It may have the benefit of saving money on energy bills in addition to relieving pain from aching muscles or stiff joints – here’s what you need to know
If you’re struggling amid the frosty January weather, it may be worth looking at Home Bargains’ website. The budget retailer is currently listing one cosy winter item for a mere £3.99, designed not only for warmth, but with money-saving in mind too.
Such a product is none other than its Warm At Heart 800ml Hot Water Bottle, which users can fill up with water before placing at the foot of a bed, between cushions or wherever extra warmth is needed. Sellers insist it’s the perfect way to stay snug without cranking up the heating, which should hopefully slash your energy bills in time.
“Our Warm At Heart water bottles are a fantastic way to save money on heating bills this winter,” the Home Bargains listing reads. “For when you need that little bit extra warmth or for the temperature is just that wrong side of warm, fill up your bottles bladder with hot water (caution! do not use boiling water), screw on the plug and insert into your cosy cover of choice.
“Place at the foot of the bed, between the cushions of your sofa or even with caution, around your cold extremities.” The term ‘cold extremities’ specifically regards limbs of the body that are furthest from the heart, such as fingers and toes.
Use of a warm bottle or heat compress here may have the benefit of relieving pain from aching muscles or stiff joints. This is especially helpful for people with chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, or anyone suffering from back pain.
The Arthritis Foundation explains: “Here is how it works. When you warm up a sore joint or tired muscle, your blood vessels get bigger. This allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to be delivered to the injured tissues. Better circulation means more relaxation for those stiff muscles and joints.
“Stay away from heat if you have an acute injury or are having a flare. If you have a sudden onset of swelling and redness from overdoing it yesterday, you are better off using cold treatments for a few days.”
In a set of guidelines about osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, the NHS similarly adds: “Applying hot or cold packs to the joints can relieve the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis in some people. A hot water bottle filled with either hot or cold water and applied to the affected area can be very effective in reducing pain.”
Despite this, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) urges people to avoid using hot water bottles when their hands and feet feel numb. This is largely because the numbness may prevent you from noticing if you get too hot, which may give rise to burns and injuries.
The BHF’s advice reads: “If your hands and feet feel cold, you may be tempted to warm them with a hot water bottler or a portable heater. But if your hands and feet are numb, you might not notice if they get too hot. This could cause you to burn or injure your skin.
“Instead, wear gloves and socks to keep yourself warm and cosy. If you’re getting into a bath to warm yourself up, make sure it’s not too hot, and get in slowly.”
Beyond Home Bargains, various other stores sell hot water bottles at affordable prices too. Right now, Primark is selling a fluffy grey bottle for just £5.00 among others, while Amazon is also listing one for £5.99.
