should you buy it?
This is one of the better products in the market, is made of rubber and is highly leakproof. If you are looking for an economical and durable hot water bottle, this should be your choice.
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#2 Samply Transparent Bottle with Fleece Cover
This hot water bottle from Samply is very convenient to use and comes with a fleece cover. If you are looking for a hot water bottle that stays hot all night, this one is for you.
Features and Benefits
Samply brings out these 2-liter hot water bottle with a cute fleece cover. The bottle is transparent, allowing you to visually check the water level while filling and avoid spilling.
Users have reported that the bottle retains heat for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. However, they have also found the bottle to be a tad too small to cover a significant portion of the back.
The fleece cover is soft and stretchy and can be taken off and washed when it gets dirty. It comes in 5 different designs – bears blue, fluffy bears, grey squirrel, rabbit pink, yellow snails.
However, users have felt that it is very difficult to put the cover on or pull it off when the bottle is full. This means the cover will get wet in case of any spills during filling or emptying.
The surface of the bottle has raised dots, minimizing heat loss. Users have rated the bottle high on warmth and the ability to relieve pain.
Why should you buy it?
If you are looking for a hot water bottle with eye-catchy designs, this one should be your choice.
#3 Aikotoo 2-litre Rubber Hot Water Bottle
This hot water bottle from Aikotoo comes in a rare white color, and can be your ideal companion for muscular cramps.
Features and Benefits
Aikotoo brings out this hot water bottle along with a knit cover. The bottle is made of natural rubber which is 2.4mm thick, making it durable and waterproof. Rubber water bottles tend to retain heat longer than their silicon counterparts.
This hot water bottle can be used to relieve aching muscles and joints, and menstrual cramps. The bottle can also be filled with cold water and used to reduce inflammation.
The item comes with a very cute knit cover that helps insulate the bottle better. You have the option of choosing between an owl or a penguin design cover.
Users have remarked that the sturdy seam on the neck of the bottle and the threaded cap housing ensure minimal leakage. The bottle is also reported to emit lesser odour than most other bottles.
Why should you buy it?
The bottle is rated very highly for its warmth. It also comes with a knit cover that has an adorable design.
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#4 Ubegood PVC Hot Water Bottle
Ubegood’s transparent hot water bottle is made of PVC and comes with a knit cover for additional insulation.
Features and Benefits
Most hot water bottles we have reviewed here are made of rubber. However, this product from Ubegood is made of thermos-setting plastic. The use of PVC for hot water bottles is more recent and helps people who have latex allergies.
The bottle is transparent, thereby helping to keep an eye on the water levels while filling. The surface of the bottle has a grid texture, which keeps the bottle from slipping and retains heat longer.
The bottle also comes with a knit cover to prevent direct skin contact which may lead to scalding. As with most other bottles, this one too is multi-functional and can also be used to provide cold compression.
The kit cover comes in two designs – owl and reindeer. Ubegood provides buyers with a 12-month warranty for the bottle. This should help assuage fears over its quality. The product is rated very highly on softness and warmth.
Why should you buy it?
If you are looking for a PVC hot water bottle that comes with a knit cover, you should go for this.
#5 Redify Hot Water Bottle with Faux Fur Cover
Redify’s hot water bottle has a very soft cover and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Features and Benefits
Redify brings to you this travel-friendly PVC hot water bottle that is free of BPA and phthalates. The bottle is rated to hold 1.8 litres of water and retain warmth for several hours.
The extra-wide mouth of the bottle makes it easy to fill with water. The bottle can also be used as a cold compress by either filling with ice cubes or freezing after filling with cold water.
The manufacturer rates the product safe for anyone over 5 years of age. The product also comes with a 2-year water tightness guarantee, while most other products give you only a year’s warranty.
It comes with a Hugo Frosch faux-fur cover which is one of the softest in the market. Users have reported that the bottle sometimes smells of baby powder, but this may be liked by certain users.
Users have also felt that the bottle is thicker and very durable. However, the features come at a price. This hot water bag costs almost twice as much as others in the market.
Why should you buy it?
If you are looking for a very good hot water bottle, and are ready to pay a premium for it, look no further.
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What Should You Look for in a Hot Water Bottle for Cramps?
Material
Hot water bottles were traditionally made of rubber, to provide a good level of insulation and to retain heat longer. However, these bottles are unusable by people having latex allergies. Hot water bottles are now also made of thermos-setting plastic (PVC).
Quality
Rubber water bottles came in various quality standards. While buying a hot water bottle, care should be taken to ensure that it is made of natural rubber. Some manufactures may add chalk and chemical fillers to the rubber to lower cost.
This affects the quality of the bottle substantially. They may also use recycled rubber instead of natural rubber, and this gives off a bad odor. It is important to check if hot water bottles comply with BS 1970:2012 safety standards.
Bottle Cover
When using a hot water bottle, care should be taken not to place it directly on the body, for it may cause scalding. It is always advisable to use a layer of cloth between the bottle and the body.
To aid in this, many hot water bottles these days come with a fleece or knit cover. These covers not only prevent skin contact but also reduce heat loss from the bottle by providing a layer of insulation
Surface Texture
The surface of the bottle has a big role to play in its utility. A hot water bottle with a smooth surface may cause it to slip or slide off your back or neck. Hence, it is important that the surface of the bottle is ribbed. This provides enough friction to keep the bottle from slipping, while also ensuring that heat is retained longer.
The neck of the Bottle
The neck of the bottle plays a very big role in ensuring that the bottle is leak-proof. In a lot of products, the neck does not have a very sturdy seam, thereby being susceptible to wear and tear.
If the seal of the neck is compromised, the bottle will have to be replaced. Hence it is preferable to go for a bottle with a metal neck instead of plastic.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Hot Water Bottles for Cramps
Why Do You Need a Hot Water Bottle for Cramps?
Muscle cramps are very common in senior citizens. One of the most effective ways to treat muscle cramps is through hot water fermentation. Hot water bottles are hence essential to every household in alleviating cramps.
How Long Can Hot Water Bottles Retain Heat?
Hot water bottles vary in the duration that they can retain heat, from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. However, most products in the market can retain heat for 30-60 minutes indoors, and 3-4 hours if they are used underneath a quilt. In fact, some of the hot water bottles in this list may also retain their heat all night.
How to Fill a Hot Water Bottle?
- Pour some hot water into the bottle. Never pour boiling water.
- Fill the bottle to 2/3 level. This is to ensure that there is sufficient space for hot air to escape.
- Once the hot water has been poured into the bottle, smooth out the extra air from the bottle
- Tighten the cap and wipe the bottle dry
- Turn the bottle upside down to check for leaks
What Are the Precautions to Be Taken for Safe Use of Hot Water Bottles?
- Children must never be allowed to use hot water bottles without adult supervision
- Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water. If needed, boil water and let it cool for a few seconds before pouring it into the bottle
- Never microwave a hot water bottle
- Avoid prolonged contact with the skin. Please use a bottle for only 15-20 minutes at a time, with a layer of cloth between the skin and the bottle. This will prevent burns
- Check the neck and stopper at regular intervals to avoid leakage
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Conclusion
In this article, we have selected the best hot water bottles for cramps, based on the features mentioned in our buyer’s guide and the ratings and comments mentioned by actual users on Amazon.
In our opinion, the HomeTop Premium Classic Rubber Hot Water Bottle (Red) is the best choice among the various options that we have considered because it is made of high-quality rubber, has a metal neck and is compliant with globally recognized BS 1970:2012 safety standards
If you are looking for another perspective, you can also consider the samply Hot Water Bottle with Cute Animal Cover, 2L Hot Water Bag for Hot and Cold Compress, Hand Feet Warmer, Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief, Great Gift for Women or Children, Bear Blue, which has a fleece cover and comes in 5 designs.
