B&M is now selling a 1.7 litre hot water bottle that is big enough to "perfectly warm your whole body" as temperatures begin to drop. The retailer's Long Fur Hot Water Bottle costs £10 in stores throughout the UK and is available in four colour options: pink, grey, brown, and cream.
Recent weather forecasts claim that parts of Scotland will see temperatures plummet into single figures as the last hints of summer fade. Meteorologists predict that unsettled weather will return as we head into October, with more frosty mornings on the horizon.
Product description
Describing the product online, B&M says: "Keep cosy on cold winter nights with this luxuriously soft faux fur long hot water bottle. The elongated design is perfect for warming your whole body, whether you're curled up on the sofa or snuggled in bed."
The budget retailer said that the item could also "make a lovely gift for friends and family or a treat for yourself". Beyond providing comfort on chilly nights, this hot water bottle could also offer relief to those suffering from common types of pain.
Health benefits and alternatives
Experts say hot water bottles can help alleviate pain by using heat to loosen tight muscles, widen blood vessels to boost circulation, and lessen pain signals travelling to your brain. Among the most common complaints that can be eased by a hot water bottle are period cramps, back or neck pain, and long-term stiffness associated with arthritis, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A similar product is also available at Home Bargains. The Home Collections Long Hot Water Bottle (£7.99) promises to "melt away your aches and pains with its body-warming comfort".
Describing the product online, Home Bargains said: "Snuggle up with the Home Collections Long Hot Water Bottle in chic grey, designed to melt away your aches and pains with its body-warming comfort. Complete with adorable pom pom and faux fur detail, it's your perfect companion for cosy evenings."
Safety guidelines
Those using hot water bottles ought to familiarise themselves with certain safety guidelines. Firstly, allow boiled water to cool slightly before pouring it into the bottle to avoid damaging the material.
Never fill the bottle to its maximum capacity. For safety reasons, aim for roughly two-thirds full. Once ready, always ensure the bottle is wrapped in a towel or fabric cover to shield your skin from burns caused by direct contact. Limit the time exposed to heat to no more than 20 minutes at a time, and never take a hot water bottle to bed with you.
