Polar Active Ice 3.0 Cold Therapy Ice Machine System with Programmable Timer, Shoulder Compression Pad, Lightweight 16 Quart Cooler Freeze Kit, Quiet Pump, Strong Cryotherapy Pain Relief and Treatment

On both of my knee replacements I was sent home with an ice machine for the purpose of keeping the knee cool to reduce swelling and pain. Both were small and appropriate for a medical facility with 24 hour staff to monitor things, but at home it exhausted my 70 YO wife caregiver overnight changing the frozen water bottles every few hours.Prior to my current knee replacement, I purchased this machine p, which holds 10 bottles of frozen water, in hopes it would better serve me all night without caregiver support. And it basically did…..except the hose was at least a foot too short. I ordered the extension and that resolved the problem.The first couple nights at home following the surgery, I had it cooling level 4 cooling and ON full time. On the third day I set the timer to 30 minutes ON and 10 minutes OFF. I’d occasionally waken when the knee got too cold. After a week, I changed the setting to level 2 cooling, 10 ON and 10 minutes OFF off. This is where it stayed. I can sleep all night and the knee is comfortably cool. Sometimes I use the machine up to 12 hours and the cooling is still good.The pad that covers the knee is ample in size for me, and I’m a big man. It should be good for all .I am 77 and my primary caregiver is now 73 and this machine allowed for full nights of sleep for everyone.As a side note, I use ine smaller ice machine off and on in the living room during the day to relieve swelling.I definitely recommend this machine for any major surgery that requires control of pain or swelling. Hip, knee shoulder, foot, ankle, wrist, etc. you’ll just need the appropriate pad for the area you’re cooling.

I bought the hip unit for use after a total hip replacement ten days ago. Set up was easy. We instituted its use as soon as I returned home from surgery. The circulating pad is comfortable and easy to put on - at first with a helper. I found that a hand towel fit perfectly as an insulating layer between the cooling pad and my skin. The cooling pad can be positioned more to the front or around the side and anchored with the Velcro belts - wherever there is swelling. The ability to adjust cooling and off cycle durations is very helpful. We have had no leakage. Construction and materials are durable. Regular use of the unit and leg elevation for 5-6 days post-op minimized swelling. We used frozen water bottles for ice and needed to switch them out every 6-8 hours. That cold duration is a distinct advantage over cold packs. A bit of a downside is that to get up to go to the bathroom requires taking off the cooling pad and then reapplying it before going back to bed. The unit is large and heavy enough when filled that I would not want to be taking it up and downstairs. So, now that the swelling is down and I am more active I just ordered an extra large gel cooling pad that can be kept in the freezer and used as needed for pain and swelling.My husband will probably be having a shoulder replacement soon. We will order the shoulder cooling pad and use this unit again.

I had complete knee replacement and today is day 2. I was swelling when I got home on day 1, so I laid down, had a pillow under my leg from a little above my knee bend all the way past my foot as per dr instruction not letting my knee bend in resting position plus elevate. This machine is great, helps with soreness, pain and swelling. It's pricey but not to have to take pain pills is worth it to me. My nerve block is still working some but I know this is going to be a big help. It's programmable, I have mine 20 minutes on 20 minutes off so it comes back on after the 20 off for a second cycle, then I power it off by it's wired remote. I don't have to get up. Wish that I had this for my rotor cuff surgery. I highly recommend for pain relief and swelling. Keep your box so you can clean unit and have it packaged and ready for your next unexpected need. You can also buy different pad attachments separately for the machine. I suggest the rectangular one for knee as it goes above and below and behind entire knee not just your knee cap and sides plus it's big enough for other areas such as neck, shoulder, elbow, lower back. Read dimensions of pads to make sure it is the one you need.Update: I'm on week 5 post surgery. This is a life saver. Swelling and pain after therapy or just moving around, this helps instantly. Also I have an upright freezer with some space, I fill big stainless steel bowls with water and freeze. One big chunk will last through the night. Just run water on top and bottom of bowl and it pops right out, very easy and convenient. To me actual melting ice is much colder than the frozen water water bottles but hey they both work.

Purchased this to take care of my hip after total hip replacement surgery since buying was simpler than renting with a minimal price difference, and it has definitely been worth the money. With 6 frozen water bottles plus cold water in the cooler, it stays cold for many hours. It's nice that you can program it for almost any amount of time on or off. So far I have not had problems with leaks of any sort. The large, extended coverage pad is easy to use. Great purchase!

The unit works well but you have to be careful not to block the water line. It e will stop water flow to the pad. The frozen water bottles are a great idea. Lastly, ensure to get the right sleeve. My knee is too swollen/large for the knee attachment. I am probably going to have to order the large square to cover my swollen area. Right price for needed ice.

I originally bought the smaller version but found having to switch out frozen water bottles every 4 hours or so inconvenient in the first week after surgery so I upgraded to the larger one. This machine is a MUST for orthopedic surgery recovery. The timer makes it easy to get the exact therapy your surgeon recommends. It also made it so I was able to stop all pain meds 3 days after surgery. I continue to use it, especially after physical therapy. I bought the universal pad so I could use it anywhere on my body where I have inflammation.