Gel Hot-Cold Ice Packs (8-Pack) - Includes 2 Red Square Gel Packs: Reusable, Flexible, Non-Toxic. Freeze or Heat Therapy, Pain Relief, Reduce Swelling or Soreness (8-Pack)

I live in a U.S. city with the highest average temperatures (yes, Phoenix, AZ).If you are looking to keep a couple dozen cans of beverages icy-cold -- this is not the right product for your needs. Nevertheless, I still think this is an excellent product when used with a reasonable expectation and a specific purpose.Here's how I use the Swiss Safe gel packs to combat some of our 100 to 118-degree days in the Valley of the Sun:During June through October, temperatures reaching 118-degrees F in the shade are not uncommon. Therefore, people here have a tendency to encounter "Heat Exhaustion" or "Heat Stroke," especially on the days that hit above 110-degrees F.One day, I noticed an emergency medical technician (EMT) working on an elderly person with a heat-related problem. During the treatment, the EMT placed ice packs on the person's left and right wrists, as well as ice packs under both the armpits. I later found out the wrists and armpits are key points on the body where blood temperature can be reduced during heat emergencies by applying cold packs to those specific areas of the body.Remember, if it's a 115-degrees OUTSIDE, the AC systems in many retail stores can only reduce the inside ambient by 25 to 30 degrees. That means, on a 115-degree day, you may be shopping in a large store like Walmart, Target or Costco, and the indoor temperature can still be a very warm 85 to 90-degrees. So anytime I leave the house -- especially on days above 105-degrees F -- I take the Swiss Safe gels with me.Before turning off the car's AC and going into a store, I slip one gel pack on my LEFT WRIST and secure it with an elastic sports band. It certainly makes me "feel" a little cooler, especially walking through an asphalt parking lot. In the store, I find it very useful to feel comfortable for an extended shopping period.They are small and discreet, and no one notices the gel pack under the wristband. Depending on the ambient air temperature and how warm your body runs, the individual gel packs only last 15 to 20 minutes. So, carry the extra Swiss Safe gel packs in a small, well-insulated cooler.

I was put on an aromatase inhibitor after treatments for breast cancer. The hot flashes related to the meds were unlike anything I had ever experienced, including those I had during menopause. After exhaustively explaining time after time why I was dripping with sweat when I arrived at work each morning I knew I had to find a solution. I spent a year and a half modifying my diet, cutting out sugars and caffeine, nothing worked. When I saw these while browsing Amazon a light bulb went off and I bought a set immediately. Inow slip anywhere from 1 to 4 of these in the sides and back of my bra and arrive at work feeling fresh and dry every morning. I also carry my set in my lunch along with a freezer pack. This gives me the ability to swap them out during the day while refreezing the used ones. I carry them all in a zip lock bag to keep them separate from my food and throw the bag in the freezer when I get home. It has made all the difference in the world and the fabric side keeps my skin from the plastic. I have not used the red squares. They do freeze however they do not have the fabric covered side. It’s been a relief since day 1.

additional comment - I accidentally microwaved one for 1 min instead of 10 sec . . . at 24 sec it popped (no mess but ruined) always double check the timer. STILL HAPPY with this item. Item as described and just what I needed. I have arthritis in my thumbs and doctor suggested daily hot wax unit (paraffin) which after investigating requires heating the wax for one hour or more. Not very practical. These mini gel packs heat in 10 miniutes in the microwave. They don't stay hot very long but the convenience is excellent. I do prefer the round ones (that have cloth on one side and plastic on the other) instead of the square ones that are plastic on both sides. I've also used them cold from the freezer. My only suggestion is there a way to make a glove that heats (or a mitten ?) that I could slip my whole hand into each morning (as dr suggested). Also recently broke my collarbone (week 3 of dwindling pain but still like the heat/ice treatment) and these little packs can easily be placed under my bra strap for 10 minutes or so.

These Gel Hot-Cold Ice Packs are just the right size! Just what I needed.I've reserved a couple for my eyes and heat them in the microwave for 10 seconds each and it's just the perfect temperature to treat my dry eye issue. I place the heated packs cloth-side against my eyes twice a day for a few minutes, just as my doctor suggested. Magic!I find that these are a great size to treat those small areas of aches and pain as well. I heat them and slip them inside my sleeve to treat my sore rotator cuff, and alternate with the ice packs.I'm sure I will find many uses for these handy packs and have recommended them to others.By the way, I recommend the seller, Swiss Safe Products, as well. Great customer service!Update October 12, 2017: I recently had surgery on my hand and have used these wonderful little gems a lot! I hold one, sometimes two, in my palm and wrap a long ice pack around my entire hand. These wonderful little Swiss Safe gel packs are the perfect size to get right in there where I need them most!