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Instant Ice Packs & Cold Therapy

A selection of instant ice packs for injuries, providing instant relief for soft tissue strains, sprains and swelling resulting from minor injuries.

Koolpak Koolkids instant ice packs are a smaller pack size ideal for treating smaller limbs on children or for a useful addition to any First Aid Kit. For an instant ice pack that stays cooler for longer choose Koolpak Sport instant ice packs.

Koolpak has been manufacturing Hot & Cold Therapy products since 1993 and has established itself as the UK’s #1 brand.

Instant Ice and Hot Packs are used for treating a wide range of soft tissue injuries, therefore these products must be certified as Class IIa Medical devices and accredited to ISO13485:2016, as required by Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

All Koolpak products are certified Class IIa devices, as required by MHRA. You're using a product that meets the highest medical standards for your well-being.

Unlike many other products on the market, Koolpak medical devices are fully CE compliant.

What is 'PRICE' (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) Therapy?

For minor injuries such as sprains or strains, the below advice is normally effective for pain relief and recovery. PRICE therapy is suitable for initial treatment of injuries and can be used at home for two-three days after the initial injury. PRICE stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Protection

Protecting the area from further injury is extremely important. When we are injured, we will not have our full range of movement which will likely make us a little clumsier. Using a support and being extra careful will ensure that your injury does not get worse.

Rest

Avoiding exercise and reducing your daily physical activity will help speed up your recovery. If you absolutely must move, consider using an aid to make sure you don't put undue pressure on the injury. A walking stick may help for leg injuries and a sling may help for arm and shoulder injuries.

Ice

Applying an ice pack to the injured area for 15 - 20 minutes every 2 - 3 hours will help ease the pain by numbing the nerve endings and help reduce swelling in the area. We recommend Koolpak Instant or Reusable Ice Packs with an Ice Pack Cover to prevent the pack touching your skin which can lead to irritation and ice burn.

Compression

Using an elasticated compression bandage on the injury helps to limit swelling and will ease pain. Compression bandages come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you use one that is the right size. Too small and the bandage could do more harm than good.

Elevation

Keeping the injured body part elevated above the level of your heart will help reduce swelling and help speed up recovery.

Cold Instant

Quick and Convenient Cooling

Instant cold packs are a quick and convenient way to provide the benefits of cold therapy to treat an injury. Instant cold pack ingredients include water and urea that create an endothermic chemical reaction upon mixing. This absorbs heat and reduces temperature rapidly.

Key Product Features & Benefits:

Instant Cooling Relief

Koolpak Instant Cold Packs activate within seconds, delivering fast and effective cooling to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling right when you need it most.

Extended Cooling Duration

Engineered to maintain a cold temperature for an extended period, these packs provide sustained relief for injuries and discomfort without losing their chill quickly.

Multi-Use Convenience

Ideal for a variety of situations, Koolpak is perfect for sports injuries, muscle strains, headaches, and even soothing sunburns and insect bites—any time you need immediate cold therapy.

Portable & Ready Anytime

No need for refrigeration or ice. Koolpak Instant Cold Packs are portable and ready to use straight out of the pack, making them a convenient solution for emergencies, wherever you are.

Medical Grade Certified

Koolpak Instant Cold Packs are certified as Medical Class IIa devices and CE-compliant, ensuring you receive a high standard of safety and effectiveness that not all cold packs on the market can guarantee.

On-the-Go First Aid

Compact and lightweight, Koolpak Instant Cold Packs easily fit into first aid kits, gym bags, and backpacks, ensuring you're always prepared for unexpected injuries or discomfort.

Reliable Pain Management

Whether dealing with sprains, bruises, joint pain, or post-exercise soreness, Koolpak helps in reducing inflammation, providing a quick, soothing response to acute injuries.

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How do instant ice packs work?

Instant ice packs are specifically designed to provide immediate cold relief when activated. They are an essential piece of first aid equipment, ideal for applying to injuries or swollen areas to alleviate pain and minimise further damage.

The liquid bag inside the cold pack is water. Also inside the cold pack are chemical reactants such as ammonium nitrate, urea, or calcium ammonium nitrate. As the two chemicals combine inside the bag, an endothermic reaction quickly takes place, meaning that the pack absorbs heat and begins to feel cold to the touch. The temperature of the solution falls significantly, often close to 0 degrees Celsius, for up to 30 minutes until the chemical reaction is over.

What is an Endothermic Reaction?

Endothermic reactions are chemical processes in which the reactants absorb heat energy from their surroundings, resulting in a cooling effect.

In contrast, exothermic reactions release heat, causing the surrounding area to warm up.

Reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings

In an endothermic reaction, such as in an instant ice pack, heat is absorbed from the environment, lowering the temperature and producing a cooling sensation. This occurs because breaking chemical bonds requires energy input, while forming new bonds generally releases energy. The energy involved in these reactions can take various forms, including heat, light, or electricity.

For instance, when water reacts with the chemical reactant in an instant ice pack, it absorbs heat, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature. Conversely, in exothermic reactions the creation of new bonds releases heat, causing the temperature to rise.

When To Use Cold Therapy

Acute Injuries and Inflammation

Cold therapy is effective immediately after an injury. It helps reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the affected area, which in turn minimises inflammation. Research consistently supports the use of cold therapy for managing acute injuries, making it a key component of early injury treatment.

Post-Exercise Recovery

Applying cold therapy after intense physical activity can help minimise muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Studies show that cold-water immersion and similar cold treatments are beneficial in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage, thereby aiding in quicker recovery times.

Migraines and Headaches

Cold therapy, often in the form of cold packs or compresses, can be effective in relieving migraines and tension headaches. Research indicates that cold therapy can help manage headache symptoms by numbing the pain and reducing inflammation in the affected areas.

How long do instant ice/hot packs last?

Most instant ice packs contain a chemical solution that triggers an endothermic reaction, providing cooling relief for up to 30 minutes. In cooler environments, this reaction typically lasts longer, while in warmer conditions, the cooling effect may dissipate more quickly.

Instant hot packs typically provide heat for up to 40 minutes. As with cold packs, the exact duration can vary depending on factors such as the size of the pack, the surrounding temperature, and how well the pack is insulated during use. This time frame is generally sufficient for providing temporary relief from pain, muscle stiffness, or other discomforts.
Can you take instant ice/hot packs on a plane?

Instant ice and hot packs can be safely transported via air travel, but specific rules apply depending on how they are packed. If you are traveling with instant ice packs as part of a personal first aid kit, it is recommended to pack them in your checked (hold) luggage. However, you may be allowed to carry them in your hand luggage if they are medically necessary. For example, if you need them to treat a medical condition, keep medication cool, or preserve food or drink for infants or special dietary needs, you can present the appropriate medical documentation to airport security.

For carry-on approval, instant ice/hot packs must comply with the airline’s liquid restrictions unless they qualify as medically necessary. Gel or liquid ice packs that are partially melted or slushy must also adhere to the 100 ml (3.4 oz) liquid rule unless exempt due to medical reasons. Always notify security officers if you are carrying these items for medical purposes, as their final decision will depend on the documentation you provide. Without proper justification, instant ice packs are typically not permitted in hand luggage.
Can instant ice/hot packs be reused?

Instant ice packs are designed for single use and should be disposed of safely after activation. As the name implies, they provide immediate cooling upon being activated. The endothermic reaction that occurs when the internal chemicals are combined typically lasts up to 30 minutes. However, once this reaction is finished, the pack cannot be reactivated or reused.
Do instant ice/hot packs expire?

Instant ice packs have a limited shelf life due to the chemicals inside. When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, they generally last for 18–24 months. It is recommended not to use instant ice packs beyond their expiration date and to dispose of them properly once expired.
How do you dispose of instant ice/hot packs?

Koolpak Instant Ice Packs are designed for single use, providing quick and effective cooling relief for injuries on the go. Once used, these disposable packs should be discarded according to local waste disposal guidelines, as they are not recyclable. It's important to keep both used and unused ice packs out of the reach of small children to prevent accidental exposure.

When disposing of the pack, take care not to puncture the bag, as the liquid inside can create a mess if it leaks.

How to use instant ice pack products the most effectively

Instant ice packs are particularly effective for soothing pain, reducing swelling, and minimising tissue damage when applied promptly after an injury.

Maximising the effectiveness of instant ice packs requires proper usage within the framework of cold therapy – or cryotherapy.

To achieve the best results, combine the use of ice packs with the PRICE therapy protocol:

Protection

Rest

Ice

Compression

Elevation

This comprehensive approach ensures that you’re addressing the injury from multiple angles, leading to faster recovery.

Understanding the correct and safe use of instant ice packs is crucial. By following our guide, you can enhance the benefits of cold therapy for treating injuries, particularly those related to sports. Proper application not only alleviates symptoms but also supports the healing process, making it an essential tool in your first aid kit.