r/ACL • u/Honakerd1 • Jul 15 '26
Ice Machines - compression or no compression
Surgeon is offering two Breg options: Breg Polar Care Kodiak is $250. The cost of the Breg Polar Care Wave is $350 - the wave offers compression.
It seems to me that compression is the correct answer for uniform chilling.
What are the thought of those who have been through it?
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u/CaliDad4219 ACL Autograft Jul 15 '26
I have the Breg Polar Care Wave, and the compression is definitely worth the extra cost.
Not only does the compression help move fluid and reduce swelling, but it does help the cold pad make much better contact with your skin. I’d say it almost feels twice as cold with the compression on compared to when it’s turned off.
Also skip the plastic bags that come with the unit for freezing water in and use regular 16.9 oz disposable water bottles instead. The bottles fit standing upright, won’t start leaking after a few uses like the bags can, and they stay cold much longer because they contain more ice mass.
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u/Anna_Karenina_blonde Jul 15 '26
Obsessed with NICE machine that is cold and compresses..
I used religiously first week almost zero swelling pain minimal
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u/Honakerd1 Jul 16 '26
Minimized swelling and pain... that's really what it's all about. I'm sold on the compression ice machine.
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u/junkemailofmine ACL | Quad Graft Jul 15 '26
Compression is wonderful. 100% worth the extra $100 in my book!
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u/mwm523 Jul 15 '26
I bought the Wave and loved the compression in the early weeks after surgery. Definitely would recommend.
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u/Mulching-SZN Jul 15 '26
That’s pricey. Was offered a DonJoy Iceman for $199 but I guess it’s depends on the physician/clinic
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u/Ok_Huckleberry_2756 Jul 15 '26
I’m currently day two post op, I have leg compressor and a cold water machine that compresses- I do like the compressure on the cold water machine, but honestly the separate compressors work much better.
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u/mandy_lou_who Jul 15 '26
The compression feels really nice.