Is there such a thing as a 'quality' hot water bottle?

young codger · February 2023

This morning I got comfortable in my armchair with a small duvet over me. Just as I was putting my feet on the hot water bottle it punctured on the neck below the filling area and burnt my foot. I moved so fast the picture on my telly was blurred!

I need another one. (water bottle not telly)😁, so if anyone is aware of a decent brand please let me know. I am actually wondering if I should try to find one of them pot ones like my grandma had. They were a sort of brown/fawn colour if anyone is old enough to remember. Maybe I should start by looking on E bay or making a 'wanted' post on freecycle.

Fairygirl · February 2023

I'm not keen on the rubber bottles, because of that risk of perishing - or worse as in your case, so I use one of those wheat/lavender pads that you can heat in a microwave. They come in various sizes, but the one I've got is a good size and is great for my dodgy back. I use it for the bed as I don't have any heating in there at night, and it keeps me cosy.
Don't know if that would suit you

young codger · February 2023

I have never seen them fairygirl. Thank you I will look in to them.

clematisdorset · February 2023

The ones I buy from Boots the Chemist last years and years (20+) and my latest Dunelm bottles seem identical. One for my feet one for under knees and one for tum! Dunelm do ones with straps attach that you can wear on your back or tum and walk around....excellent for aches pains and injuries. Sorry about your foot YC it sounds very ouch!

Jenny_Aster · February 2023

Here's a second vote for the wheat bags, got my husband one to relieve pains in his neck. He finds it such a comfort.

(I'll not comment on why he's got a pain in his neck 😬)

fidgetbones · February 2023

We used to only sell suba seal hot water bottles. We would have a gross each year. Never had any problems with returns.

Bilje · February 2023

So sorry to hear of your accident it’s happening to me before but I just woke up wet!

I read an article during the winter about the “ life” of a traditional hot water bottle. Unfortunately I can’t remember the detail but it will be in the ether somewhere. In the picture posted by the OP the neck of the hottie is stamped. I believe the 17 in the middle is maybe the manufacture year and the life expectancy is worked out from that.

Update The article was in the Newcastle Chronicle life of hottie is three years, you can workout week month and year of manufacture from the imprinted daisy.

philippasmith2 · February 2023

Another vote for the Wheat Bag from me. I've had one for years - 2 or 3 minutes in the microwave ( an old model so more modern ovens may need less ) and it keeps me warm for ages.
My bag is covered in a dark red velvety skin so it's almost akin to having an oblong furry pet

Topbird · February 2023

My mother-in-law has one of those heated throws. Costs pennies to run but very effective.

We've just been there this weekend and we were both a bit chilly as the thermostat was turned to 18C. She, however, was snug as a bug under her throw. I've tried it and almost got too hot. Nearly tempted to buy one.

PS we use Boots own HWB's but (after a soaked bed due to a leak a few years ago) I check them carefully before first use in autumn and replace about every 5 or 7 years. First sign of wear, hardening etc and they go out.

Fairygirl · February 2023

I have one of those @Topbird. The girls bought me it, and younger daughter uses hers, but I don't like it. I prefer a heavy fleece and an ordinary throw, plus the wee heatpad if I need it, and that's mainly first thing in the morning. The big fleeces we got from Asda have been really brilliant.
I can see how it would be very good though, if you need that extra boost.

Our thermostat is never above about 17 now, and it's surprising how quickly we've got used to it. The heating's not been on for more than 2 -2.5 hours at most all winter, and rarely after about 6 or 7pm.

AuntyRach · February 2023

I hope your scald isn’t too bad @young codger.

I love a hot water bottle and they are warmer than the heated ‘bean bags’ usually BUT they are a bit of a risk. I check mine regularly and if there are signs of wrinkly rubber or ‘bits’ when you empty it, then it’s time to retire it. If you put you feet or rest your back on a bottle, that weight could cause a weak spot to burst. You aren’t supposed to use boiling water and are supposed to have a cover on them. For such a safety conscious person, I’m surprised I use one but they are so cosy and warm.

I have a big fleece ‘jumper’, knee-length, which has been superb this Winter. With two pairs of socks and a fleecy blanket has meant having the heating on less, or not at all in some rooms, has been tolerable.

Is there such a thing as a 'quality' hot water bottle?

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