How do I Choose the Best Gel Ice Pack?

Choosing the right gel ice pack can mean the difference between rapid care and long pain and discomfort. In order to choose the best gel ice pack, individuals should start by determining which size of ice pack is ideal. Customers should also determine if the pack will be intended for repeated or single use. Before making a final purchase, individuals should also consider the cost of the product. In some cases, purchasing a large quantity of gel ice packs or purchasing on a repeated basis from the same supplier may mean a lower overall price.

To choose the best gel ice pack, it is important to determine what size is best. Ideally, an ice pack that is intended for use on a small body part, such as a hand, wrist, or foot, needs only be small. In contrast, an ice pack that is intended for use on a back, shoulder, or leg should be significantly larger. When in doubt, a larger gel ice pack is almost always better than a small one, as it will cover the entirety of the injured area, whereas a small ice pack may not do so.

Customers should also consider whether the gel ice pack can be used over and over, or if it is intended for single use. Ice packs for one person or a small, familiar group can be used repeatedly. In contrast, gel ice packs for a large group of people, such as a sports team, should be single-use in order to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Storage facilities may also dictate whether single or repeated use gel ice packs are best. Institutions that provide only a small storage space for the products may require repeated use packs, while those with more storage space may be able to house a number of single use packs.

A purchaser of a gel ice pack should also consider the cost of the product before settling on a specific item. Gel ice packs can range in price quite dramatically depending on their size, durability, and whether they are disposable or are intended for repeated use. Customers who are purchasing gel ice packs for a school district or other large organization may be able to purchase bulk quantities at a significantly reduced rate. Repeat customers who purchase gel ice packs in large quantities may also be able to buy the packs at an additional discount. When considering a large purchase, customers should make sure that the product will fit their needs, however, and is not simply being purchased due to its low cost.