Breg Polar Care Wave w/ Hip Cold Compression Pad

I purchased this cooling unit in anticipation of my upcoming knee surgery. I have tested it. The compressions can be felt at both intensities. And the pad does get cool, although not as much through the center where an incision would be. The posterior portion was not cooled at all. Will probably supplement with an ice pack. When connecting and disconnecting, drips were minimized by following the instructions. Knee pad was easy to place and held firmly with 4 straps. Shipping and delivery was prompt. Overall I think this will be useful in my recovery.

The Breg Polar Care Wave machine is inexpensive and easy to use. Compression works well, however the cold therapy is very anemic. You are lucky to get the temperature at the pads down to 50 degrees F. That is not cold enough to significantly reduce inflammation and swelling. It needs a water pump with at least 2x-3x more flow capability.

The knee pads are secured by Velcro , but unfortunately the cloth that the Velcro hooks into is not durable, and wears out after about three months or so of regular use. I have had to buy three pads so far to treat two TKR knees. Very expensive.

So overall it works to some degree, but is poorly designed.

Compression and ice so much better than ice alone! Would rate at 4.5 overall if available as mostly a great machine with a few areas of potential improvement in the wrap. I had recent TKR and have a history of swelling (thus more pressure & pain) and this unit really helps. I rented GameReady™ uber expensive machine (purchase cost~$3200-3500) x 3 weeks starting immediately post op (professional athletes and stars use) and their knee wrap provided full circumferential coverage due to longer length and width. I realize it is unfair to compare machines with a 9-10 fold price difference, however I do so to report that the ortho brace cold/compression therapy unit was better than I expected and I am glad I purchased it.
After an adult lifetime of bilateral knee pain and several knee surgeries, I have used 3 other ice machines and the compression makes a huge difference to relieve my swelling and pain.
There are 2 Orthobrace wrap sizes (same cost) and I ordered the standard one it does not provide any cold therapy behind my knee. I'm considering ordering the larger wrap (as I need another knee replacement) and from personal experience replacement wraps are harder to purchase the longer you wait as models may change.
Other concern is velcro wrap is making the wrap more fuzzy so velcro doesn't adhere as well and my thigh strap tends to want to lift and not provide compression as well so I use an ace bandage to secure (a bit of inconvenient). GameReady machine has a much sturdier attachment for velcro and did not have same problem after 24/67 use. I still use Orthobrace machine many hours per day.

Although product not used upon receipt,(my doctor recommended not to use following my surgery) I was unable to return as packing seal had been broken.
I’m hopeful that other parties might benefit following my donation to clinic.

This rat really would be more beneficial if it’s provided more Complete coverage Of the front and back of the knee. I had a total knee replacement and being a physical therapist I feel it’s very important to ice the back of the knee as much as the front of the knee and I find that I have to shift the wrap around to various positions to get complete coverage. I feel that most people would be using this wrap with their leg extended And this leaves the posterior aspect of the knee minimally iced.
Every other aspect of this unit is excellent and if I were able to give it a 4.5 on the stars that would be my grade