Aircast Cryo/Cuff: FAQs

7 October 2022

The Aircast Cryo/Cuff is the most popular cryotherapy based rehabilitation device on the market. Unfortunately, with great popularity comes a great number of questions and queries. If you've got a question, you're not the only one. From filling instructions to how to get the most out of the entire system, we've got you covered with one simple, easy to follow guide.

The Most Common Questions We Get

How Does a Cryo/Cuff Work?

Each and every Cryo/Cuff works in the same way. Water is cooled inside the cooler tank, which is then fed up through the attached tube system into the cuff itself.

If the Cryo/Cuff is correctly applied, the entire affected joint should be encased by the cuff, exposing it to the full remit of cryotherapy based healing benefits.

What Is the Role of the Cooler?

The cooler is the tank that feeds water up the hose system and into the Cryo/Cuff. The cooler should be filled with ice and water to ensure the temperature of the water is as low as possible.

How Much Water Should I Add?

All Aircast Coolers come with instructions indicating how much water should be placed inside the cooler. On the interior of your cooler there is a line marking exactly where to fill up to.

The insulation disc provided with each cooler is then placed on top of the water. This ensures that the temperature inside the cooler stays as low as possible.

DJO Cryo/Cuff Cooler Water Level Marking

Do I Need to Add Ice As Well As Water?

Yes, without ice the water inside will be lukewarm at best and your Cryo/Cuff will not have the desired restorative effect. Ice ensures that the temperature inside the cooler remains freezing cold for as long as possible, increasing the benefits you get from your Cuff and accelerating your recovery.

How Does the Cryo/Cuff Cooler Stay Cold? 

Each cooler arrives with an "insulation disc" which should be placed on top of the water before the lid is closed. This disc ensures heat cannot enter to warm the water up, forcing all the beneficial freezing cold water down and into the provided tube system.

DJO Cryo/Cuff Insulation Disc

How Often Should I Replace the Ice In My Cryo Cooler?

We recommend replacing or replenishing the water/ice in your cooler every 2 - 4 hours.

How Do I Make My Cryo/Cuff Colder? 

One tip we have for maximising the benefits of your Cryo/Cuff System is to pre-freeze a few full water bottles in the freezer overnight. Place these inside the water along with loose ice and reap the rewards of an even colder therapeutic experience.

What Conditions Can a Cryo/Cuff Help With?

Cryo/Cuffs are brilliant for a range of different conditions, ailments and symptoms. Take a look below for a few:

  • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
  • Swelling Reduction
  • Aches and Pains
  • Hemarthrosis
  • Inflammation
  • Hip Replacement Surgery
  • Rehabilitation
  • Post-operative Recovery
  • Trauma
  • Shoulder Stiffness
  • Sporting Injury
  • Pain-relief

Does My Cooler Have to Be Raised Above the Injured Area?

We recommend that the base of the cooler be at least equal to the placement and location of your Cryo/Cuff. This allows the water to cycle seamlessly from the tank, up and into your Cryo/Cuff.

What's the Difference Between the Cooler Types?

There are two different Cryo/Cuff Cooler Systems available, the main difference being the Automatic Cryo/Cuff Cooler includes an automatic motor system which provides intermittent compression. To find out more about the intricate differences and to see which Cooler System suits you best, click here to view our informative blog comparing both.

  Aircast Automatic Cold Therapy IC Cooler Aircast Cold Therapy Cooler
Pneumatic Pump
Includes Thermal Insulation
Compatible with All Cryo/Cuff Devices
Detachable for Flexible Treatment
Easy to Use
Gravity-fed System
Automated Motor System
Up to 8 Hours of Cryotherapy
Intermittent Compressions

Does Each Cuff Come With a Cooler?

No, Cryo/Cuffs are not sold and supplied with a cooler. You can purchase a cooler system separately, or you can save money and combine your purchase with a cooler using one of our saver packs.

How Many Cryo/Cuffs Are There?

Please see the list below to view the entire range of available Cryo/Cuffs, including knee, calf, shoulder and ankle cuffs.

Why Won't Water Go Inside My Cuff?

The standard Cryo/Cuff and Cooler system operates on a gravity-based system. Once you have water and ice in your cooler, apply the cuff to the affected area. Make sure that the airlock switch on the cooler is upright. Lift the cooler unit it is in a position that is at least level with the Cryo/Cuff. This will then allow gravity to pull the water down into your cuff.

Can I Use a Cryo/Cuff Right After Surgery?

Because the Cryo/Cuff is an incredibly effective way to reduce swelling following surgery, you can absolutely use yours post-surgery. We recommend consulting a professional for advice regarding your condition and how long to wait before use.

Can the Cryo/Cuff Be Used With Other Liquids?

No, the Cryo/Cuff is designed solely for use with cold and freezing cold water.

Can I Use My Cryo/Cuff With Hot Water?

No, your Cryo/Cuff Cooler should not be filled with hot or boiling water under any circumstances. The Aircast Cryo/Cuff System is designed for cryotherapy which relies on the circulated water being as cold as possible.

How Long Can I Wear My Cryo/Cuff?

Your Cryo/Cuff should be worn for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. After each use, you should wait for an hour before using your Cryo/Cuff again. 

If you have a condition like diabetes, where contact-compression can cause problems, we recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional for advice before use.

Do Both Coolers Come With a Hose?

Yes, both coolers come complete with a system hose attachment.

Can I Use Loose Ice Inside My Cooler?

Absolutely. You can use both chunked and loose ice inside your cooler. To bolster and accelerate recovery, we recommend including a few frozen water bottles. This helps to keep the temperature as low as possible for as long as possible.

Can I Wear My Cryo/Cuff to Sleep?

No, for health and safety reasons we do not recommend using your Cryo/Cuff whilst you sleep.

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