The 15 best ice pack brands
Natracure, Medline and Chattanooga lead our ranking of 15 ice pack brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Ice Pack brands, ranked
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1
Natracure
Gel wraps and packs pitched at sports recovery and joint pain, with hot and cold options for targeted relief.
Top products: FlexiKold· Gel Ice Packs· Cooling Gel Hand Ice Pack Gloves
Website: natracure.com |Brands like Natracure
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Medline
Single-use chemical packs stocked in bulk cases, typically bought by hospitals and nursing homes for restocking.
Top products: Accu-Therm· Perineal Cold Packs· Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs
Website: medline.com |Brands like Medline
Popularity 7.3/10
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3
Chattanooga
Reusable gel packs with a soft vinyl or polyurethane cover, in standard and larger sizes for joints.
Top products: ColPac
Website: chattanoogarehab.com |Brands like Chattanooga
Popularity 7.1/10
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4
Dynarex
Disposable instant cold packs and first-aid supplies sold in bulk, mostly for clinics and kits.
Top products: Multi-Use Instant Cold Packs· Disposable Ice Packs· Instant Cold Pack with Urea
Website: dynarex.com |Brands like Dynarex
Popularity 6.0/10
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5
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6
Core Products
Soft-covered hot and cold packs that can go in the freezer or microwave for repeat use.
Top products: Soft Comfort CorPak
Website: coreproducts.com |Brands like Core Products
Popularity 4.2/10
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7
Soma Care
Combination heat and cold packs for pain relief, built around switching between warmth and icing.
Website: mysomacare.com |Brands like Soma Care
Popularity 3.6/10
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8
Elasto-Gel
Elastogel packs come in several sizes, alongside wheelchairs and rehab products for home care.
Website: elastogel.com |Brands like Elasto-Gel
Popularity 3.5/10
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9
Carex
Basic self-care hot and cold packs from a long-running medical supply line, widely stocked in drugstores.
Website: carex.com |Brands like Carex
Popularity 3.3/10
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10
Body Comfort
Body pain or body ache is one of the most common health issues now a days. From children to grownups, everyone faces any kind of body pain issue. BodyComfort understood the problem and came up with some fantastic solutions. Whether...
Website: en.bodycomfort.biz |Brands like Body Comfort
Popularity 2.9/10
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11
Bodyprox
Newer therapy gear for body pain, with ice and heat packs sold in the US, UK and Japan.
Website: bodyprox.com |Brands like Bodyprox
Popularity 2.6/10
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12
Zamst
Ankle-support braces and ice wraps built for sprains and instability, often used together after a rolled ankle.
Website: zamst.us |Brands like Zamst
Popularity 2.6/10
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13
Pro Ice
Cold therapy wraps for athletes, including a pitcher's kit for shoulders and elbows.
Website: proice.net |Brands like Pro Ice
Popularity 2.3/10
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14
Thermal-Aid
Small wearable pouches for period cramps and headaches, made to stay put under clothing through the day.
Website: thermalaidproducts.com |Brands like Thermal-Aid
Popularity 2.3/10
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15
DonJoy
Sports bracing maker whose ice wraps pair with its knee and ankle supports after injury.
Website: donjoyperformance.com |Brands like DonJoy
Popularity 2.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natracure | natracure.com | /natracurecomfort | natracure | @NatraCure | – |
| Medline | medline.com | /MedlineIndustriesInc | – | @Medline | MedlineIndustries |
| Chattanooga | chattanoogarehab.com | /CHAchamber | chachamber | @CHAchamber | – |
| Dynarex | dynarex.com | /DynarexCorp | dynarexcorp | @DynarexCorp | DynarexCorp |
| Core Products | coreproducts.com | – | – | – | – |
| Soma Care | mysomacare.com | /MySomaCare | – | – | – |
| Elasto-Gel | elastogel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Carex | carex.com | /Carex.CHB | carexhealthbrands | @CarexHealth | Carex Health Brands |
| Body Comfort | en.bodycomfort.biz | /Body-Comfort-553753278449661 | mybodycomfort | – | – |
Ice Pack Buying Guide
Ice packs are a great add-on to your home medical kit. It can soothe and alleviate any pains or discomforts in muscles and joints. Ice packs can also be used to reduce swelling, bruises, and inflammation. It is essential to choose the correct ice pack that suits your requirement. This article will help you purchase the best ice pack for your needs.
Types of Ice Packs
Ice packs can come in different sizes, shapes, and types. Here are some common types of ice packs:
Gel-based Ice Packs:
These are the most common types of ice packs. These packs are filled with gel typically made of silica, glycol, or sodium. They can be chilled and reused.
Chemical ice packs:
These ice packs typically come as a sealed bag filled with water and chemicals like ammonium nitrate, which can generate cool temperatures when activated. Chemical ice packs are suitable for small injuries needing temporary cooling.
Instant Cooling Ice Packs:
These ice packs are activated by pressure, shaking or twisting. The instant cooling ice packs generate a cold temperature, which can last for up to thirty minutes. These types of ice packs are typically used in first aid situations or outdoor activities.
Electric Ice Packs:
Electric ice packs need to be plugged into a power source to cool down. These ice packs can be convenient but are not portable, making them mostly suitable for home use.
DIY and Homemade Ice Packs:
DIY and homemade ice packs are often made of things lying around one's house like a bag of frozen peas, soaked cloth, or a wet sponge kept in the freezer. While these packs may not be the best at retaining cold temperatures, they can be made easily and quickly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ice Pack
Purpose of Use:
The first thing to consider is the purpose of the ice pack. If the ice pack is meant to soothe aching muscles, you should go with a bigger and reusable pack like gel-based packs. For first aid situations or outdoor activities, you may want to invest in instant cooling ice packs, ideally small and portable enough to carry around in a backpack or purse.
Reusable Vs. One Time Use:
Reusable ice packs can be reused many times, making them environmentally-friendly and cost-effective. One-time use ice packs are suitable for situations that require a disposable pack like outdoor activities or long trips.
Duration of the Cold:
If you need long-lasting and continuous cold temperatures, choosing a gel-based ice pack is ideal. However, if you require temporary cooling or first aid situations, instant cooling ice packs can provide instant relief.
Portability:
If you are into outdoor activities or travel frequently, you will need a portable and lightweight ice pack. Instant cooling ice packs are typically portable and easy to pack in a backpack, making them ideal for travel. However, gel-based ice packs can be bulky and not portable.
Comfort:
If you are using the ice pack to soothe muscle pains, you should choose a soft and comfortable pack. Gel-based packs can offer a comfortable and soft surface in contact with the skin, making them ideal for aching muscles.
Size:
The size of the ice pack you choose will depend on the area you intend to cover. If you want to soothe a small area like a sprained ankle, a small ice pack would suffice. However, if you require coverage over a larger part, consider purchasing a bigger ice pack.
Cost:
The cost of an ice pack can be a deal breaker or a significant consideration. Instant cooling ice packs are typically cheaper, making them ideal for one-time-use or occasional use. Gel-based ice packs can be more expensive upfront but can be reused, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Top Ice Pack Brands
Polar Products:
Polar products offer gel-based ice packs suitable for muscle soreness and swelling. The company has been in the business for over 30 years, making quality ice packs. Polar Products come in different shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
Chattanooga:
Chattanooga offers a wide range of gel-based ice packs that have been well-received by customers. The company offers different sizes and shapes, making it suitable for all types of injuries. Chattanooga ice packs are comfortable and durable.
Therapearl:
Therapearl offers a unique gel-based ice pack that contours easily to different parts of the body. The packs are also microwave and freezer safe, making it easy to use whenever needed. Therapearl ice packs come in different sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
Medline:
Medline offers single-use instant cooling ice packs that can offer instant relief to minor injuries. The packs are portable and suitable for outdoor activities, first aid situations, and travel. The company has been in the business for a while and offers a quality product.
Conclusion
Choosing an ice pack can be a daunting task. With so many types and brands available in the market, it can be challenging to find one that suits your needs. However, by considering factors such as the purpose of use, duration of cold, comfort, and portability, you can find an ice pack that offers relief to your muscle soreness, swelling or minor injuries.
Finally, it is important to note that ice packs are not meant to be a substitute for professional medical attention. If you have a severe injury or underlying medical condition, it is best to consult a doctor.
