Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches Feedback Thread NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches provide drug free soothing pain relief from pregnancy related muscular back pain. Like an ice pack, but more convenient and easy to use, Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches work by cooling the skin and underlying tissue helping to reduce both pain and swelling.

Here's what Deep Freeze say: "Back pain affects three out of four pregnant women yet many areunaware of the risks of taking certain medication during pregnancy according to new research. But there is no need to grin and bear the muscular aches and pains of pregnancy as just over half (55%) of women currently do."

They go on to say: "The cryotherapy (cold cooling pain relief therapy) provided by Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patch provides fast acting, self-adhesive, cooling pain relief to the affected area for up to 3 hours."

So testers, please share on this thread your opinion on the following: all comments welcome!

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

Everyone who tests the product and adds feedback as required will be entered into a prize draw where one tester will win £250 worth of John Lewis vouchers.

Please note your feedback and comments may be used by the team at Deep Freeze on social media and elsewhere. New pregnancy symptoms, including backache, should always be discussed with your doctor or midwife.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

T&Cs for prize draw here NB closing date now Monday 11 August 9am

[Wickedgirl]

Q1 I am Breastfeeding my baby who is almost 9 months old. I had awful SDP when my pregnancy with her and although most of the pain has gone, I still suffer from some SPD pain and back ache.

Q2 The patch is very easy east to apply on the lower back but if I needed it higher, I would have needed help. It is very sticky and tried sticking to itself the first time I tried using it.

Q3 Yes, I found it worked well

Q4 Yes, I would use them again

Q5 I have already!

Q5 I do think they are very expensive but they do work and they are safe to use. However, I do think that for most mums to be and new mums, the cost may be too much

[singlespeedlass]

Am Breastfeeding and have had middle and lower backache since birth, 4 weeks ago.

Patches easy to apply but didn't remain sticky enough. Worked well for about 40 mins then pain came back. Patches became less effective with regular use unfortunately.

Will continue to use ones I have but am not sure I would buy them, especially as they seem quite expensive for non reusable patches. Would recommend to others to try as they may work for them and I like the idea of drug free pain relief when pregnant or breast feeding.

Thanks for the opportunity to try the patches.

[annieno1]

Hi am a mum of three kids and tried these patches i suffer from quite a bit of lower back pain since the birth of my last baby who is now 7 months. I applied this patch to my lower back and was really impressed great results and quick pain relieve i was actually able to do alot of housework with this on and it didn't take me as long as the patch helped.. i will def be buying these.. my husband also used them he would suffer from sports aches he was really impressed

[ChaffinchOfDoom]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

I am breastfeeding a 3 month old. I wanted to try the patches as I am bothered by my back a great deal, if I strain it slightly it hurts a lot; and is made worse by having to constantly lift the baby, bend over in and out of the cot, bend to change nappies, bend to pick up clothes/toys etc. After having to medicate through pregnancy for hyperemesis I am trying to be as drug free as possible whilst feeding, I am avoiding hayfever meds too, and grazing on paracetamols annoys me.


Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

Honestly, I loathed the sensation, the cold jelly-ness. Vile. Made me shiver and was a faff to get onto my lower back as had to stretch round, made back feel weird again; while it was on It felt more of a hot sensation than a cold sensation; not much different from deep heat, just menthol power. Also has to thoroughly wash hands before touching the baby as didn't want any of it near him


Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?
the patch did give me relief from my back but I'm unsure if I even prefer the burny feeling, very odd, like a worse pain to distract you from normal back pain... a trick for your nervous system


Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?
I would probably only use these in high summer/warm weather as the initial icy jelly-ness on my back would have felt hideous on a cold day... I think I'd prefer this for knee pain, for example, or ankle pain on a sprain recovering.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?
Yes, it is good to have an alternative. Living with pain is the worst, this gives people options, options give you a feeling of choice > power> relief

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money

to my mind a single should be @ 85p, a pack of 4 £2 ish. They are priced as high-end luxury to my mind. This price does not help a chronic condition, just a very short term pain situation, like a sprain. I think that more than 4 are needed per pack, 10 would be better for £5 maybe.
thank you for letting me trial them, they are an interesting product

[FranksBobot]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.
I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and suffering from a lot of lower back ache. I have an 8 year old so can't sit with my feet up and rest when i'm sore. The school run has also been quite a challenge.
I wanted to try the patches as after suffering a miscarriage previously I am reluctant to take any medication during pregnancy. I also do not wish to become reliant on pain killers.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?
Once I peeled the clear backing off the patch I managed to get it stuck to itself! Thankfully it peeled apart quite easily without causing any damage. After my mishap I found it easy enough to apply although it may have been more difficult if my pain was higher up due to the patches flexibility.
The patch lasted just over 2 hours.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?
After around 20 minutes I noticed a massive improvement and was able to carry out many tasks pain free that had previously been painful. (bending to load the washing machine etc)

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?
I would definitely use and purchase the patches again.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?
Yes I would.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?
I don't consider it to be great value for money but in comparison to similar products I would say it was reasonable. I think even £4.99 for a pack of 4 would be more appealing.

Thank you for choosing me to take part. The patches could not have arrived at a better time! I am looking forward to more pain free days.

[j311yt0t]

Q1. Currently 38 weeks pregnant with severe backache due to needing a new bed and mattress for about 2 years. Also have very sore and swollen ankles/feet from the current very nice but poorly timed heatwave. Also mum of an almost 3 year old, who needs constant running about after. So glad to be chosen for the deep freeze trial thank you!

Q2. Patches were difficult to apply depending on where you wanted to apply them. Had to get DH to help me apply to lower back. Very sticky and folded up on itself a few times before got to the right position. Stayed in place for roughly an hour and then I had to hang the washing out which caused it to start curling up at the edges and start sliding across my back.

Q3. Yes, the patches did help relieve muscular aches. Only a short term fix, but nicer than taking a painkiller and then feeling guilty about it afterwards. Nice and refreshing that it was a cooling effect rather than warming, especially in this heat. Although not sure i'd fancy that in winter months. Not too much of an odour, which was nice, unlike the other muscle rubs which are overwhelming.

Q4. I would buy the patches again, in summer and if they were cheaper. Probably not at their current price, and probably not in cooler months. Although like the idea of drug free pain relief.

Q5. I would recommend them, or at least to try them. I like that its an option for pregnant/breastfeeding mums, as so many usual options become unavailable when you need them most.

Q6. Not brilliant value for money. Id maybe buy a single patch to keep in the cupboard for emergencies, but probably wouldn't buy a full pack at that price. I love the idea, it just needs fine tuning a little more and price reducing.

[Nmcnau13]

Q1. 25 weeks pregnant, suffer lower back pain every day no matter what position I sit/stand/lie in

Q2. Difficult to apply on my own, found the patches kept bending back on themselves and getting stuck to themselves; really needs another person to put them on

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains? Yes, instant cooling relief but didn't last very long which was a shame...find a way to make it last longer and you have the perfect product

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain? Yes I would

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers? Yes

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money? Slightly expensive. Doesn't make sense to me to buy them as a single, would also welcome a bigger multipack being made available. Think under £5 would feel a better price for the multipack

[nousernamesleft]

Q1. I'm breastfeeding, and suffering from sciatica and the lingering after effects of spd, both brought on during pregnancy. I don't like taking anything I don't have to whilst breastfeeding. The sciatica causes me constant pain and makes it difficult to walk and move, while the spd comes and goes, some days leaving me unable to climb the stairs, other days hardly affecting me.

Q2. The patch was awkward to apply to my back, I found it difficult to get it in the right place and stuck smoothly. Dh popped it in in seconds for me though. I found that it would catch on my waistband and start to peel off if I moved much while wearing it.

Q3. The patch was really good at easing my sciatica, I found it made a big difference. I twisted my knee and popped a patch on it and hardly had any pain at all from it. However the patch only worked while I was wearing it, the effects wore off once it was removed.

Q4. I'd buy them to keep for accidents - ie a twisted knee or ankle etc, but not for sciatica or back pain as I found they just didn't stick well enough.

Q5. Yes, I would.

Q6. I find them to be fairly expensive especially for regular use. They'd be more occasional use at that price.

[honeyharris]

Q1) I'm breastfeeding and wanted to try the patches as I have some lower back aches left from when I was pregnant and now from lugging my huge 10 week old boy around and from picking things up the 'wrong way' i.e. not from the knees while my stitches were healing as I couldn't bend over. I also have chronic neck pain from an old injury that has been aggravated by poor posture while breastfeeding and carrying said huge baby around against my shoulder.


Q2) I applied it on my lower back and the top of my back / base of my neck. When I say I applied it, I mean my husband had to apply it for me as it was floppy and kept sticking to itself, I don't think I would have managed to apply it myself to these parts of my body.

Q3) It did help to relieve muscular aches and pains at the time and for a while after, particularly with my neck as I found I was getting headaches from the neck pain.

Q4) I will continue to use the ones that I have left in the packet as I thought they worked really well, and it was much more convenient than using cold compresses or ice packs as with a new baby there is little time to sit or lie with one on. They are good to use on the move. However, the cost is too high for me to use them regularly compared to painkillers which cost mere pence. I would probably continue to struggle along with the aches that I have.

Q5) I would recommend them for how well they work, but would mention the high cost.

Q6) I think they are far too expensive for a product that can only be used once, particularly for people who are breastfeeding as many of us in that position are on reduced income or statutory maternity pay and it would be too much to pay. If you had a couple of painful areas, you could easily finish a 4 pack in 2 days. I would consider them better value if they were cheaper or could be used more than once.

[FavaBeanPyramidScheme]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

Breastfeeding 7mo DS. I wanted to try these as I suffer from back pain and prefer not to use pain medication. My back is very stiff later in the day and I struggle to stand up straight from sitting or lying.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

The patch was a little fiddly to apply. I put it on vertically initially but it felt as though it would be better placed horizontally so I repositioned it. It did fold over and stick to itself a bit.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?

No. The patch had a nice smell to it and felt cool going on but the cooling effect soon passed and I just had an awareness that something was stuck to my back. It felt cool on my back if I pressed it but I didn't notice any change in my discomfort overall.

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

No. I will probably try the remaining patches on different types of muscular pain but would not use them again for back pain.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?*

No. I might mention them as a product of which I am aware but I would say that I tried them and didn't find them effective.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

No. They would need to be a lot more effective for me to consider them good value at that price point.

[ATPmama]

Q1 I have a 7-month old bay and since February have been in agony with 2 slipped discs in my lower back causing excruciating sciatica down my left leg as well as lower back pain.

Q2 Due to the fact that i'm unable to bend/twist very well I did find it a bit tricky to get in the middle of my lower back a couple of times but mostly was fine once you got the hang of it. It last about 2-3 hours.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains? Yes, it created a very soothing effect.

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?
Yes, I've been told not to use heat, so am always looking for cold therapy/relief and these were better than using a spray and lasted much longer than a gel.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers? Yes definitely.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money? It sounds a bit expensive to me, especially as I'd need to use so many! But depending on the pain i think i would buy it occasionally.

[Raffles123]

Q1 Hi, currently breastfeeding a 10 wk old though suffered with back ache since my first pregnancy. Currently I exp back pain and weakness daily.

Q2 I managed to apply it, though it was easier when I had help. I found that sections kept coming loose, possibly due to getting up and down so much due to Feeding/nappy changing etc. It left a red patch on my skin, though I can be senstive to various products.

Q3 It certainly acted as a distraction for about an hour, though I'm not sure that it took away all of the achesand pains.


Q4 I might buy them again for specific pain caused by an injury, but probably not for chronic pain such as back ache.

Q5 Yes

Q5 Not really, back ache related to pregnancy/feeding can last months, it would cost a fortune to use the patches everyday. ice packs or hot water bottles can be just as effective for instant relief.

[Wincher]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.
I'm breastfeeding but in general would prefer to avoid painkillers. My back gets achy from lugging a 10kg baby around.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?
It was simple to apply. I didn't really like the cold sensation though - it felt like something wet trickling down my back.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?
Yes

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?
Yes

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?
Yess

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?
Not really

[Helenetta]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

I am breastfeeding my son who is nearly three. As he is now weaning, for the first time in my breastfeeding experience, I am beginning to suffer from aches and soreness in the area below my armpit! It isn't too troublesome, more tiresome and comes and goes. The Dr thinks it's mild mastitis. Due to this and ongoing lower back pain (muscular) for the last four months (that is much more troublesome as it affects my movement), I was very interested in trying the patches.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

I liked the fact it wasn't overtly sticky, but I did find it very floppy and difficult to apply on my back in particular. I didn't find it adhered well to my underarm area or lower back frankly. I think it would be better suited to a flatter area, such as upper thigh. It lasted about two hours in both locations.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?
It stopped the pain in my back for about two hours. The pain was also less when it did come back. I didn't like the sensation it gave on my underarm, so I took it off after 20 minutes.

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?
I will try them again on my back, but I didn't like them for my underarm area. They have a strong herbal smell and have that 'burning' sensation which you get with Deep Heat.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?
I wouldn't recommend for the upper body if breastfeeding. I think the smell is too strong and could put off newborns in particular from feeding in fact. If used on lower body, it would probably be OK.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost 1.65 for a single patch and 5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?
I woud say it's fair for the convenience when out and about. I wouldn't pay that for home use however. Besides, I find a bath or hot water bottle more soothing.

[RichTeaAreCrap]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

I am not pregnant or breast feeding but wanted to try the patches out because I regularly suffer with muscle pain around my neck and shoulder. They affect me a lot, on a bad day I can't drive or even turn my neck and am in lots of pain.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?
Really easy to apply but the back could be a bit more sticky, I found it moved about a bit.


Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?
I was really, really surprised with the patch, the pain I had when I tried one at least halved within 15 minutes of wearing it. Brilliant.

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

I will absolutely buy them again, I think they are so good especially for the type of pain I get from an old injury.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?

Yes most definitely.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

I think it's quite good value for money yes. I don't think you can put a price on being pain free, especially when you suffer a lot, so the price certainly wouldn't put me off buying them.

[Squtternutbaush]

1. Currently breastfeeding my 16 month old. Ive had lower back pain quite regularly since early pregnancy and don't feel comfortable taking strong meds.
   

1. I found the pads very sticky when trying to apply so I did catch my clothing or fold the pad in on itself a few times but it gets easier with practice. I also found it a bit fiddly to get it in the right spot at first. Once in place they held well for 2-3 hours on average.
   

1. Yes, the patches were very cool without the icy-burn feeling which I found helped relax my muscles. I also liked that the stickiness of the pad gave a slight pressure point when placed correctly which also helped.
   

1. Yes, I liked that I was able move around and get on with jobs without worrying about warming, holding it in place or damp patches as you do with normal cold compresses.
   

1. Yes.
   

1. Yes but I would probably switch between standard cold compresses and the patches due to cost. I like that I can chuck one of these in my bag or put one on and head out but at home I'd rather go old fashioned compress to spread the cost.
   

I wouldn't buy a single patch at £1.65, I'd rather buy a multipack for a few pounds more.
I would be happy to pay maybe £1-1.25 per patch individually and maybe 80p-£1 in a multi pack.

[WetDogLovesHubert]

Q1 I am breastfeeding my 11mo and have found the aches and pains from carrying her around, as well as from my period, hard work. Not having much time to sit back with my feet up, pain relief is important.

Q2 For areas like my back it is quite hard to apply by myself, but easy enough for my dh. Otherwise the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Q3 Definitely. Aches disappeared almost immediately (obliterated by the cold sensation!) I definitely appreciated the speed.

Q4 I would. They are fast acting and effective.

Q5 I would recommend them to friends or relations as a drug free alternative.

Q5 I consider the price tag a wee bit too expensive, but in a pinch would probably still buy a packet.

[Byrdie]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

I’m breastfeeding and my back has really been bad from all the lifting (big baby plus two other kids). Even just sitting and breastfeeding can be painful and although I guess you can take some painkillers I find that they don’t hit the spot so I’m just having to deal with it.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

I found them really easy to apply - so easy in fact that I got my 3 year old to do it for me! I couldn’t quite reach the spot I wanted to get them on (not the patches fault but something to think about I guess as many people won’t find it easy to reach some spots. Having said that, once I’d peeled them I thought they would scrumple up and stick to itself and that I wouldn’t be able to use it but it generally stayed flat and if it did stick to itself I could peel it apart and apply it. I also thought that the texture was really nice and soft - I wasn’t expecting it to be this comfortable and flexible. I imagined more of a plastic hard gel filled patch.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?

It definitely had some effect. Because I could target where to put it it gave instant relief. However, I’m not sure it got deep down to the source of the pain. But it was very nice on a hot day as it really does cool. Once I took it off I noticed that the feeling of having it on remained for another 30 mins to an hour - which was quite nice. Sort of like a menthol fresh feeling? Maybe that’s just me! (I’m filling this in before I look at any of the other comments.)

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

I did like them and I think I might use them again as I like the idea of a drug free solution. If I really had a bad sharp pain, no I would go to a physic, but for general aches, yes I would try them before drugs. I actually popped a couple on the back of my legs which had been aching from wearing heels one day and it really helped that!

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?

Yes I would. I was quite impressed with the amount of cool that came from the patch and the length of time the effect lasted.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

Now here I’m not so sure. On one side it’s probably not that hard to make a cool ice pack to apply if you’re in pain and that works for you, however you can go to work wearing this… and walk around and you don’t notice it under clothes. Plus there aren’t many things that you can take when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding so I think people are willing to pay more. However, I think it might be a little steep considering the cost of a drug like paracetamol

[Missteacake]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

I am 22 weeks pregnant and have had lower back pain since 6 weeks. It's not all the time just after standing for a long time or being on my feet for awhile.

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

It wasn't the easiest thing to apply it kept folding back on itself and took a couple of goes. It didn't last as long as it said on the packet it only lasted about an hour. I kept having to put pressure on the pad to feel its cooling benefit.

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?

I didn't think it was working at the start but after ten minutes it was cooling and felt pleasant if not completely taking away all pain.

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

I will be using the ones I have left and as my pregnancy progresses and the strain on my back becomes worst they will definitely be worth a try.

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?

At the moment no but I suspect as my pregnancy continues I will find them more useful if that is the case I would recommend them.

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

They are a little expensive but as I stated above I feel these May help me later on in my pregnancy and if that is the case my view on their worth will change. I think they would be better priced at £4.99 as under a fiver sound much better. I wouldn't be able to afford to use these everyday at that price though.

[whataloadofoldshite]

Q1. I am 14 weeks pregnant with my second child and have suffered with shoulder and lower back pain for years which worsens during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I mostly try to avoid pain killers anyway but more so in pregnancy and breastfeeding. I have used similar products before including 4head for headaches so was keen to try these patches as an alternative. My daughter has toilet trained but is too young to take herself upstairs. Carrying her up and down stairs all day is causing problems and come the evening I'm in all sorts of bother.

Q2. I have used the patches on my shoulders and my lower back. The patch does tend to fold over on itself a bit but is easy unstuck. Application is fairly easy in the locations I've used them but could imagine you'd need help in other areas. I am yet to have one on for 3 hours as they roll up in the waist bands and the ones on my shoulder stuck to my furniture. Quite disappointing.

Q3. Despite the patch not staying put, when it was on it worked. It soothed the pain enough to forget about it and carry on with chores etc.

Q4. I think if the patches were on promotion I would buy them to have just in case but I don't think they could keep up with my needs all throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. The rolling up and becoming unstuck would be too irritating for frequent use.

Q5. Despite the negatives, I would recommend to any friends, family and others. My recommendation would be to use for injuries and occasional pain.

Q5. I think that as a one off to keep in the cupboard the price is fine. But as previously stated, I personally would wait until they were on offer or I had a voucher. I think if you wanted regular cold therapy you'd probably look for a cheaper alternative.

[Darksideofthemoon88]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

I gave birth to my DD five weeks ago and I am breastfeeding her. I had quite nasty back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, but this went away as soon as I gave birth. The upper back pain has returned in recent weeks - I think it's the strain of lifting/bending/carrying so much! I'm generally quite grumpy from it come evening.


Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

Because my pain is right between the shoulder blades, I can't apply it myself. Mind, I wouldn't be able to rub a gel there either. It's easy enough for DP to apply for me, and it lasts at least a couple of hours.


Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?

Yes, enormously. To be honest, I was very surprised about this as I HATE Deep Freeze gel and I'd expected to hate the patches too, but I find them much more effective and without the nasty 'burning' sensation I got from the gel.


Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

I'll use up the free ones! - but they're too expensive for me to make a habit of using them. I'd have to be desperate, frankly.


Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?

Yes. They work well, but I imagine the cost would put a lot of people off.


Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

No, not at all. I'm not made of money! Paracetamol is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, exercise helps and is something I'd do anyway, and a hot/cold water bottle is pretty much free provided you've already got the bottle.

[rabbitintheheadlights]

Q1 I'm 36 weeks pregnant with my second baby and have been suffering from back ache on a daily basis for weeks. I've got a big baby in there. Apart from lying in a bath, nothing seems to help, and it's too hot for hot water bottles right now.

Q2 It lasted about 2 hours, was hard to apply as I wanted to get it on the right area of my pelvis so I needed help from my husband. No good at night as it just rolled up and off my back - not sticky enough.

Q3 Yes - and it cooled me down in this horrible heat (it's 25 degrees plus here and has been for weeks).

Q4 Yes - I actually like them more than Deep Heat for muscular pain - I've used that in the past.

Q5 Yes

Q5 The single patch is not a good price at all. The four-pack I think is OK but a little bit pricey. I do think it offers something significantly different - it's an on the spot muscular cooling relief patch - from simple pain killers like paracetamol and think it should be priced at more than that.

[OrangeBlossom2]

1. I am breastfeeding my 8 month old. I had pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy which continued for 7 months and still occasionally flares up now after. A hard day. I also have neck/shoulder pain from a car accident many years ago that is aggravated by carrying a baby and general mummy tasks! My physio suggested heat for my hips/back and cool for my coccyx but I think these. Would work on my back pain too.
   

1. The pack was easy to open without scissors. I was pleased that the patch worked immediately, no need to break up crystals inside by banging/shaking like some portable ice packs I've used before and no need to wait for it to cool down. The patches stuck to themselves a bit but were easy to unfold. I could also remove and reapply to get the positioning right without losing stickiness. I was pleased that the patches were very thin and would be discreet under clothes.
   

1. Yes it did. On the day I tested these I had a sore neck on one side. The instant cooling was nice, especially in summer, then I could feel pain relief very quickly, from about 5 minutes.
   

I also had mosquito bites when I tested these patches and used them overnight to help reduce swelling and stop me itching the bites. They worked very well at this - perhaps another market you could look in to? Perhaps smaller ones though, I used 4 at once! One fell off in bed but the others stayed on and worked for about 3 hours.

1. Yes I would use them again.
   

1. Yes I would recommend to pregnant/breastfeeding friends who don't want to take painkillers or also my DH for sports injuries.
   

1. I think they are too expensive. I was in pain every day from 11 weeks pregnant to 7 months post partum. I could not afford these. For short term us, perhaps just at the very end of pregnancy at its worst, I would expect to pay around £3 for a box. I would. Be delighted if they were available free on prescription in large boxes or given away by physio/midwives.

[carlywestmacott]

Q1 I am breast feeding. I wanted to try out the patches because as a working mum of two my lower back is very painful I work on my feet 6 days a week, doing alot of heavy lifting. I end up in pain every evening and wanted something drug free to help with that.

Q2 I had no trouble with putting the patch on to my lower back, although when I tried to put one on my shoulder the patch rolled up on it's self and it was quite awkward to apply. After I removed the patch off my back, the cold feeling remained for another 30 mins.

Q3 At first the patch made the pain more intense, but yes the pain did reduce after the first 30 minutes and went completely after an hour.

Q4 For the price of them, no. I will however keep using the ones I have.

Q5 Yes I would. I would also warn them that although the pack says suitable for pregnancy it also says to consult your doctor before using them.

Q5 That for me is too expensive. I would pay no more then £1 for one and no more then £3 for 4.

[Pinter]

Q1 Please say whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding etc and why you wanted to try the patches. Please describe how the muscular aches and pain affect you on a day to day basis.

BF a 13 months old. I have got joint problems which lead to muscular pain. Usually take painkillers a few times a week and I wanted to try an alternative

Q2 Please describe the application of the patch- how was it to apply? How long did it last?

Easy to apply. I kept it on all day. The nice tingle faded after a couple of hours but still think I felt the benefits

Q3 Did the patch help relieve muscular aches and pains?

Yes

Q4 Do you think you'd buy the patches again or continue to use them if you had a similar muscular ache or pain?

Yes, depending on where it is on the body

Q5 Would you recommend them to friends or relations who are also pregnant or breastfeeding or unable to take oral painkillers?

Already have!

Q5 Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches cost £1.65 for a single patch and £5.49 for a 4 pack: do you consider this to be good value for money?

Yes.