But keep in mind that reusable hand warmers are made with the hands in mind, but will function on other areas of the body. This is great for anyone who spends a lot of time in a cold environment, or participates in winter sports activites.

The type that are in packets normally have adhesive strips, so they can attatch to different bits of your clothes, like underwear or gloves to keep the selected bodyparts warm. Most times, they are not directly in contact with the skin, as this will lead to burning. If you get cold feet, there are models that can be inserted into your shoes or boots, or stuck onto your socks. However the reason you are hear is to learn about reusable hand warmers, so we will stick to that subject.

Some hand warmers are activated with air contact, and contain iron, water, cellulose, vermicilite, salt, and activated carbon and will produce heat from the exothermic oxidation of iron when exposed to air. How they work is the water will act as a catalyst, the activated carbon speeds up the reaction, and the salt also acts as a catalyst.

Supersatuated Solution Warmers
Supersaturated solutions is the kind of reusable hand warmers that generate heat through the exothermic crystallisation of supersaturated solutions. Bending or snapping a small metal disc that is inside the pad is how the heat is generated. This particular action generates nucleation centres that initiate crystallisation. To dissolve salt in its own water of crystallisation, heat is required. The moment crystallisation is initiated, this heat is released. To recharge these types of reusable hand warmers, you need to boil the pads in water, and once they are in liquid state you can use them again.

Lighter Fuel Reusable hand Warmers
For something simple and convenient to use, look for a lighter fuel warmer. These types operate on lighter fuel, which will react with a platinum catalyst hence releasing heat by oxidation reactions. To reuse these particular types, all you need to do is refill the hand warmers.

Battery Powered Warmers
Other types include battery powered warmers.With these particular types, the electrically resistive heating devices convert electrical energy in the battery to thermal energy. They can operate off rechargable batteries and disposable batteries, although some models can be picky.Like cellhpones, these can be charged and recharged hundreds of times using the same battery. this is beneficial for the user as it saves money, and good for the environment.

Passive reusable hand warmers
And lastly we have the passive warmers.They can also be referred to as heatbands. They are worn around your wrist, and consist of a thin band of material. The blood vessels that are close to the skins surface are insulated, and relect the bodys own heat back to the area using the reusable or pocket warmers.

The heat produced by the corn types is a moist type, and the heating pads are very therapeutic. Traditional heating pads produce a dry heat, but a moist heat from a microwavable heating pad is far better for you. Many heatpads are positional. This means you can put the microwavable heating pad whereever you want it to be, and this is perfect for people who are unable to move freely.

Some specific features of the heat pads are as follows:

*  Relieve cramps, ease the stress of a long day and soothe sore tight muscles.
* Help you warm you toes, fingers, and a cold bed.
* If you are ill, or are recovering from surgery, the heat pads will help in the healing process by keeping you warm.
* If you have a lot of tension, which can result in insomnia, the heat might help you relax and fall asleep.
* Filled with rice, or natural whole corn, the heatpads do not require additional scents.
* The covers are washable
* They are very portable. you don’t require any wires, or have to mess around with boiling water to achive relief!
* They can be used for hot or cold therapy, and are designed to be used again and again.

The heating pads are not limited to use in a bed or chair. They can also be taken to work (most work-places have microwaves), be used to pre-heat a stroller,pre-heat a car seat (including a baby car-seat) and so forth.

They are especially beneficial when travelling. Your muscles get very sore from long periods of inactivity, and you are more prone to injury when hauling heavy luggage, or trying to put items into the overhead compartment of an airplane. Sleeping in a bed you are not used to can affect your muscles, and put additional strain on them, and using a rental car will also trigger this change. The stress of travelling such as catching flights, finding your way in unfamiliar territory, and generally being out of your element can be helped with a microwavable heating pad. The pad will help relax your tense muscles, and will allow you to achieve a good nights sleep.

Traditional Types
1. The traditional hand warmers will apply the slow oxidation of lighter fluid by means of a catalyst. 24 hours of heat can be provide, yet it only consumes as little as a half-ounce of lighter fluid. There is little odor and no flame. Heating the catalyst with a lighter initiates the reaction. It will continue to provide heat until the catalyst is removed until fuel is depleted..
Electric Hand Warmer
2. Using resistive heaters and rechargeable batteries is how an electric hand warmer functions.the reusability of these units is outstanding.
Chemical Hand Warmers
3. One type of disposable chemical hand warmer gloves are fueled by the slow oxidation of iron. Another type involves supersaturation, which is the property of dissolving more than a healthy measure of a substance.
Iron-Based Chemical Hand Warmer
4. These hand warmer gloves contain activated carbon, iron, vermiculite and salt. The contents are exposed to the air when the container is opened, thus exposing Iron oxidizes fairly quickly, generating warmth. These types of warmers are generally only good for one use, but are handily packaged so they can be put in boots, gloves, attached to underwear, and such. These are generally considered to be the #1 for hand warmer gloves, or for putting inside your gloves to keep your hands warm.
The acetate type
5. Sodium triacetate and water in a plastic pocket is submerged in boiling water until all the triacetate dissolves. The solution in the pouch is ends up supersaturated after it is cooled. Then by pressing a small metal tab, this releases a few nuclei, which will force crystallization of extra triacetate, releasing warmth.

So now that you have read about the different types, you should carefully consider what you need. Think about your activities, and how you intend to use your hand warmer gloves.

Football hand warmers can contain a mixture of vermiculite, iron, sodium acetate, salt, cellulose, and water. They come in miniature types, reusable and disposable, and are excellent for any outdoor activity like football, camping, skiing, and hiking.

The different kinds of football hand warmers are as follow:

The disposable kind:

* Up to a 114 degrees Fahrenheit temperature can be achieved
* They can hold the heat for up to 6 hours at a time.
* To activate them, you need to shake them vigorously for a few seconds.
* When their warmth has been fully discharged, they will be thrown away.

The reusable kind

* A temperature of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit can be achieved in only 15 seconds.
* Using your forefinger and thumb, you flex the metal discs inside their pouch. This will activate the football hand warmers.
* They are used to relieve backaches, cramps, arthritis, and muscle soreness.
* To reuse, you need to boil them for 6 minutes, or until the become liquid form.

Mini hand warmer type

* These are activated by the air.Before using they are exposed to the air.
* Despite their miniture size, around 135 degrees Fahrenheit of warmth can be supplied by them.

* They will last up to 40 hours per use.

Duration of heating: For outdoor day activities like football, select a football hand warmers that can give you at least six hours warmth. For prolonged outdoor activites like camping, look out for a mini hand warmer that will give you up to 40 hours use, or a reusable one.

Sizes: A regular-sized pair of hand warmers is a good choice if you plan to put them in your large ski vest pockets. Look for a pair of mini hand warmers that you can easily slip inside your gloves, for hand usage.

Electrical hand warmers are great for keeping the winter cold away. All you need to do is charge it for a few minutes, then you will have instant heat for several hours. To charge it again when it has lost its’ heat, you have to only plug it in for a few minutes. It automatically shuts down when it reaches the required temperature.These are ideal for all outdoor related activities in the cold weather, should you be skiing in the alps, or taking your dog for a walk. Most have a built in protector so they won’t overheat, and as mentioned before they are especially benifical to those with athritis. They are very soft to the touch, and feel great too.The electric hand warmers can keep warm for several hours once charged.The warmers temperature can go up to around 60 degres. Some additional features are listed below.

* They are very roomy, and will accomodate any hand size.
* Three temperature settings are generally provided.
* The liners are washable
* Heat induced hand cream are often included with them.
* 2 years warranty is the norm for most models.

With this information in mind, when choosing a electric hand warmers you should have a good idea of what to look for.