How to Make Microwave Neck Pillows
Moist heat is soothing for tired, achy muscles, stiff joints, muscle cramps, menstrual pain, "growing pains," and just to keep warm on a cool night. Microwave neck pillows are quick and easy to make with materials you may already have around the house or can find at your local grocery store. These pillows can also be stored in the freezer and used as a cold compress. For an extra sensory treat, include dried herbs or flowers and enjoy the relaxing aroma.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric pieces cut to 24"x12" (flannel, cotton, denim, or other woven fabrics)
- 6 to 8 cups of flaxseed or rice
- Dried herbs or flowers such as peppermint, lavender, or chamomile (Optional)
Instructions
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1
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right side in. You should have a long narrow rectangle with the wrong side of the fabric showing.
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2
Starting at the fold, sew a 1/2-inch seam across one short end and down the long side.
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3
Turn the tube right-side-out. If necessary, use a ball-point pin or knitting needle to push the corners out. Be careful not to poke a hole in the fabric.
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4
Pour in 6-8 cups of flaxseed or rice. If you're adding dried herbs or flowers, alternate these with the seed so that they will be evenly distributed. The amount of aroma is a matter of personal preference but keep in mind that the smell will fade over time. After adding the seed, the bag will only be about half-full but be careful not to overfill.
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5
Fold the edges of the open end of the bag in about .5 inch and stitch the bag closed with a 1/4-inch seam.
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6
Place the pillow in the microwave for about two and a half minutes. Knead the pillow to redistribute the contents and check the temperature. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds at a time until the desired temperature is reached. The pillow should be warm, not hot. It can cause burns if its overheated.
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Tips & Warnings
While rice is inexpensive and easy to find, flaxseed is preferable for several reasons. Rice is primarily water so it dries out quickly, especially when being microwaved. Flaxseed is mostly oil so it does not dry out as quickly. Also, rice has a very distinctive smell when heated. Flaxseed doesn't have this smell.
Flaxseed is available in the health food or organic section of many grocery stores. It is also available in bulk at many health food specialty stores.
For a "quick and dirty" version of this project, fill a clean tube sock with rice or flaxseed and stitch up the end.
Use whole dried flowers, not ground flowers, for aroma. As the herbs dry out, they will not hold heat as well so make sure the majority of the bag is flaxseed.
This pillow will stay warm for several hours under normal conditions.
Heat should not be used within the first 48-72 hours after an injury, when there is swelling or bleeding present, or when there is a loss of feeling in the area.
Heat packs should be warm, not hot to avoid burns.
Heat packs should not be used for prolonged periods of time.
