Product test
Beurer’s Cosy Weight heat pad’s not such a hotshot after all
by Kim Muntinga
Hot and cold packs: the facts
23.8.2023
Translation: Elicia Payne
All cold packs are the same. At least that’s what I thought until now. In this article you’ll find out what’s worth paying attention to and how a small elasticated strap and hot-cold compresses make my life easier.
I always had a cold pack in the fridge. Especially when you have a child at home, it’s absolutely essential to quickly have something ready to cool in any situation in life. But I’ve never looked further into the little plastic bags. Until I tried the HotCold compresses from Nexcare for a product test.
I was suspicious when I read a promise in the product details: «Non-toxic, 99 per cent biodegradable.» What else is in these small, blue plastic bags? Time to take a closer look.
At first glance, a close look at the details doesn’t shed any light, in fact the opposite. After all, there are so many substances, and deciphering them requires a degree in chemistry. But you’ll soon find out what can help even without detailed knowledge of various chemical substances.
A pack for hot and cold treatment
The Nexcare ColdHot Therapy Pack comes with a protective cover with a «Thinsulate fabric layer», according to the description. So is a chemistry degree necessary after all? No, a quick search reveals that the manufacturer invented the word and it describes a special fabric made of polyester fibres. So the 99 per cent biodegradability doesn't apply to the cover, but it will still make my life easier in the near future with the practical elasticated velcro strap.
The practical elasticated strap
Another advantage is the indicator for the heat or cold intensity, from light to medium to strong. This helps to avoid using it at too cold or too hot temperatures, especially with children. Or even reduce the cooling time if only light cooling is needed anyway.
Labeling of medical devices: the many substances explained
Now let’s get back to the substances in it. Even extensive research I’m none the wiser about the exact substances. However, the exact understanding of the chemical background, as mentioned is probably unnecessary. Because hot and cold compresses fall into the category of medical devices in Switzerland and the EU. This means that to ensure that the products are tested and certified, the packs must be labelled.
Switzerland:
Swissmedic registration: Swissmedic is the Swiss regulatory and supervisory authority for medicinal products and medical devices. Medical devices that are placed on the market in Switzerland must be approved or registered by Swissmedic. Appropriate registration or approval confirms that the product complies with Swiss regulations.
Germany:
Registration number: In Germany, medical devices are registered in a national registry. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) or the responsible state authorities assign registration numbers. These numbers confirm that the product is registered in Germany and complies with the applicable regulations.
These regulations ensure that, for labelled products, the following points are mandatory:
Biocompatibility: The substances used must not have any harmful effects on the human body. This includes allergic reactions, irritation and other negative health consequences.
Hazardousness: The substances used must not contain hazardous chemicals, toxins or other substances harmful to health.
Stability: Materials must be stable and not decompose or change into undesirable substances when cooled or heated.
Environmental compatibility: While medical device law is primarily concerned with safety and effectiveness for the user, manufacturers should still strive to use environmentally friendly materials to minimise environmental impact.
Labelling and information: Manufacturers must provide clear and complete information about the substances, the correct use and possible risks of the product.
Unmarked goods are therefore not recommended in this context. A few years ago, for example, an incident occurred in Australia whereby a child bit open the plastic wrapping of a cold pack and subsequently fell ill and had to be put on dialysis. One manufacturer had used toxic ethylene glycol for the contained gel instead of the commonly used propylene glycol.
Verdict
Overall, the Nexcare ColdHot Therapy Pack definitely won me over and will have a permanent spot in my freezer. It’s good quality and offers practical features through the temperature intensity indicator and the elasticated strap for fixing. The price is average compared to similar products. The fact that the gel contained is non-toxic and biodegradable is another plus.
Header image: Mery Cecilia Ochoa Caprara
Anna Sandner
Senior Editor
Anna.Sandner@galaxus.deScience editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always the outdoors - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
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