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

Worked perfect, non stop for weeks while recovering from knee replacement surgery. Unit cycles every 30 minutes providing perfect cooling for up to 12 hours using ice bottles. Easy to set up and use with no leaks or problems. Great purchase

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!

I got my Active Ice machine in November of 2021 here on Amazon to help with my recovery from total knee replacement. It worked flawlessly using frozen water bottles plus water in the reservoir. TIP: REMOVE LABELS FROM WATER BOTTLES so the labels don't clog up the filter!I used the machine steadily for the first few weeks and kept using it after physical therapy for several more weeks. To prepare it for storage, I ran the recommended bleach/water solution through it, drained it thoroughly and left it exposed to drain and dry as much as possible. Stored it a long time. 18 months later, I lent it to a friend who was having TKR - it worked flawlessly for her whole recovery. Before storing it again, I did the bleach/water maintenance and drying. This past May I had a minor knee surgery - used it for a few weeks after that - worked great! Did the bleach/water maintenance and drained and stored.... And just a few months ago, I lent it to yet another friend who had TKR and it worked flawlessly for her recovery. Now I'm getting it ready to lend to someone else getting a new knee next month! (I live in an over 55 community - could you guess?)I think the filter finally needs to be replaced, but other than that this machine has been a life saver to me and all my friends. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for CONVENIENCE and DURABILITY. The remote with the automatic customizable timer is a WONDERFUL feature. Great way to get safe cycled cold therapy. The machine comes with extra "O" rings which I have not needed so far. The instructions should be amended to suggest that users take the labels off water bottles before freezing them if they are using that method.