The Finer Details

Product Content

The solution found inside the packs is called Sodium (salt) Acetate (vinegar). It is often found as a food flavoring,

giving the salt and vinegary taste in the potato chips of the same name.

Being a food grade saline solution, it is not toxic or poisonous. However, like all concentrated solutions, care should

be taken not to expose sensitive areas such as the eyes or open wounds but otherwise harmless. If for any reason

the solution leaks onto clothes, it will feel like it has been starched. A wash in either cold or warm cycle will easily

remove the solution. If on furniture, apply a damp cloth with warm water and the crystals will wash away.

Sodium Acetate in super concentrated form is sensitive to friction/vibrations. The flexing of the activator creates

friction sufficient to act as a catalyst to form the first crystal. Once the first crystal has formed, it creates a chain

reaction – thus the gradual change inside the pack.

This exothermic reaction generates energy – the heat that you feel.

Exposing the crystals to high temperatures (the boiling water) will cause the crystals to revert to liquid form –

thus acting to reset the packs.

As the process is a physical change and not a chemical reaction, the exothermic reaction can be “activated”

an unlimited number of times.

Similar frictions such as sudden shocks cause by dropping or bumping of the packs can occasionally  activate

 the packs. This is often the cause of the packs activating in transit. Should this be the case, simply reset

the packs as per instructions as found in “How Does It Work?”

The Activator

The friction generated by the activators and the friction needed to activate the packs will vary with each

and every activation thus the number of flexing/bending/pressing will change. As a general norm anywhere

between 1-10 activating motions is required to activate the packs with the actual number of motions varying

 with each activation. So please do not be too concerned should the pack not activate immediately. This is

not a sign that the pack is not working or faulty, rather this is an indication that for some reason the friction

was inadequate.

In addition, it is more helpful for the activators if you make slow deep motions rather then short rapid ones.

The short rapid action MAY NOT generate the necessary friction to activate the packs no matter many motions

 you make.

Many different types of activators can be used to induce the necessary exothermic reaction.

The activator works by pressing or flexing the circular disc.

The Heat

The packs reach a safe handling temperature of 54 degrees celsius and this is the maximum temperature.                                 As the packs cannot physically get beyond this temperature, it is very difficult to ever accidentally burn                              yourself – the temperature needs to be above 60 degrees celsius for this to happen. In fact, the self- heating                       technology is the only heat pack that has a preset safe temperature – one of our core product benefits.

However, as with all heating products, care should always be taken when used - especially if you are intolerant to                     heat. If the heat is too intense, soften the heat with a towel or use the belts provided in our product range. In some               cases, heat amplification effect such as your body temperature being high from exertion or hot weather, the packs                  being activated whilst it still has some residual heat from the boiling water or putting the pack over heating creams                     will increase the sensation of the heat – thus caution needs to be exercised under these circumstances.

Further to a safe controlled temperature, each and every time the pack is activated, it will reach the same                           temperature – it never varies. Thus not only is it safe, it is reliable as well.

The length of the heat varies with each pack. They all reach the same temperatures but the bigger the pack the                            longer the heat lasts. Heat can last between 30-45 minutes for the small pack to as long as 60-90 minutes on the                Large/Back pack. The length of heat is affected by ambient temperature as well as the amount of insulation available.
 

The Pack

The plastic casing of the pack is made from Triple A grade industrial PVC – child safe and animal safe. The                             plastic is able to tolerate up to approximately 106degrees Celsius, hence not get damaged when boiled – as                                long as there is sufficient water available.

It can also withstand up to 130kg weight to sit, lie or press against the pack without breaking. However, any                             sudden pressures such as suddenly sitting on or jumping on the packs can damaged the packs even if the                           weight is far less.

If used properly and carefully, the packs should last about 5 to 10 years. The known record is about 14 years                            but some customers destroy theirs in 18 months. It is really up to the user.

Sharp instruments will puncture the plastic. Also, the packs are especially vulnerable after just being boiled,                               as it is soft from the heat. So some care needs to be taken when taking the packs out of the pots.

Finally, when storing the packs, store them in liquid form. Whilst it does not harm the pack whether or not it is                               stored in either liquid or solid form, the liquid from is recommended. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it                                makes sense so that when you need the pack you can use it straight away rather than wait whilst it is being                          boiled. Secondly, if stored in solid form for long periods, it takes longer to boil back to liquid form.
 

Use as a Cold Pack

The Health Packs can also be used as cold packs.

This is beneficial if you have acute injuries - that is muscle/tendon/ligament tear and sprains within the first                                  48 hours. When so injured you need to initially use cold to reduce the swelling then after the initial period use                                heat to increase blood circulation and increase recovery. Hence, our packs can be used for both.

To use as cold packs, simply place in the fridge in the liquid form.

You can leave the packs in the fridge indefinitely without harming the pack. For active people, we suggest having                            one in the fridge permanently.

If using as a cold pack, it is generally recommended to use the freezer only to get the pack cold quickly but use                       the fridge if for long-term storage. Neither adversely affects the packs, however, there are things in the freezer such                     as frozen meats, icicles or sharp containers that can pierce the packs.
 

Product History

It is claimed that the original self-heating concept was developed by a laboratory attached to the US military                           around 1975. Initially the science was to be used to keep soldiers out in the field warm at night without lighting a fire.

The therapeutic industry came across the technology some years later and has adopted it as one of their own.