Instructions to use the Heat Packs inside the Jumbo sized Thera-Pods:

• Remove heat pack from Cuttlepod body before microwaving: On the underside of the plush there is a zipper. Inside, there is a satin lined compartment** containing a heat pack. Remove the heat pack from the plush (be patient getting the heat pack out through the zipper, as aggressive yanking could damage your plush).

**The earliest Thera-Pods did NOT have a satin lined compartment inside to hold the heat pack. There was polyester stuffing inside the zipper compartment. If you have the early version, do not pull the stuffing out with the heat pack.

• Microwaving the heat pack: Place the heat pack on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Microwave according to the heating instructions provided below:

  • Heating Time: Microwave from cold for 60 seconds, then remove the pack and move it around to distribute the heat evenly. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, move the filling around inside the bag between each heat cycle.

You want the heat pack to be quite warm, but you should still be able to comfortably hold the pack from the bottom with your bare hands.

• • Note: Heating times may vary based on microwave wattage.

• Heating Safety: Monitor the heat pack while it's in the microwave to prevent overheating. Do not overheat the heat pack, as this can cause the fabric or the filling to scorch or burn. Overheating will cause the pack to have a very unpleasant burnt odor.

• Handling After Heating: After microwaving, remove the heat pack from the microwave. Place the heat pack back inside the satin lined compartment**. Flatten the heat pack inside the Cuttlepod to distribute the filling into an even layer. Close the zipper.

**For early version Thera-Pods without the satin lining: ensure the polyester stuffing stays on top of the heat pack (away from the zipper) when re-inserting the heat pack. Any stuffing between the heat pack and the bottom "belly" of the plush will dillute the heat and significantly reduce effectiveness.

• Relax with your warm Cuttlepod placed on top of the affected area to relieve muscle aches and menstrual pain.

• If laying on your back with the Cuttlepod on your abdomen, the large face of the Cuttlepod is perfect for supporting a book or a tablet.

• Do Not Get Wet: Avoid getting the heat pack wet as this can cause the filling inside to break down.

 

Replacing the filling:

Over time, or if it has gotten wet, the organic filling (rice) will begin to break down. When this occurs, an amateur sewist (or anyone with a needle and thread) should be able to easily replace the filling and give the heat pack a new life!

1. Remove the heat pack from the Cuttlepod through the zipper.
2. Carefully open the flat seam with a seam ripper or small scissors, try to only cut the thread and not the fabric.
3. Remove the old filling and dispose with the organic waste or add to your compost bin.
4. This is a great time to wash the empty fabric bag. Machine wash with similar colours in warm water. Dry at any temperature as the empty bag is made of 100% cotton flannel.
5. Ensure the fabric bag is completely dry before adding new filling. You can re-fill the heat pack with 10lbs of dry basmati or jasmine rice, dried beans, flax seed, buckwheat, or cleaned & dried cherry pits (cherry pits are my favourite option, because they don't break down as easily with moisture, hold heat for a long time, and smell like cherry pie when microwaved. They are, however, extremely difficult to source in Canada).
6. With the heat pack 1/2 to 3/4 full (10lbs if using dried rice), stitch the open end of the bag closed with cotton thread (polyester thread may melt in the microwave).
7. Done!

Warnings:

1. Do Not Microwave with Cover: Never microwave the heat pack while it is still inside the Cuttlepod plush. The Cuttlepod plush is made using faux fur and other synthetic materials that will melt with extreme heat.

2. Avoid Overheating: Overheating the heat pack may cause burns or damage. Follow heating instructions carefully.

3. Check for Damage: Before each use, inspect the heat pack for any signs of damage or wear. Do not use if the heat pack is damaged.

4. Supervise Use: Do not leave the heat pack unattended while heating in the microwave.

5. Use Caution When Handling: An overheated pack may cause burns. If overheating has occurred, use oven mitts or a towel to remove it from the microwave. Wait for the heat pack to cool down before handling with bare hands.

6. Storage: Store the heat pack in a cool, dry place when not in use. Do not store it near heat sources and DO NOT get it wet.

IMPORTANT:

You should feel only mild to moderate heat.
Do not lie with your full body weight on top of a hot pack.
Do not weigh down the heat pack using weights as this can cause hot spots and burns.
This product should not be used by or near children without adult supervision.
Never use this product on or near infants or children younger than 6 years of age.

 

Safety Precautions:

Heat therapy is not suitable for:
• areas that lack adequate thermal sensation
• areas of vascular insufficiency or vascular disease
• areas of recent hemorrhage or potential hemorrhage
• areas of known malignancy–The exact effect of superficial heat on malignancy is not known. Heat may increase activation and movement of cells
• areas of acute inflammation
• during the early stages after injury; heat can cause increased cellular permeability, resulting in additional swelling and accumulation of edema
• infected areas where there is a risk of spread or cross contamination
• areas where there has been recent application of liniments or heating ointments
• in situations in which communication is unreliable (e.g., language difficulties, inability to understand therapist’s instruction, sedation, dementia, etc.)
• do not use on insensate areas or on persons who are unable to determine or communicate overheating