Product Content and Process 
The solution found inside the packs is called Sodium (salt) Acetate
(vinegar). It is often found as a food flavouring, giving the salt
and vinegar taste to potato chips.
Being a food grade saline solution, it is non toxic.
However, like all concentrated solutions, care should be taken not
to expose sensitive areas such as the eyes or open wounds but otherwise
harmless. If for any reason the solution leaks onto clothes, it
will feel like it has been starched. A wash in either cold or warm
cycle will easily remove the solution. If on furniture, apply a
damp cloth with warm water and the crystals will wash away.
Sodium Acetate in super concentrated form is sensitive to friction / vibrations.
The flexing of the activator creates friction sufficient to act
as a catalyst to form the first crystal. Once the first crystal
has formed, it creates a chain reaction - thus the gradual
change inside the pack.
This exothermic reaction generates energy - the heat that
you feel.
Exposing the crystals to high temperatures (the boiling water) will
cause the crystals to revert to liquid form – thus acting
to reset the packs.
As the process is a physical change and not a chemical reaction,
the exothermic reaction can be “activated” an unlimited
number of times.
Similar frictions such as sudden shocks cause by dropping or bumping
of the packs can occasionally activate the packs.
This is often the cause of the packs activating in transit. Should
this be the case, simply reset the packs as per instructions.
The Activator
Many different types of activators can be used to induce the necessary
exothermic reaction.
The activator work by pressing or flexing the circular disc.
The friction generated by the activators and the friction needed
to activate the packs will vary with each and every activation thus
the number of flexing/bending/pressing will change. As a general
norm anywhere between 1-10 activating motions is required to activate
the packs with the actual number of motions varying with each activation.
So please do not be too concerned should the pack not activate immediately.
This is not a sign that the pack is not working or faulty, rather
this is an indication that for some reason the friction was inadequate.
In addition, it is more helpful for the activators if you make slow
deep motions rather then short rapid ones. The short rapid action
MAY NOT generate the necessary friction to activate the packs no
matter many motions you make.
The Heat
The packs reach a safe handling temperature of 54°C and this
is the maximum temperature. As the packs cannot physically get beyond
this temperature, it is very difficult to ever accidentally burn
yourself - the temperature needs to be above 60°C for
this to happen. In fact, the self- heating technology is the only
heat pack that has a preset safe temperature - one of our
core product benefits.
However, as with all heating products, care should always be taken
when used - especially if you are intolerant to heat. If the heat
is too intense, soften the heat with a towel or use the belts provided
in our product range. In some cases, heat amplification effect such
as your body temperature being high from exertion or hot weather,
the packs being activated whilst it still has some residual heat
from the boiling water or putting the pack over heating creams will
increase the sensation of the heat - thus caution needs to
be exercised under these circumstances.
Further to a safe controlled temperature, each and every time the
pack is activated, it will reach the same temperature - it
never varies. Thus not only is it safe, it is reliable as well.
The length of the heat varies with each pack. They all reach the
same temperatures but the bigger the pack the longer the heat lasts.
Heat can last between 20-30 minutes for the Portable to as long
as 60-90 minutes on the Seat Warmers. The length of heat is affected
by ambient temperature as well as the amount of insulation available.
The Pack
The plastic casing of the pack is made from Triple A grade industrial
PVC - child safe and animal safe. The plastic is able to tolerate
up to approximately 106°C, hence not get damaged when boiled
- as long as there is sufficient water available.
It can also withstand some weight, however, any sudden pressures such as
suddenly sitting on or jumping on the packs can damaged them.
If used properly and carefully, the packs should last about 5 to
10 years. The known record is about 14 years but some customers
destroy theirs in 18 months. It is really up to the user.
Sharp instruments will puncture the plastic. Also, the packs are
especially vulnerable after just being boiled, as it is soft from
the heat. So some care needs to be taken when taking the packs out
of the pots.
Finally, when storing the packs, store them in liquid form. Whilst
it does not harm the pack whether or not it is stored in either
liquid or solid form, the liquid from is recommended. There are
two reasons for this. Firstly, it makes sense so that when you need
the pack you can use it straight away rather than wait whilst it
is being boiled. Secondly, if stored in solid form for long periods,
it takes longer to boil back to liquid form.
Cold Packs
The Heat Packs can also be used as cold packs.
This is beneficial if you have acute injuries - that is muscle/tendon/ligament
tear and sprains within the first 48 hours. When so injured you
need to use cold to reduce the swelling then heat to increase blood
circulation and increase recovery. Hence, our packs can be used
for both.
To use as cold packs, simply place the pack (in liquid form) into
the fridge for 1 hour or freezer for 20 minutes (Do NOT Freeze)
the pack. If used in solid form it will only stay cold for a short
time.
As the salt water has a freezing temperature much lower than
the freezer setting, even in the freezer it will not freeze and
become
ice. Hence, it is always a cold pack not an ice pack.
You can leave the packs in the fridge indefinitely without harming
the pack. For active people, we suggest having one in the fridge
permanently.
If using as a cold pack, it is generally recommended to use the
freezer (for 20 minutes) only to get the pack cold quickly but
use the fridge if
for long-term storage. Neither adversely affects the packs, however,
there are things in the freezer such as frozen meats, icicles
or
sharp containers that can pierce the packs.
Product History
It is claimed that the original self-heating concept was developed
by a laboratory attached to the US military around 1975. Initially
the science was to be used to keep soldiers out in the field
warm
at night without lighting a fire. The concept was rejected though
due to the resetting aspect reducing the value of the product
for
military use.
The therapeutic industry came across the technology some years
later and has adopted it as one of their own.
Warranty
Sketches+ warrants the Shin Bio Heat Pack to be free from defects for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the original purchase subject to the following conditions. Sketches+ will replace (at its discretion) the faulty product free of charge (other than delivery costs) providing the product is used in accordance with the operating instructions and providing the customer returns the faulty product to Sketches+ at the customer’s own expense. This warranty does not cover any damages due to accidents, punctures, plastic causing melting as a result of contact with hot metal (if a towel has not been used to protect the heater), microwave damage or any other misuse of the product by the customer.
This warranty limits Sketches+ liability to the replacement of the product only. Products returned for replacement after the warranty has expired will be subject to a fee and delivery. Sketches+ is not liable for damage of to or, any incidental or consequential damages caused by the use of this product. There is no cash refund or exchange. This warranty is valid only in Australia. |