Is the 6.5x11 busy or flat? Looking for one to lay on for back pain

They're all flat and most people can lay on them just fine - if too cold, just take a hand towel, run it in hot water, and then put it over the pack before laying on it - allows you to "ease" into the cold. Also, try strengthening your multifidus muscles for your back pain - see Jim Johnson's stenosis book.

Can this be microwaved and also used for heat pain relief

No, it is used as a cold pack (filled with jell) only.

What is the shelf life of an ice packs packs used by/in physical therapy?

Jane; I am not a PT nor do I have PT professional ties. I had back surgery in 1996, neck surgery in 1996, back surgery in 2005 and back surgery in 2009. I ordered 3 of the black (heavier duty) ColPac's back in 1996 and have used them for pain relief (sometimes several times a day, sometimes not for several weeks but they all reside in my freezer). My first and only ColPac leaked recently (this year) because of my improper use (i applied ColPac then put my back brace over it with pressure and fell asleep). It had a small leak so I trashed it (my fault). The other 2 Colpacs purchased at the same time are still functioning like the day I bought them in 1996. I purchased 3 more just recently to have as backup (I have OCD), but I would say from my experience shelf life has been almost 18 years and still functioning like new. I suggest only buying the black (heavy duty) which seem to be for commercial use, and see them in most PT facilities. Nice thing about these is you apply them and the coldness wears off about 20-25 minutes after applying, so you can fall asleep using them without worrying about keeping the cold on too long and burning your skin. The relief for me has been awesome! Hope this helps! Regards, Bill S

Directions say don't lay on it, but I'm uncomfortable lying on my stomach (lower back issues). Has anyone had problems lying on it on a bed?

My PT suggested this and wants me to lay on it 30 min on then 30 off and so on. I lay on 3 XL ones during PT every time I go for 30 min at a time. Was specifically told to "lay on it". I just make sure to put something between it and myself and no big deal. Yes they do get very cold and stay cold so I would suggest no more than 30 min at any one time and make sure you have a barrier between it and your skin. I even wear a t-shirt with a tank top underneath so I have another 2 extra layers of protection when I use it on my back post back surgery.

ASIN	B000QFZRNE
Age Range Description	Adult
Best Sellers Rank	#504,575 in Health & Personal Care ( See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care ) #2,308 in Hot & Cold Packs
Brand	Chattanooga
Colour	Black
Container Type	Bag
Country of Origin	USA
Customer Reviews	4.7 out of 5 stars 11,843 Reviews
Global Trade Identification Number	00048694015566
Item Dimensions	32.5 x 21.6 x 7.4 Centimeters
Item Form	Pack
Item Height	2.9 Inches
Item Weight	2721.54 Grams
Manufacturer	Chattnooga
Material	Polyurethane
Number of Items	1
Product Benefits	Cold Relief
Special Features	Reusable
Target Use Body Part	Back
UPC	048694015566

ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack Cold Therapy for Back, Thigh/Quad, Hamstring, Shoulder for Aches, Swelling, Bruises, Sprains, Inflammation (12.5"x18.5") - Black

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