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Just what are Natural Packs?

Why choose a Natural Pack?

What does a Natural Pack do?

View our line of hot/cold therapy products

Compare our products to other leading brands

From lemons to lemonaide..A brief history of Natural Pack

See our great line of sample fabrics

Instructions for the use of Natural Pack hot/cold therapy bags

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Frequently asked questions and answers about our products

It's Comfort That Matters

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

This page goes beyond just listing our most Frequently Asked Questions and their answers.  The following three paragraphs include information about how you can contact us to determine whether there is a retailer close to you. Or, as an alternative, we tell you how you can get more information about ordering Natural Packs directly from our warehouse.

Our retail locations are quite varied.  Natural Packs are sold in Pharmacies, Gift Stores, Healthfood Stores, Chiropractic Offices, Massage Therapy Office, Physiotherapy Offices, Medical Supply Stores, Airports, General Stores, Clothing Stores, etc. etc. etc.  They are primarily available in British Columbia and Alberta in Western Canada so if you are looking for retailers elsewhere, you will not find them so easily – at least, not until we have expanded more!

If you want to know where the closest retailer is, please email us at retailers@naturalpack.com. We will email you back with the name, address and phone number of the closest retailer of Natural Packs to you OR, if there isn’t retailer close to you, we will provide information about how you can mail order Natural Packs direct from our warehouse to your door.  As an alternative, see our Contact Us! Page for our direct phone(toll free in Canada) or fax numbers.

In our next edition of this website, we will include a mail order function to facilitate on-line ordering and forms to let you send in your questions and comments.  Until then, enjoy our website and please feel free to write, phone, fax or email your comments and suggestions to us!  We always enjoy customer feedback and very much appreciate your support or criticism. 

Now on to the FAQs. Most of this information can be found elsewhere in this site and in our literature but we thought we should make it easier for you by listing our top ten questions.  Use the hyperlinked Table of Contents below to go to the question you are interested in.  Or scroll down to read them all.

Table of Contents:

1) What's inside?

2) I can wash the whole thing?

3) How long does a Natural Pack stay hot?  cold?

4) How long will a Natural Pack last?

5) What if I don' t have a microwave?

6) Do Natural Packs smell?

7) How do I choose the right size?

8) Why should I buy a Natural Pack as opposed to another product?

9) What about possible Aromatherapy uses?

10) Can I overheat a Natural Pack?

 THE FAQs and Their ANSWERS:

1) What's inside?

Natural Packs contain a natural grain product, a specialty variety of corn that we prepare so that it will not cook or pop in the microwave.  What is even more amazing is that Natural Packs are completely washable, even with their natural grain contents.   See Instructions for Use.

2) I can wash the whole thing?

Certainly!  Natural Packs are designed so that they can be washed in the washing machine and then dried either in a standard dryer or by laying them flat.  Natural Packs are one of the only products on the market where you are able to freshen or sterilize the exterior fabric and the contents at the same time.  Please refer to the Instructions for Use for more detailed washing and care instructions.

3) How long does a Natural Pack stay hot?  cold?

Using the provided heating times and under normal room temperature conditions, Natural Packs should retain their therapeutic heat level for 15-20 minutes after which they will slowly cool down to room temperature.  They retain their cold for a slightly less period of time, 10-15 minutes, before warming up to room temperature. These times for heat and cold application are per suggestions by various health professionals consulted in the development of the product.

4) How long will a Natural Pack last?

With proper care and maintenance as described in the Instruction Sheet enclosed with each product, your Natural Pack will provide many years of useful service.  We have therapists that have used the same ‘bags’ on a daily clinical basis for 3-4 plus years.  See Instructions for Use.

5) What if I don't have a microwave?

A microwave is the most efficient and trouble free method of heating a Natural Pack, but they can also be heated very successfully in a conventional oven.  Over the years we have heard of some very inventive ways to heat Natural Packs without a microwave oven but for simplicity and safety sake we only endorse one method which is located on the detailed Instruction for Use page.  You will need to purchase a Mylar Film Cooking Bag (common brand: ‘Look Cooking Bags’) at your local food store.  These are inexpensive and totally reusable.

6) Do Natural Packs smell?

One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘does it smell?’  Other competing products out on the market today smell strongly right out of the package and, with use, they tend to develop a strong barnyard-like odour.  Not so with Natural Packs.  Over the first few uses of the ‘bag’, you will notice a light sweet popcorn smell.  This will dissipate over time.  As your bag ages and body oils accumulate on the surface of the fabric, it may start to smell not quite as fresh and clean when heated.  It is the same with the clothes you wear, if you did not wash them after their use, they would also start to smell less than fresh.  

Simply wash and dry your Natural Pack to freshen the outer fabric and the contents all at the same time.  When your Natural Pack has been freshly laundered the contents are fully imbibed with moisture, you will again notice a light popcorn smell until the contents dry out a bit more.  Over all the years, we have only had one person really complain about the smell of their Natural Pack.  She said the smell drove her crazy because she loved the smell of popcorn but she happened to be very allergic to corn so she could not use the ‘bag’ around her neck like she wanted.  Instead, she had to keep it no higher than her waist and thus, away from her nose!

The only other warning regarding smell would be: do not damage your Natural Pack by severely overheating it.  Please follow all available instructions re: heating and washing. It is a truly organic product and does not contain any burn resistant materials or additives.  Anything burnt does have an odour that no one finds pleasant.

7) How do I choose the right size?

We’ll answer this question with a question! ‘If you had to complain about one of your body parts more than the others, what would that be?’

For instance, if you said your back, we would suggest the Stretch size because of its size and great moldability.  The Standard is a great choice for single joint problems or spot injuries like a knee or an elbow.  Larger joints may need the Stretch or the Neckroll to properly wrap them.  For anyone with Arthritis in the hands or feet, we would suggest the Pouch.   The Pouch has made a great transformation in many arthritis sufferer’s quality of life and we highly suggest it for anyone with arthritis concerns.

The Palm is best as a boo-boo bag for young and old.  For kids, its great for bumps, bruises and bug bites and more.  For adults, we keep one in our kitchen freezer for those annoying cooking burns that happen when in a hurry.  A warmed pair can be taken in your pockets when it’s time to walk the dog on a really cold afternoon.

Our number one selling product is the Neckroll.  Of course, you will likely prefer this size if your number one problem is your Neck.  This size is great for use both at home and at work.  At work, I would suggest using the Neckroll when you do not have the time or opportunity to lay down.  It sits wonderfully around your neck unattended and helps keep you going when you need to stay on track.  At home, try it while cooking, reading, etc.   If you would prefer to apply the product while laying down, you might wish to try a Stretch to treat the area. 

Natural Packs were designed by therapists for use on various body parts but they will all work to warm or cool any area of your body you might desire.  One of my personal favourites is - a Stretch at night to keep my feet warm and toasty!  Be inventive, try them all and let us know (mail to: comments@naturalpack.com) any other good uses that you discover!

8) Why should I buy a Natural Pack as opposed to another product?

A very good question.  Of course we are biased, but we have designed Natural Packs to be the best of the best.   We call it the ‘Cadillac’ of these types of products.  We were one of the very first companies selling this type of product and we continue to do well after 7 years of business.

Our philosophy is that customers should never be disappointed when purchasing a product.

Natural Packs production standards are high and we have tried very hard to offer a top quality product that will work as stated and that will last for years.  We have personally tried many competitor’s products over the years and have never had the thought that – ‘Gee we should have done that or we should do that.’  There is not much more that can be done to improve upon this product.  They work, they look great, and they last!  They are worth the money you will invest in one, that’s why you should choose a Natural Pack.

9) What about possible Aromatherapy uses?

After 7 years of marketing Natural Packs, we have decided purposely not to create a separate line of Natural Packs for aromatherapy use.  We feel it would limit their application as they would need to promote a single scent or mixture of scents in a single bag.  Instead, because Natural Packs are washable, we advocate you apply your preferred aromatherapy scented oil first to your skin, lay over a protective towel to protect your Natural Pack and then apply your ‘bag’ over top.

Natural Packs can add an incredible dimension to aromatherapy that you may never have thought of.  As an alternative, many of the essences may be applied directly to the fabric of the Natural Pack and then washed when you wish to change its scent.  Be inventive.

10) Can I overheat a Natural Pack?

Absolutely!  It is possible to burn anything organic in the microwave or the oven.  The product contains a natural grain which, if overheated, will burn itself or you.  Please follow the instructions on the written instruction sheet enclosed with your product and/or on the label attached to the Natural Pack.  We have strived very hard to make it as hard as possible for accidents to happen but they can happen.  Supervision is recommended with small children or people who are unable to communicate.  Common sense is a valuable tool.  Enjoy!  

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