|
Thermotex |
Wheat bag |
Hot Gel Pack (hydro collator) |
Infrared lamp |
| Portability |
Easy to transport, convenient for travel |
Easy to transport |
Fixed location |
Cumbersome, generally at one location |
| Energy source |
Electric socket |
Microwave |
Electric Heater |
Electric socket |
| Type of Heat |
Radiant, light wave is infrared |
Conductive |
Conductive |
Radiant & conductive, infrared and visible light |
| Risk of burns |
No risk |
Low/medium |
High |
Low/medium |
| Convenience of Use |
Plugs into any socket anywhere for immediate use. |
Easy to use where there is a microwave |
Fixed location, very hot, packs require careful handling and insulating |
Easy to use at one location |
| Ease of application |
Designed to fit the body part, easy to use, can be used while seated or lying down |
Must be held in place or use separate strap-ping to hold in place |
Requires careful han-dling, must be insu-lated. Difficult to use on certain body parts |
Light shines on to body part, easy on the front or back, awkward from the side |
| In car use |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| Duration of use |
Used for 30-45 minutes, can be safely used for over 1 hour |
15-20 minutes, requires re-heating |
15-20 minutes, requires re-heating |
15-20 minutes |
| Heat Penetration |
Up to 6cm |
Not measured (superficial) |
Not measured (superficial) |
Not measured |
| Temperature fluctuation |
Constant |
High temperature then cooling |
Very high temperature then cooling |
Constant |
| Cost of Use |
7 cents per 24 hours based on 36 Watts |
$1.55 based on 800W microwave on high for 24 hours |
Very High, requires heater to be on con-stantly at 100C |
1.17 based on 600W appliance for 24 hours |
