Polar Active Ice® 3.0 Full Circumference Knee Cold Therapy System
Description
The Active Ice® 3.0 Full Circumference Knee Cold Therapy System is a professional-grade cold therapy system built specifically for knee pain relief. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or returning from an injury, this system delivers consistent, controlled, drug-free pain relief to the entire knee so you can focus on healing. The therapy pad wraps completely around the knee, ensuring no area goes untreated.
Choose the shape that fits your leg. The tapered pad, available in standard (large) and small, is designed for legs where the thigh is thicker than the calf, with the wide end for the thigh and the narrower end for the calf. The rectangular pad is the better choice if your thigh and calf are about the same width. All pads include detached or attached elastic and Velcro® belts for a comfortable, secure fit suited to most knee sizes.
Often recommended by doctors and physical therapists for total knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, and joint surgery recovery.
One (1) 9-Quart Cooling Reservoir | One (1) Large Tapered Full Circumference Knee Therapy Pad | Three (3) Attached Elastic & Velcro® Belts | One (1) High-Efficiency Pump | One (1) Programmable Timer & Adjustable Temperature Flow Control | One (1) 12-Volt DC Power Supply
Government Contract: This product is available under contract number GSA-36F79723D0207
Spending Benefit: This product is eligible for FSA/HSA
Polar Active Ice® 3.0 Full Circumference Knee Cold Therapy System
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Full-Coverage Cold Therapy
The ergonomically designed full circumference knee therapy pad wraps securely around your knee with elastic and Velcro® belts, delivering steady, drug-free pain relief directly to the knee.
Choose the tapered pad if your thigh is thicker than your calf, or the rectangular pad if your thigh and calf are about the same width. The insulated outer fabric directs maximum cold therapy to the target area while providing gentle compression for comfortable, effective treatment.
High-flow, dry, quick-disconnect couplings allow for freedom of movement when needed. Durable insulated tubing ensures smooth water flow, so unlike traditional ice packs that warm up quickly and slip out of place, the Active Ice® 3.0 circulates cold water continuously for hours, often through the night.
Personalized Cooling at Your Fingertips
Our patent-pending timer allows you to set custom cold therapy "on" and "off" duration cycles per your healthcare provider's instruction — a critical safety feature!
Choose from 4 coldness levels depending on your comfort and desire, and rest easy knowing the convenient on/off button eliminates any potential danger from fumbling in the dark to plug in or unplug your system.
Long-Lasting Cooling
One of the largest cooling reservoirs in the industry, available in a 9-quart or 16-quart size. The 9-quart holds up to six standard size 500 ml frozen water bottles while the 16-quart holds up to twelve — twice the capacity of our biggest competitors — so you get twice the cold therapy before needing a refill.
Frozen water bottles are a reusable, convenient alternative to ice that can be easily swapped out with a fresh set from the freezer once thawed, eliminating the need to drain melted water and making life easier for caregivers too. The hinged lid snaps firmly in place to keep everything sealed and mess-free. Simply add ice or frozen water bottles and you're ready to go.
Quiet Yet Powerful Performance
The whisper-quiet, high-efficiency pump continuously circulates cold water throughout the therapy pad, delivering steady, effective cold therapy without noise or interruption. Powerful enough to keep cold water flowing for hours, yet quiet enough to run through the night without disturbing your sleep.
Terms & Conditions
The following must be read before purchasing the Active Ice® 3.0 Cold Therapy System.
I am currently under the treatment of a physician who has prescribed or recommended a water-circulating cold therapy system, such as the Polar Active Ice® System. I agree to read and use this product in accordance with all instructions, warnings and cautions in the Active Ice® Instruction Manual and/or the instructions given to me by my treating physician. Cryotherapy should not be used by persons with Raynauds, Diabetes or other vasospastic disease, cold hypersensitivity, or compromised local circulation. Always consult with your healthcare provider. I acknowledge that I will assume all responsibility for the use/misuse of this cold therapy product. I will contact my physician immediately in the case of any untoward reactions caused by use of this system. I will contact my physician immediately in the case of any negative reactions caused by use of this system. I will not use this system if I am Diabetic or suffer from poor circulation or neuropathic (nerve) disorders.
Due to health and hygiene regulations, all Active Ice® 3.0 Cold Therapy Systems and parts that are used and/or have had water circulated through them are non-returnable. Brand new systems can be returned with a 15% restocking fee. Please see our warranty below for more information.
Instructions
View Active Ice® Manual
View Tapered KBFULL Application Instructions
View Rectangular KBFULL Application Instructions
- Fill the Cooling Reservoir with clean, cold water to the fill line.
- Add ice or, for even easier use, frozen standard-size water bottles.
- Connect your Therapy Pad using the quick-disconnect Couplings.
- Place the system where it will be used and plug it into a nearby outlet.
- Connect the Programmable Timer and Temperature Flow Control to the Power Supply and the Reservoir.
- Push the center button of the Programmable Timer and Temperature Flow Control to turn the system on. This will begin the preprogrammed timer cycle. You can then customize your temperature flow settings and timer per your healthcare provider’s directions in regards to treatment time, “on” and “off” cycles, and skin inspection.
Specifications
Full Circumference Knee Therapy Pad
Your choice of size
Tapered Style
- Large: 30" x 16.5" with Three (3) attached elastic and Velcro® belts
- Small: 24" x 12" with Two (2) attached elastic and Velcro® belts
- TPU: 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethanes
- Velcro fabric: 100% Polyester Yarn
- Foam tubing: 100% Synthetic Rubber
Rectangular Style
- 22.5" x 13" with two (2) detached 3" x 10" elastic belts
- TPU: 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethanes
- Velcro fabric: 100% Polyester Yarn
- Foam tubing: 100% Synthetic Rubber
9-Quart Cooling Reservoir
- 11.5" x 9.5" x 8.5"
- Weighs 5.5 lbs. (without ice or water in the reservoir)
- Programmable Timer & Temperature Flow Control (Patent-Pending)
- Timer cord is 32" from cooling reservoir to remote and 18.5" from remote to plug-in with power supply (50.5" total)
- 5 feet of attached insulated tubing
- 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Adapter converting to 12 VDC, 1.5amp for Active Ice® System operation
OR
16-Quart Cooling Reservoir
- 13" x 17" x 14.5"
- Weighs 7.75 lbs. (without ice or water in the reservoir)
- Retractable handle and wheels for easy portability
- Programmable Timer & Temperature Flow Control (Patent-Pending)
- Timer cord is 32" from cooling reservoir to remote and 18.5" from remote to plug-in with power supply (50.5" total)
- 5 feet of attached insulated tubing
- 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Adapter converting to 12 VDC, 1.5amp for Active Ice® System operation
Safety & Precautions
- The Active Ice® 3.0 System can be cold enough, under certain conditions, to injure the skin.
- Always use an insulation barrier, such as a thin cloth, towel, or clothing, between the therapy pad and the skin.
- Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Provide a complete medical history, specifically any reactions to the cold.
- Certain medical conditions may be more susceptible to cold-related injuries. Ask your practitioner about any potential adverse reactions.
- Caution: use of cold therapy by children, diabetics, incapacitated patients, and those with poor circulation or special skin conditions should be carefully supervised by a medical professional.
- Use only as prescribed by a licensed healthcare practitioner and follow all of his or her instructions regarding the frequency and duration of cold therapy, proper temperature, how and when to check the skin, and length of treatment.
- Completely read and follow all included Operation Instructions, Warnings, and Cautions before using the Active Ice® 3.0 System.
Warranty
One year warranty against any defects in materials and/or workmanship. We will repair or replace, at Polar’s sole discretion, within that timeframe. Contact us at 800-763-8423 or email polar@polarproducts.com.
Shipping & Returns
SHIPPING
Once I place my order, how quickly is it processed and when does it ship?
Orders placed before 12 noon EST, Monday through Friday, typically ship the same day. Orders placed after noon, will ship the next business day. If an order requires more than two days before shipping, we will notify you via phone or email regarding the delay.
Click here for full Shipping Policies
RETURNS
Products may be returned within 30 days of receipt, provided they are in unused, original condition and include all components and packaging. Approved returns are subject to a 10% fee (to cover disassembly, inspection, and restocking). Shipping charges are non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the 9-QT and 16-QT Active Ice® Cold Therapy Machine?
Both systems work the same and include the same features, therapy pads, and programmable controls.The main difference is size and cooling time:9-QT: More compact with a flip carry handle, ideal when space and weight matter.16-QT: Larger cooling reservoir holds twice as many frozen water bottles, delivering about twice the cold therapy time between changes. Includes a retractable handle and wheels for easier transport.
How long does the cooling effect last with the Active Ice® Cold Therapy Machine?
Cooling time can vary based on several factors, but many customers report 6–8 hours of cooling with the 9-quart system. The 16-quart system typically provides 12–16 hours between ice changes.
Several things affect how long the cooling lasts:
Body Heat: Everyone generates different levels of body heat. As the system pulls heat away from the treated area, the ice or frozen bottles will melt. This is a sign the therapy is working.
Cycle Time: Longer therapy sessions will require more frequent ice or bottle changes. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommended therapy schedule.
Cooling Setting: Higher flow settings (1–4) deliver colder therapy but use ice faster. Lower settings help extend cooling time.
Type of Ice Used: Frozen water bottles last significantly longer than loose ice. That’s why Active Ice® Systems are designed to hold standard 16 oz frozen water bottles, creating a larger, longer-lasting cooling source than traditional ice.
Is the Active Ice® Cold Therapy Machine suitable for post-surgical recovery?
Yes. The Active Ice® Cold Therapy System is commonly used for post-surgical recovery, post-injury care, and general pain management. It delivers consistent, localized cold therapy to help reduce swelling, calm inflammation, minimize muscle spasms, and provide drug-free pain relief. With a variety of therapy pad options for different body parts, it can support recovery for a wide range of needs.
How does the Polar Active Ice® Cold Therapy Machine help with recovery?
Our systems deliver consistent cold therapy with gentle compression while the insulated outer fabric helps direct maximum cooling to the targeted area. Cold therapy works by slowing blood flow to the injury, which may help reduce swelling, minimize muscle spasms, and support the body’s natural recovery process. All with effective, drug-free pain relief.
Why Should I Choose the Active Ice® Cold Therapy Machine?
- Family-owned and operated small business based in Ohio, USA Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA for quality you can trust.
- Dedicated, on-site customer service team — we answer our phones and emails!
- Manufacturing, engineering, and operations all handled in-house.
- Programmable timer and adjustable flow control with 4 coldness levels. Set custom on and off therapy cycles per your healthcare provider's instructions — a critical safety feature!
- Large cooling reservoir designed to hold frozen 16.9 oz water bottles instead of ice for longer-lasting cold, reusability, and no draining melted ice water.
Are Active Ice® Therapy Pads interchangeable between body parts?
Yes. All Active Ice® Therapy Pads are designed to work with the same control unit. If you already own an Active Ice® System, you don't need a whole new setup to treat a different area, just purchase a separate Therapy Pad. Click here to view all Therapy Pad Options.
Accessories
Sanity saver after total knee replacement. The hospital provided an ice machine from another manufacturer. The hoses were shorter, held much less ice, and turned on/off by plugging the controller in. The cooling pad only covered the top of the knee and sides. I tried using it for a day and rush ordered the Polar Ice based on a friend’s recommendation. The Polar Ice is a much much better device. It stays cold for several hours, the controller is longer, has an off/on and is programmable. I was able to program it to run for 20” on, 30” off and go to sleep without worrying. The full knee cooling pad did a fantastic job of cooling the front, back & sides of my knee. The surgeon was impressed at the level of swelling I had at my 2 week post op visit. I truly believe the Polar Ice machine is the reason I have relatively little extra swelling. I’ve relied on the ice machine to help control my pain and it’s done a fantastic job. I purchased the additional wireless remote. While it isn’t absolutely necessary because the included controller is decently long & easy to use, I found it incredibly convenient to use the remote. The unit is small, lightweight & incredibly quiet. I highly recommend using frozen water bottles. It made refreshing the ice very simple. I found having 3 sets of 5 water bottles in the freezer was sufficient to keep me happily cooled.
Hi Amy, thank you so much for sharing your detailed experience! We're thrilled to hear that our Polar Active Ice® System made such a positive difference in your recovery. Wishing you a smooth healing process and continued comfort. So happy to hear the frozen water bottle tip was beneficial to you!
I was in rehab hospital and thought I would be there to receive.
Then I thought I would not be there.
They were so patient and helpful for me.
I ended up being at the rehab and they changed shipping instructions right away.
I wish I had gotten it before my knee surgery. Grateful I have it now.
User friendly and the one with the roller helps a great deal when you live alone.
Highly recommend 😍
Hi there! We're so glad to hear the Active Ice® Cold Therapy System has been helpful for your recovery. It's great to hear that the wheels and retractable handle on the 16-Quart have been beneficial to you! Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. Wishing you continued healing!
Excellent system! Love the on/off timer feature! Six frozen water bottles still cold the next morning.
Hi there! We're thrilled to hear you love the timer feature of the remote and that the frozen water bottle tip allowed your Active Ice® System to stay cold even to the next morning!
Easy to set up, directions were easy to follow, I used frozen water bottles with the water and this worked well. Would recommend to anyone having surgery.
This ice machine is worth purchasing. I have been using it since my knee replacement. Using the large pad, I can ice all around the knee. I purchased the additional remote and that was good to have, it made it easier to turn on and off by myself.