Many people deem hot water bottles a staple in their household. Considering how many benefits they have, this hardly comes as a surprise. They can be used to alleviate body pain, help with migraines, to warm up during the winter, among other benefits. With that said, filling a hot water bottle can be tricky. There are a lot of things to consider, such as how much water to add and at what temperature the water should be. If you’re unsure about how to fill a hot water bottle, our article is here to help you in the process.
Before we explain the intricacies of filling a hot water bottle, we’ll go over all the benefits of using hot water bottles and all the ways you can use one.
Why Use a Hot Water Bottle?
Before we share our best tips for filling in a hot water bottle, let’s take a look at some of the uses of hot water bottles and hopefully inspire you to invest in one if you haven’t already.
Hot Water Bottles Help with Period Cramps
Most women suffer from period cramps, which can range in terms of pain and duration. If you don’t want to rely on pain killers but you want to find a way to alleviate period cramps, consider purchasing a water bottle.
Applying a heated water bottle on your abdomen can help relax your uterus and improve blood flow, which helps lessen period cramps. One of the best things about using hot water bottles for period cramps is that you will notice less discomfort in a matter of minutes.
Hot Water Bottles Help with Body Aches
Apart from period cramps, hot water bottles can also help with body aches and pain. If you feel sore on an area of your body, try placing a heated water bottle on the area for a couple of minutes. It helps with sore muscles, muscle spasms, and is a great tool to use when you notice that a part of your body starts to hurt.
Hot Water Bottles Can Alleviate Headaches
In addition to soothing body pain, hot water bottles can contribute to headache or migraine relief.
You can either place the hot water bottle on top of your head or under your neck while you’re laying down. Cosying up with a hot water bottle when you have a migraine will not only help with pain, but it will also help you feel more relaxed.
One thing to note is that you should always follow the safety regulations before placing the hot water bottle on a sensitive area of your body, like your head.
Hot Water Bottles Are Amazing for Winter
We all know the feeling of going to bed on a winter’s night and failing to get warm despite our best efforts. Heated blankets and a hot water bottle are your new friends if you want to make chilly winter nights a thing of the past.
All you have to do is fill in your water bottle and place it under your blanket or duvet a couple of minutes before going to bed. You will immediately notice the warming effects of the water bottle and you won’t have to worry about tossing and turning in bed unable to sleep due to the cold.
Hot Water Bottles Can Be Good for the Summer
Most of us don’t associate hot water bottles with summertime, but did you know that you can also fill your bottle with ice or cold water to provide a cooling effect?
It can be an outstanding tool to use if you’re travelling, or if you don’t want to sit directly below an air conditioner. If you feel like you’re overheating during the summer, simply put the hot water bottle on an area of your body to help bring your body temperature down.
We all know that ice is great for injuries, so you can also use your iced water bottle to treat an injury and prevent swelling.
Hot Water Bottles Can Help with Digestion
While we don’t have enough evidence to support this claim, many people have found placing a hot water bottle on their abdomen when they have stomach aches to be incredibly helpful. The increase of blood flow could help with your digestion and reduce both pain and bloating, which is always a plus. It’s definitely worth trying as a method if you’re not a fan of taking medication every time you experience a stomachache.
Hot Water Bottles Can Provide Relief in Pregnancy
Many women suffer from lower back pain, soreness, and swollen feet while pregnant, and hot water bottles can help immensely with these side effects. All you have to do is place the hot water bottle on the affected area while you’re lying down for roughly 10 minutes.
How to Fill a Hot Water Bottle
Now, let’s get to the gist of the article – how should you fill your hot water bottle the right way?
The first and obvious step to filling your hot water bottle is unscrewing the plug so that you can add the hot water inside.
There are various methods you could use to heat up the water that’s going to go in your hot water bottle or you could use a kettle to warm it up, you can boil it in a pan.
You don’t want to fill the water to the brim – allowing some space in the bottle is always a good idea.
While filling the water, make sure your grip isn’t too strong since you risk spilling hot water on yourself, which can lead to serious burns. Many people use gloves or a kitchen towel during the process to avoid any disastrous accidents.
Once you’re satisfied with the amount of water you have, it’s time to squeeze the air from your bottle.
The last step to filling your hot water bottle is screwing back the plug to ensure that it doesn’t leak. Make sure it’s sealed tightly – the last thing you’ll want to worry about is spilling hot water on yourself on in your bed.
After you’re done using the water bottle and the water inside is cooled off, empty it out fully and turn it over so that it can dry.
Are Hot Water Bottles Safe to Use?
One of the most asked questions regarding hot water bottles is whether or not they’re safe to use. The short answer is yes – provided that you follow the safety instructions, they’re completely safe to use.
However, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind at all times, such as making sure your plug is always screwed tightly and always using a cover. Avoid placing the hot water bottle directly on your skin the first couple of minutes after you’ve placed the water inside.
Buying Guide
Here are the most important aspects of purchasing a hot water bottle you should consider.
Size
The general rule of thumb is – the bigger the hot water bottle, the warmer it will keep you. In addition, they will be more effective if your aim is to use them on an area of your body. However, if this is your first time using a hot water bottle, consider investing in one that’s smaller in size so that you can get used to the feel of it. Smaller water bottles also have their perks – they’re more portable and lighter.
Shape
Most hot water bottles come in a standard rectangular shape. Some brands have started coming out with hot water bottles that have a fancier shape, but they’re often more expensive. If you’re not too fussed about the shape of the bottle, we recommend sticking to the classic shape.
Safety Instructions
While we have provided some general tips for staying safe while using a hot water bottle, every bottle comes with its own set of instructions and safety regulations. Make sure you read the instructions before you start using the hot water bottle to remain as safe as possible.
FAQs
Do You Fill a Hot Water Bottle with Boiling Water?
Yes, you should fill your hot water bottle with boiled water, but make sure you allow a couple of minutes for it to cool down before placing it directly on your skin.
Can Hot Water Bottles Explode?
Yes, hot water bottles are prone to leaking or bursting if you’re not using them properly. Avoid leaning on your hot water bottle or squeezing it at any point while you’re using it.
Can I Sleep With My Hot Water Bottle?
Yes, hot water bottles are safe to use in the bed. Placing one under your blanket approximately ten minutes before you go to sleep is a great way to warm up on those long, cold, winter nights.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found our article on how to fill a hot water bottle useful, and we hope we inspired you to invest in one, or extend the uses of your current one.
Hot water bottles can be used for a myriad of purposes, including soothing period cramps and body aches, alleviating headaches, warming up during the winter, cooling off during the summer, and helping with digestion. The most important things to keep in mind while filling a hot water bottle is filling it approximately 2/3 of the way through, screwing the plug tightly, and letting the water cool off slightly before you place the bottle directly on your skin.
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