I purchased this for my knee recovery, after arthriscopic surgery. I needed true compression to apply icing with compression on my knee, after surgery. I am glad I have this bladder. However, the supplied ice pack isn't wonderful. The ice pack should contain at least 25% more ice gel volume in the pack. Also, there isn't any kind of internal control in the ice pack, so the small amount of ice content tends to shift into non pressure areas, and because it is so sparse, the part with pressure tends to be pushed very thin, and the icing on those areas doesn't last very long. So, while I recommend this "brace" as a compression device, I suggest it be supplemented with the purchase of other flexibile ice packs. There is no reason you can't use another ice pack with this device. I also suggest the user consider purchasing a flexible pack that will wrap around, at least most of the knee. Then, you can simply place this device over the top of that, and apply the compression. This also results in the pack staying in place, if you need to get up and do something. I purchased the Shock Doctor Ice Recovery Compression Knee Brace, and have ended up using it as an ice pack, and applied this compression on top of that. This is an excellent combination, but maybe not really an efficient use of money. You will get almost the same results with the suggested plan of action, with just flexible ice packs (I have a couple of these, and have specifically used this method, also). I am writing this in hopes perhaps you can save a few dollars and be prepared, in the event the reader is also trying to prepare in advance of arthiscopic surgery, as I was. I just purcased a few different things, in hopes I would be ready for recovery. Ice is very important in the days following arthriscopic surgery, so I suggest anyone in that position, purchase this, and multiple flexible ice packs from this site. Then, you will be prepared to apply ice every hour, if you wish. Your limitation is going to be the number of ice packs you have in the freezer. When I was planning, I was looking at the various devices and considering what kind of ice packs they came with, and how much of my knee would be covered by the ice pack. Forget doing that. Purchase this, and then buy whatever ice packs you want, and place this over them. That's my suggestion.

I didn't give 5 stars because its perfect. I gave it 5 stars because it works pretty well and is well priced
for what it does. If your freezer is efficient, it will stay cold for a considerable time. Be sure to put a
paper towel or the equivalent between your skin and the brace or you'll get skin burns. Pump it up alot
and the cold with pressure is very effective for reducing inflammation. For me, one of the velcro straps
is a bit long, making it trickier, but not impossible, to get a tight fit.

I like the knee brace but it does not hold the air once it is pumped up. The air is released almost immediately and I have to keep pumping the brace constantly. Not sure if this is normal or if the knee brace is defective. Will update this feedback once I have an answer from the company. If this is normal I will return the product. There were no instructions in the product package, I think there should be so people like me understand how to use this product.

Highly effective, low cost cooling and compression for your RICE therapy.
This does not pretend to be a $ 2500 Game Ready Pro -- but it does give you most of the same benefits at a very small fraction of the cost.
I like it so much that I bought a second one for a relative.

Works well and maintains cold temp to the front and surrounding portions of the knee. I also purchased a second pack so that one would always be ready to go. The pump-up feature is nice and you can close the valve and screw off the bulb and hose so it is not awkward moving around the house. The entire thing is very high quality and does not feel cheap in the slightest.

Please be careful as these can get very cold placed directly on your skin. I made the mistake of dozing off and giving myself a bit of "freezer burn" one time. Now I use a thin compression sleeve under the O2 system. You've been warned :)