When it comes to temperature, everyone has a slightly different tolerance for heat on their skin. But a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether the temperature feels comfortable. If you’re tempted to remove the hot water bottle, then the water is too hot. Hot water bottles containing essential oils such as vanilla, lavender and rosemary, are also able to help fight against stress and sleeping difficulties. As these oils are warmed, they diffuse through the air which can help you relax. Hot water bottles can be great for keeping you warm, whether it’s by warming up your bed in the winter, keeping you snug on the sofa while binge watching a series or on a camping holiday in the summer.

The deeper the burn the less the pain, but the more likely you will need skin grafting and be left with a permanent scar. During the fuel crisis I think people will be using hot water bottles to keep warm rather than putting the central heating on. For a long time, people have applied heat to the body as an effective way to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. One of the most effective ways to apply heat locally is with a hot water bottle. Increasing the temperature on a specific area of the body improves circulation and blood flow, working to relax and soothe damaged tissue. A word of warning before we begin: never use a hot water bottle on swollen or inflamed areas. If you are unsure about using your hot water bottle to help relieve symptoms listed below, please seek medical advice first. A large hot water bottle, (which we define to be at least 1.5 litres in size) will be able to store more hot water than a smaller one and hence more heat energy. Due to the ratio between its surface area and water capacity, all other things equal, it can be expected to release heat over a longer period. This would result in you keeping warmer for longer. Filling your bottle takes a level of precision and care due to the safety issues of handling hot water. It’s best to pour from a container with a spout, such as a kettle. If you don’t have a kettle and are using a pan on the stove, it might be best to pour the water into another container with a spout first.You can rest the hot water bottle close to or on you when in and around the house – for instance, when sitting down on the sofa. Furthermore, carry your hot water bottle with you when you are going for a leisurely walk during the winter months or when you are commuting to work on a chilly day. Never lean on, press against, sit on or add any excessive pressure to a hot water bottle including with your feet. Read more: Drunk bar worker parked up in bus lane and drove six MILES down motorway with one wheel missing

Janine Evans, an advanced practitioner occupational therapist at the Morriston centre, said: “We’re not saying not to use hot water bottles, we're saying that if you must use them, to ensure to use them safely. It's all about minimising the risk of an accident happening. It’s important not to use boiling water, as this can be dangerous and could also degrade the seams of your hot water bottle. You also don’t want to use tap water, as it may not be hot enough and contains impurities that can affect the material of your hot water bottle. The best course of action is to proceed very slowly through all the steps. If you do get burned, here are some important first aid tips: Once you are happy that the hot water bottle is safe to use, unscrew the stopper and pour out any water left in inside. Ideally there shouldn't actually be any water present as it should be removed whenever you stop using it. A 2013 study in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research showed that applying heat helps to preserve both muscle strength and activity. The greatest reduction in pain was seen immediately after application.However, if a person notices any damage to the hot water bottle, they should dispose of it immediately. Are hot water bottles cost-effective? Hot water bottles are also great for keeping your bed warm when you are about to go to sleep. Simply leave the hot water bottle under your blanket for 5-10 minutes before you intend to enter. Don’t forget to remove the hot water bottle before you enter as there is a risk of injury or bursting once you enter (and fall asleep). Never use a hot water bottle in a bed fitted with an electric blanket. Knee cushions are great if you need to do work close to the ground for instance if you are cleaning, gardening or fixing something. Simply fill your hot water bottle with soft materials such as cotton balls, excess fabric and newspaper until you are satisfied with its softness. Don’t forget to seal the stopper before using. For assistance getting to sleep, place a hot water bottle under your blanket at least 5 to 10 minutes before you intend to enter. Once you are ready to enter, you must remove the hot water bottle as there is a risk of bursting of scalding. Helen says she's been left "traumatised" by the incident and is now too scared to have a bath, instead resorting to lukewarm showers. “People don’t think about these things. The fear of a boiling kettle – I couldn’t drink coffee or a cup of tea for nearly three months because of the fear. That’s how it has affected me,” she said.