You can learn a lot by reading the directions

Many times you can learn a few things or refresh your memory when you read through instructions that come with various items.  In this case, after replacing a Hydrocollator pack in my unit I took a look at the included Instructions/Precautions. Here are some items that people may have forgotten or never knew.

When using a brand new pack you should soak the pack for 2 hours.

A hot pack can be heated by using a large pan on a stovetop, a microwave, or a Hydrocollator unit.

To vary the heat intensity, increase or decrease the number of toweling layers.

Storing Hot Packs

If storing out of water, place hot pack in a sealed plastic bag and store in the freezer.  Letting the pack dry out on its own results in a lumpy pack that never seems to smooth out again.  We drain our hot packs and store them in the freezer each summer.

Caution

Treatment time should not exceed 30 minutes

DO NOT apply over insensitive skin or in the presence of poor circulation

Never lay or sit on top of the hot pack (frequently abused in the ATR)


DO NOT use hot pack directly over cuts, abrasions or wounds.

Warnings

DO NOT apply pack directly to-skin;

Individuals with circulatory problems should consult with a physician before using this product.

DO NOT sit or lie on the hot pack.

DO NOT add chlorine additive to water.

DO NOT allow pack to come in contact with hydrocarbons (e.g., Comet®, Soft Scrub®, etc.).

Cleanliness

You can tell a lot about an athletic training room by the condition of their Hydroccolator unit.  Is the water cover the packs?  Is the water clear? Are the packs in good condition?  Are there enough packs in the unit?  It is advisable to check the water level frequently.  Draining and rinsing the unit and the packs frequently will help avoid that cloudy water appearance.  

Covers
 
Covers can be standard terry cloth towels or terry covers specifically for hot packs.  They should be laundered frequently.