How to Make a Wet or Dry Warm Compress

How to Make a Moist Warm Compress

Making a moist compress can take a few minutes, but the compress will provide lasting warmth. If you use moist warm compresses often, you can purchase a reusable moist warm compress that is microwaved or dipped in hot water before use. Alternatively, you can make your own warm compress at home. Here’s how:

Bundle Method

Research has shown the bundle method is the most effective at delivering moist heat. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather two or three washcloths or hand towels. Alternatively, fold a larger towel into multiple layers. You will also need plastic wrap, a large plastic bag, or a large microwavable bowl.
2. Soak the cloth in water, then wring excess water out. 
3. Wrap or fold the towels together, forming a multilayered bundle. 
4. Cover the bundle by placing it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a plastic bag (unsealed).
5. Heat the bundle in the microwave for two minutes.
6. Test the temperature. The compress should be warm to the touch, but not hot or painful. 
7. Apply for 10 minutes at a time. 

You can wrap the moist bundle in a warm dry towel before applying for added warmth. Repeat the process as needed.

Basin Method

This method has fewer steps, but can lose heat more quickly. To try the basin method:

1. Fill a bowl or large basin with hot (but not boiling or scalding) water.
2. Soak a washcloth or small towel in the water. 
3. Squeeze out extra water (the water should be cool enough that this isn’t painful or dangerous).
4. Fold the towel.
5. Apply for 10 minutes. 

If you need to minimize mess or wetness, you can put the wet towel in a plastic bag. Wrap another towel around the bag, and apply the compress to your skin.2

Microwave Method

You can make a moist, warm compress by using a microwave. To do this:

1. Soak two towels with water and wring out the excess.
2. Place one towel in a ziplock bag, leaving the bag open.
3. Microwave on high for two minutes, and carefully remove the bag from the microwave and shut it tightly.
4. Wrap the second wet towel around the microwaved bag and apply it to the appropriate area.

Repeat the steps as needed to keep the compress warm. Be sure to use clean towels each time you make a warm compress.

How to Make a Dry Warm Compress

A dry warm compress utilizes rice, beans, or grain. It is warmed in the microwave and slowly releases heat. The filling is usually encased within sealed fabric.

Making a dry warm compress can be tricky, so many people who prefer dry heat opt to purchase a microwaveable heating pad. These compresses are filled with rice, beans, or grain that retain heat and can be used again and again. 

However, it’s possible to make your own dry warm compress at home. Here’s how:

1. Gather a sock that can be discarded. 
2. Fill half of the sock with rice.
3. Tie the open end of the sock, so the rice cannot fall out. Leave enough room so that the rice can spread out, and the sock has a floppy, not hard, feel. 
4. Heat the sock in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, until you reach your desired temperature. 
5. Apply heat for 10 minutes. 

When to Use a Wet or Dry Warm Compress

Warm compresses bring more blood into an area. If you have an infection, like a stye or boil, the heat can also help draw pus from the skin, so that the boil (pus-filled bump) or stye (red bump on the eyelid) can drain on its own. Never pop a boil or a stye.

Warm compresses can be used for many conditions, including:

• Boils
• Cysts
• Dry eyes
• Muscle strain or pain (after the first 48 hours)
• Period cramps
• Sinus infections
• Styes and eye infections
• Ear infections

Moist Compresses

Research shows that moist compresses are more effective than dry compresses.1 The moisture helps retain heat, so that you don’t have to reheat the compress as often. It also helps the heat penetrate your muscles, which encourages more blood flow and healing.

The downside to moist compresses is that they can be messy, and you may get wet. Moist compresses are used for:

• Boils and skin ailments
• Dry eyes, styes, and other eye issues
• Sore muscles

Dry Compresses

Dry compresses, like a microwavable heating pad, are a quick and easy solution for creating a warm compress. They don’t retain heat as long as moist compresses, but they also aren’t as messy. Dry compresses are most often used for sore muscles.

When Not to Use Heat

Do not use a warm compress if any of these conditions exist, unless directed by a healthcare provider:

• A wound is bleeding.
• Swelling or inflammation is present.
• An acute injury has occurred within the past 48 hours.
• You have been drinking alcohol.
• You have eczema or dermatitis.
• You have deep vein thrombosis.
• You have diabetes.
• You have dementia.
• You have peripheral vascular disease.
• You have a cardiovascular condition, including arrhythmia.

There are also some medical conditions that cause sensory impairment where superficial heat should not be used or should be used with caution. These include:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Autoimmune diseases with joint pain
• Activated osteoarthritis
• Poor circulation
• Cancer

Safety Tips for Using a Warm Compress

To ensure that you don’t make your condition or your injury worse, there are a few safety tips to follow.

• Only use microwave-safe plastic bags or bowls.
• Ensure that the towel, sock, or washcloth that you use is clean and dry (when you begin).
• Do a temperature check before applying the compress to large areas of skin. Test a small area first to make sure it is not too hot.
• Remain seated while using heat therapy, as blood pressure can drop, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.