If you water bottle has some water left in it, make sure you pour it out. You want to achieve the best heat from your water bottle, and using cooler, older water will make it harder for your hot water bottle to heat up.
If you are using a tea kettle, you can let the water boil and then allow it to sit for a few minutes. This will provide you with hot water, but it won’t be too hot that it burns your skin. Using water that is too hot can not only damage your skin, but it can decrease the life of you water bottle. The rubber that makes up hot water bottles can not withstand very hot water for a long time, so using water that is a temperature less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit is best for the life of your water bottle. Different water bottles have different temperature requirements, so consult the instructions for your particular bottle before using it.
Make sure you hold the hot water bottle by the neck for the most stability. If you hold it by its body, the top may flop over before it is full, which will cause hot water to spill on your bottle and your hands. You might consider wearing gloves, or some other protection on your hands in case you accidentally spill some of the water onto yourself. You can also prop your water bottle up so that it stands up by itself by placing items around it to hold it up – that way you can pour your water into the bottle without the risk of harming your hands.
If you are using a tea kettle, set the tea kettle down while holding the water bottle upright in your other hand, making sure you don’t spill the water bottle or tilt it to the side.
Make sure you don’t leave the hot water bottle on your body for longer than 30 minutes. Direct heat for a long period of time can be damaging to your body, so you want to be as safe as possible. If you are using the bottle to ease aches and are still experiencing pain after, take the bottle off after 30 minutes and then replace it again after waiting 10 minutes or so. If you are placing your bottle in your bed, place it under you blankets 20 to 30 minutes before you crawl into bed. Then, when you go to bed, remove and empty out the water bottle. If you leave the water bottle in your bed while you sleep you run the risk of burning yourself or your sheets.
Do not air your water bottle out in an area that experiences temperature fluctuations (such as above the stove), under the sink, or in direct sunlight as these can decrease the quality of your water bottle.
Often times a combination of cold and hot treatment can ease pain in your muscles as well. The contrast of the cold treatment and hot treatment causes stimulation and strong sensations without much movement, which is beneficial in easing pain. You can use just a hot water bottle, or you can alternate between placing an ice pack on your pain for a few minutes and then a hot water bottle. [4] X Research source
