8 Best Cold Therapy Machines [2023]

At the top of our list is the Breg VPULSE. This machine delivers three types of therapy in one unit: cold compression, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and cryotherapy. The unit is motorized and sends cold water through the pad at a high flow rate, keeping the temperature consistent for hours at a time. The rapid impulse calf compression assists with the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), making it an attractive alternative to anticoagulants. It has a compact and lightweight frame, making it ideal for both home and hospital use since it can easily be moved between patient rooms or simply around the house. The basic therapy pads are designed for the calves, but other pads can be purchased that are shaped for other parts of the body, such as shoulders, knees, etc. All of these features combine to make this our best ice therapy machine.

Features and Benefits:

• Combines three forms of therapy
• Lightweight and compact
• Includes removable data card that can record use for physician monitoring
• May reduce the need for anticoagulant medications
• Specifically designed to help prevent DVT
• For home and hospital use
• Provides 2 to 6 hours of cryotherapy

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 5 pounds
• Weight (filled): approximately 18 pounds
• Reservoir capacity: 2.2 gallons
• Length: 14.3 inches
• Width: 9.8 inches
• Height: 11.25 inches
• Hose length: 10 feet
• Compression range/compression levels: 50 to 60 mmHg
• Power source: AC power
• Warranty: 90 days

Pros

• ✓  Combines cold and compression therapy
• ✓  Quiet operation
• ✓  Keeps ice colder for longer
• ✓  Easy to use
• ✓  Easy to move around

Cons

• ❌  One-size pads may not fit snugly on every user
• ❌  Users report the hose can be too short
• ❌  Temperature is not adjustable
• ❌  Only compatible with VPULSE pads
• ❌  Modes cannot be used simultaneously

This unit not only offers cryotherapy but heat therapy, so it can provide postsurgical relief from pain and swelling while also offering heat therapy to relax joints and muscles after exercise or rehabilitation. Its patented Automatic Temperature Control regulates the unit's temperature to provide consistent hot or cold during therapy. LED lighting lets users know when more ice or hot water should be added. The system is lightweight and portable with a low-profile design and a convenient carry strap. The pads are designed for certain areas of the body and users report that it's the best cold therapy machine for shoulders because of the knee/shoulder blanket's strap configuration that provides a better fit.

Features and Benefits:

• Combines hot and cold therapy in one unit
• Ideal for post-surgery treatment and rehabilitation
• Patented ATC regulates temperature without any need for manual adjustment
• Convenient latching lid and carrying strap
• LED light alerts users to when more water or ice is needed
• Automatic temperature control

Product Specifications:

• Weight: approximately 5.5 pounds
• Weight (filled): approximately 18 pounds
• Reservoir capacity: 6 quarts
• Length: 11 inches
• Width: 13 inches
• Height: 9 inches
• Hose length: 5 feet
• Power source: AC power
• Warranty: 90 days

Pros

• ✓  Combines hot and cold therapy
• ✓  May reduce the amount of pain medication required
• ✓  Great for both post-surgery and rehabilitation afterward
• ✓  Easy to use
• ✓  Knee/Shoulder pads with straps fit especially well

Cons

• ❌  Condensation occurs during heat therapy and a towel may be needed
• ❌  Awkward to move when filled with water
• ❌  Temperature is not adjustable

With a weight of less than 1 pound, this particular pump is the most portable cryotherapy machine on the market. Unlike its peers, the unit is powered by a rechargeable battery so cryotherapy and compression can be provided wherever and whenever it is needed. The PowerPlay also does not use water to provide cryotherapy. Instead, it uses gel wraps that can be put in the freezer until they're chilled. The unit has three ports that allow for three separate wraps to be used at one time. It is the only unit on this list that does not require a prescription for purchase.

Features and Benefits:

• AC and battery power
• Combination compression and cryotherapy
• No prescription required
• Extremely portable
• Kit includes everything necessary to start treatment
• No Prescription Needed

Product Specifications:

• Weight: approximately 1 pound
• Length: 6.9 inches
• Width: 4.3 inches
• Height: 1.8 inches
• Tube length: 12 feet
• Compression range: 50 mmHg to 70 mmHg
• Power source: AC power or rechargeable battery
• Battery charge time: 1 to 2 hours
• Battery life: approximately 4 to 6 hours
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros

• ✓  Combines cold and compression therapy
• ✓  Pump weighs only 1 pound
• ✓  Kit includes everything needed to get started
• ✓  Multiple wraps can be used at once
• ✓  Unit can be used while battery is charging
• ✓  No prescription required

Cons

• ❌  Therapy packs need to be cooled in the freezer
• ❌  Temperature is not adjustable

No. 4 on our list is another Breg product. This one is smaller and more user-friendly than the VPULSE but has the same high-flow technology that offers efficient cryotherapy and compression. It features a built-in carry handle and a hose storage system, making it one of the more portable cryotherapy options. All its controls are located on the lid within easy reach. They are straightforward and easy to use. Unlike all of its siblings, this particular Breg machine does not require an additional barrier between the pad and the user's skin.

Features and Benefits:

• Extremely user-friendly
• Two levels of cold and compression
• Built-in carry handle
• Hose storage system
• Provides 6 to 8 hours of cryotherapy

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 5 pounds
• Weight (filled): 16 pounds
• Reservoir capacity: manufacturer does not disclose
• Length: manufacturer does not disclose
• Width: manufacturer does not disclose
• Height: manufacturer does not disclose
• Hose length: 60 inches
• Compression levels: 25 mmHg and 50 mmHg
• Power source: AC adapter
• Warranty: 6 months

Pros

• ✓  Combines cold and compression therapy
• ✓  Quiet operation
• ✓  No additional barrier needed between pad and skin
• ✓  Easy to use
• ✓  More portable than its larger counterparts
• ✓  Temperature is adjustable

Cons

• ❌  One-size pads may not fit snugly on every user
• ❌  Compression levels may not be enough for some users

Another Breg product! This one can run on battery power as well as an AC adapter. It also has no controls to speak of; the machine turns on when it is plugged in and turns off when it is unplugged. The uncomplicated operation makes this machine perfect for nearly anyone. Its Intelli-Flo Pads are ergonomically designed to cover entire surgical areas, making it the best ice therapy machine for knee replacement recovery.

Features and Benefits:

• Uncomplicated operation
• Can run on batteries or AC power
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Additional optional battery pack available for purchase
• Pads fitted for certain areas of the body
• Provides 6 to 8 hours of cryotherapy

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 4 pounds
• Weight (filled): 14.5 pounds
• Reservoir capacity: manufacturer does not disclose
• Length: 10 inches
• Width: 10 inches
• Height: 10 inches
• Hose length: 60 inches
• Power source: AC power or 4 AA batteries
• Battery life: 10 to 14 hours
• Warranty: 6 months

Pros

• ✓  No controls
• ✓  Quiet operation
• ✓  Can run on batteries

Cons

• ❌  Only compatible with the Intelli-Flo pads
• ❌  Temperature is not adjustable

The Breg Polar Care Glacier is the most heavy-duty of its kind. It is larger and sturdier than its peers and has the longest run-time with a maximum of 13 hours of continuous therapy. Plugging it in begins treatment and unplugging it stops it. The unit features a temperature control that allows physicians to adjust settings for each individual patient, making it one of the best cryotherapy machines for medical professionals. Other than the temperature adjustment, there are no controls on this particular machine.

Features and Benefits:

• Easy to use
• Up to 13 hours of continuous cold therapy
• Temperature control capability
• High flow provides even temperature distribution
• Locking lid
• Whisper-quiet pump

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 5 pounds
• Weight (filled): 19.7 pounds
• Reservoir capacity: 11 quarts
• Length: 15 inches
• Width: 9 inches
• Height: 10.5 inches
• Hose length: 60 inches
• Power source: AC adapter
• Warranty: 6 months

Pros

• ✓  Longer therapy time
• ✓  Quiet operation
• ✓  Easy to use
• ✓  Temperature is adjustable

Cons

• ❌  Slightly heavier than other machines when empty
• ❌  Noticeably heavier when filled

Despite its smaller size, the Cube is just as strong and effective as its bigger siblings. It does not have any controls and as such is extremely easy to use. This one continues the Breg trend of being light enough to carry anywhere, be it in a hospital or clinic or in the patient's home. Like the others in the Polar Care line, this unit does not have controls and instead is simply plug-and-go. Users report that this is the best cold therapy machine for hips.

Features and Benefits:

• Small and lightweight
• Easy to use
• Quiet pump operation
• Long hose for easy maneuverability
• Provides 6 to 8 hours of cryotherapy

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 4 pounds
• Weight (filled): 14.5 pounds
• Reservoir capacity: 5 quarts
• Length: 9 inches
• Width: 10 inches
• Height: 12 inches
• Hose length: 60 inches
• Power source: AC power
• Warranty: 6 months

Pros

• ✓  Small and portable
• ✓  Pads available in multiple sizes
• ✓  Easy to use

Cons

• ❌  No on/off switch
• ❌  Users report it can be difficult to disconnect the pad
• ❌  Needs a lot of ice to become cold
• ❌  Temperature is not adjustable

We are officially out of Breg cryotherapy machines! Coming in at No. 8 is the AirCast Cryo/Cuff. Unlike the others on this list, this unit doesn't have a motor. Instead, the unit is gravity-powered: users set the unit above them and allow gravity to pull the cold water into the pad. It is small, portable, and user-friendly.

Features and Benefits:

• No mechanical parts
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Provides cryotherapy for up to 4 hours

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Weight (filled): 8 pounds
• Length: 14 inches
• Width: 10 inches
• Height: 11 inches
• Hose length: 42 inches
• Power source: none
• Warranty: 6 months

Pros

• ✓  Less expensive than other models
• ✓  Much lighter when filled
• ✓  Easy to use
• ✓  No power needed to operate

Cons

• ❌  Pump needs to be positioned above the body to work properly
• ❌  Shorter therapy time than other machines
• ❌  Temperature is not adjustable