Since my last post I have refined my solution to use a simple hand warmer pad that is readily available in Canada ski country. Hand-warmers require a layer of cloth to avoid over heat injury and so I have included a pouch design using common materials. The cloth is to control the heat. Adding layers will lower the heat. I used a small heat glue gun to tack the pouch together and I made a template for making many copies shown in the photo. Tacking the insulation in place then sewing the sides is good.
My comment on the treatment is that I have never tried this on COVID-19 and don't know anyone that has. I have tried that equivalent heating pad on colds and flu and it works like a charm. I have sent notes with this information to about 15 organizations and have so far received no personal response. So if someone tries this on the coronavirus, please make a comment!
Nose and Sinuses Warmer for Colds
Why is it necessary to warm the nose channels and
sinuses? Most colds are caused by
viruses that propagate in the nose channels and sinuses. These areas supply the
ideal temperature and humidity for this to happen. The purpose of these areas
is to warm the incoming air and collect moisture on outgoing air. Cold viruses
propagate rapidly in a temperature range of 33-35 0C and humidity
range 40-50%, an environment found in the nose areas. Rhinoviruses, the cause
of most colds have been found to stop existing above 38.8 0C and
humidity of 95%. So by blocking the nose
entrance stopping cold air from entering, and heating the channels to above 39 0C,
you can create an environment that demolishes the viruses.
The process is time-dependent as it takes a while for the
heat to travel along the various paths.
The materials the nose is created from are good heat conductors, so the
process is relatively fast. Blocking off the nose and breathing through the
mouth, increases the temperature in the nose to core temperature in about 5
minutes. During this process, it is best to block the nose inlet on the side of
the face that is being heated and to breathe through the mouth. This stops the
cold air inlet thus maximizing the heating process.
Both heating pads and hand-warmer pads are suitable for
heating. The heat output can be easily adjusted, both have sufficient heat
capacity, heat output is constant and both are designed for body heating. I
would not use any other heat sources as the danger of over-heating could cause
burning. Neither of these devices has temperature gauges. I use an infrared detector which is
non-intrusive and immediate. A body thermometer will work but make sure it will
measure up to 44 0C. I also use a digital cooking thermometer for
measuring the pad temperature. The back of the hand or forearm can be used to
check the temperature of your source if none of the above are available. The
advantage of the warming pad is that its’ size is perfect for this application.
It should be noted that heating the skin, blood will rise to the surface
turning it red. The redness will disappear in a few hours.
For electric heating pads, the highest or second-highest setting can
be used.
Hand-warmer pads are inexpensive bought in bulk and much less
bulky to use. Read the instruction on
the package. (I’m not sure of the
term medical use means as it is not defined. I used the pads in my ski boot to
keep my feet warm.) The pad uses the
oxidation of iron to create heat which means they need oxygen/air to create
heat. When removed from their sealed
package they require some massaging to get them started. Returning the pad to a
sealed, air evacuated bag stops the heating process, ready to use again. These pad are designed for local heating of body parts. Ideal.
Equipment Needed
A thermometer, a warming pad, a pouch, and a plastic bag to
seal the pad when not in use
Make a Pouch
The pouch is a
sandwich with material surrounding the pad. One outside layer of cloth shields
the skin from the pad and the rest is insulation. Instructions on how to make a pouch are included.