Polar Active Ice 3.0 | 9 QT Cold Therapy Ice Machine | Programmable Timer | Full Circumference Knee Pad | Cryotherapy Pain Relief System | Ace Bandage Style Compression

Updated 4/20/2020: I wanted to add to my original review. I've used a similar unit in the past. However, the deciding factor in purchasing this particular unit was the auto on/off cycle timer, which no other company offer's. You can set it for how long you want it run and how long you want it to shut off before it runs again.Recently I have been dealing with a lot of knee pain and stiffness while trying to sleep, it's been 3-1/2 months since my surgery. To the point I am back having to use crutch's when I first get out of bed, until I do an ice therapy session. So I decided to experiment and use the machine throughout the whole night while in bed.First couple of nights I tried different cycle times, 20 mins on/20 off. Then 30/20. Finally settled on 40 mins on/10 mins off. Now when I get up in the mornings I feel so much better. I'm not in nearly as much pain nor do I have as much stiffness! Also, I no long need the crutch's when I first wake up. Having the on/off cycle timer is such an added benefit!Due to being a multi sport athlete and years of injury and competition I just had my fourth knee surgery, I borrowed a similar unit on my last surgery that wasn't available to me this time. I thought I would just use ice this time. After two days of intense pain and swelling almost the same, I ordered this unit. I love it!The bladders have the wrap attached to it which makes it very convenient and easy to put on & off. This unit also has auto on/off timer that I love. You can set it to run from 10 minutes to 16-1/2 hours. You can also set it for how long you want it off before it kicks back on again. Which is nice because you can have it on a lot longer than ice and you can sleep with it on. Within 24 hours my swelling was reduced by more than half of what it was and so was the pain. Ice, if left on to long can be counter productive and can be messy.I did have a small issue when I first received it, not a real big deal. However, I called the manufacture, Polar Products and they were really nice and took care of it immediately. While talking to them, found out they were actually local to me (Stow, Ohio) and they invited me out. They are a small family owned company with great people and a great product and worth the extra money I paid. Don't be afraid to spend the extra money for this product, Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish.While I was at their facility I was asked if I would be interested in testing reusable Ice packs they are developing to reduce having to keep continuing emptying water and adding ice. I feel they are working very well, maintaining good temperature for 6-8 hours. Take them out, wipe them off and put them back in freezer and grab another set.This unit is something I would suggest having and wearing the moment you get home from surgery. This will help cut days even weeks off of dealing with pain and swelling. Also; I wear mine 30 minutes on/10 minutes off/30 minutes on, then i get up and walk as much as I can with or without crutches, then repeat. After four knee surgery's I have learned how important it is to get it moving as soon and as much as possible. However, getting the swelling down as soon as possible is a huge factor and this unit helps do that.As I am now in therapy, they will typically ice you at the end. I elect not to have them do this and I come home and put my knee bladder on. My opinion it much more effective and more comfortable. I don't understand why therapy does not use them. I know this was long but I hope my experience will help someone or many with a faster recovery, being on crutches and laid up is no fun!

The design of this long pad is awesome for hip replacement and swelling (or any other hip, back or leg injury). I wrap it around my hip, or I wrap it around my leg, and can use it lengthwise too. The pain and swelling post total anterior hip replacement surgery was intense. I also had a 2nd surgery at the same time on the side of my hip to remove the 3 titanium screws that failed from my first surgery 4.5 months ago.I bought this ice machine and started using it 4 days post surgery and my pain level went from a 10+ to about a 2 or 3 in just several days and I was able to stop the opioid pain Rx and only take Tylenol. The decrease in pain and swelling was extraordinary! Seriously it was. I don't work for Polar Products nor am a paid participant. I just want anyone considering this product to knit its value.All the other brands have complaints of leaking tubes too. This one gets good reviews. I also spoke with the company before purchasing. They are a small Ohio based, American company and stand behind and will replace any faulty parts.My leg, from hip to knee, q¹was very swollen and I initially used this 3 times a day and my entire leg was normal size within 4 days. I'm 13 days post surgery today and am still using it 2 times a day to maintain my great results and you can't even tell I had a total anterior hip replacement less than 2 weeks ago.The Physical therapist I saw yesterday told me swelling can last up to 6 weeks. She was astounded when I showed her my leg and told her mine all went away within 5 days after using this ice machine.I think the long pad design of this one is so versatile and has a lot more uses than the other smaller pads offer. I can however see the advantage of the ankle or knee specific designs, but for knee surgery, I still think this one would work better since you can treat more area of the entire leg for swelling and pain.I also need to mention the convenience of the timer and the closed cooling system! Just fill the cooler with the 6 frozen water bottles, add some water and your good to go.Set the timer for 10, 20, 30 or for how many minutes you want and let it run. It will shut off automatically but then it restarts after a break. If you don't want it to restart, just turn it off at the dial until you want to use it again.The water stays cold for the entire day for multiple uses.Well worth every penny!PS: If ordering from the company's website, they provide an addition, smaller strap. I wanted overnight, free delivery so I ordered from Amazon. Initially, I used another velcro type of strap that I had, but discovered these I really don't need it nor have used it again, so the 1 large strap that comes with this unit is fine.