How to use an ice machine for cold compression: Breg Polar Care Wave guide

If your surgeon or physiotherapist has recommended an ice machine to help manage pain and swelling with cold compression, you might be wondering how to get it set up.

The good news is that the Breg Polar Care Wave is straightforward to use once you know the steps. This ice machine combines cold therapy with gentle compression, circulating chilled water through a pad fitted around the area you’re treating.

At Access Abilities, we’re here to help you feel confident using your home healthcare equipment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up and use the Breg Polar Care Wave, with a video demonstration so you can follow along.

Before you start: Take a few minutes to read the instruction manual that comes with your machine. Always follow your healthcare professional’s advice about how long to use the machine, which cold and compression settings to select and how often to check your skin.

How to set up your Breg Polar Care Wave ice machine

1. Open the ice machine

Start by placing your machine on a flat, stable surface.

To open it, rotate the handle towards the front of the machine to unlock the lid, then lift the lid off.

You’ll notice two fill lines inside the container, one for water and one for ice. These show you exactly how much of each to add.

2. Add water to the fill line

Pour water into the container until it reaches the marked water line.

Tip: Always add the water first, before the ice. The machine needs water to circulate through the pad, and running the cold therapy function without water can damage the pump.

3. Add the ice

Next, fill the container with ice up to the marked ice line. Breg recommends using cubed ice for the best performance.

There’s no need to pack in extra ice. Stick to the fill line to avoid overflowing the container or making it difficult to close the lid.

4. Close and lock the lid

Replace the lid, matching up the alignment markers on the lid and container.

Then rotate the handle to the upright or back position, following the lock symbol on the handle. Check that everything is securely closed before moving on.

5. Connect the pad to the machine

Now it’s time to connect the pad to the tubing.

Line up the Breg logos on the two connectors, gently squeeze the blue clips and push the connectors together until you hear a click.

Give the connection a quick check to make sure it’s secure, and ensure the tubing isn’t twisted or kinked.

6. Fit the cold compression pad

The Breg Polar Care Wave has different pads designed to fit various parts of the body, including the knee, shoulder, hip, back and foot or ankle.

Each pad has instructions printed directly on it, as well as illustrations in the manual showing you how to position and secure it.

Take your time with this step. Make sure you’re following the directions for your particular pad, with the Breg logo and printed instructions facing outwards, away from your body.

The pad should fit securely but never be wrapped so tightly that it restricts circulation. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions about positioning the pad and protecting your skin.

7. Plug in the machine

Connect the supplied power adapter to the machine and plug it into an electrical outlet.

Make sure the tubing and power cord are safely out of the way, particularly if you’re using a walker or crutches while recovering.

8. Turn on and adjust the settings

You’re ready to get started!

Press the power button on the top of the machine. The Breg Polar Care Wave has two adjustable functions:

Cold therapy: Choose between Cold, Colder or Off.
Compression therapy: Choose between Low, Regular or Off.

You can use cold therapy and compression together or separately, depending on what your healthcare professional has recommended.

The buttons allow you to cycle through the different settings, and indicator lights show which ones are selected.

One thing to know: The machine initially defaults to Colder and Regular compression. After that, it remembers the settings from its last use. Always check these before starting a session.

A few tips for using your ice machine at home

Once the machine is running, chilled water circulates through the pad, while the compression function gently inflates and deflates it if selected. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Follow your treatment plan. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will tell you how often to use the machine, for how long and which settings are appropriate. Colder isn’t always better!
Keep an eye on your skin. Check the area under the pad as directed by your healthcare professional. Stop treatment and contact them if you notice unusual redness, discolouration, burning, numbness, tingling, blistering or increased pain.
Top up the ice when needed. Breg recommends checking the ice every six to eight hours, or as needed. Pour away excess melted water to return it to the original water fill line before adding more ice.

When you’ve finished your treatment, simply press the power button to switch the machine off.

If you’re putting it away for storage, unplug the machine, empty the water from the pad and container, and allow everything to dry. The instruction manual has more information on cleaning and storing your machine properly.

Read our guide to how ice machines can help after surgery

Need an ice machine for your recovery?

If you’re preparing for surgery, you might not need to purchase an ice machine outright. At Access Abilities, we offer ice machines to rent or buy, depending on your needs and how long you’ll be using one.

Not sure what’s right for you? Our team is always happy to help you understand your options and get comfortable using your equipment.

Visit us in Oakville or Etobicoke, or contact us to learn more about ice machines and other products to help you recover comfortably at home.

This is a general setup guide for the Breg Polar Care Wave. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and follow your healthcare professional’s prescribed treatment plan.