Trying to save money with a hot water bottle nearly cost woman everything
- Replies 3
What seemed like a simple attempt to save a few dollars on heating turned into a life-changing ordeal.
But sometimes, even the simplest decisions can have unexpected and painful consequences.
As the days grow colder, it’s a reminder that some habits can come with unforeseen consequences.
Sophia Pauley, 29, from Cardiff but living in Hackney, east London, had been using a hot water bottle to save on heating costs when she suffered a traumatic injury.
On a snowy day last month, Sophia followed her usual routine—filling the bottle halfway and getting into bed to stay warm.
But soon after settling in, hot water began leaking from the top, burning her thighs, under her bum, and part of her hand.
‘There was so much, I could just feel it burn underneath me,’ she recalled.
The pain was excruciating, leaving her screaming in agony. She quickly dashed to the shower to try and cool the second-degree burns.
After calling an ambulance, she was advised to soak in cold water for 45 minutes before heading to A&E.
Doctors had to tweeze away the damaged skin, a process that left her horrified by the extent of her injuries.
‘It was an out-of-body experience. I have been to hospital before, but that was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced,’ she said.
For a week, Sophia struggled with basic tasks like walking and using the toilet.
Sophia’s hot water bottle had been with her for nearly four years, and she admitted that she should have replaced it sooner.
‘I use pretty hot water, but I know you’re not meant to use boiling. I sat in bed and immediately thought I had left the lid off because it was suddenly all over me,’ she said.
Although Sophia had the heating on, she often relied on the hot water bottle because her hands and feet tend to get cold. She now regrets using it and is urging others to avoid doing the same.
Doctors confirmed that hot water bottle burns had become more common, especially as people try to stay warm without turning on the heating.
‘Lots of people every year come in with hot water bottle burns,’ Sophia explained.
‘I was told they think there is cheaper manufacturing [of the bottles] and people are just not heating their houses enough.’
She also mentioned that the situation was particularly alarming for parents.
‘Some burns that look quite insignificant can be caused by the hot water bottle not even spilling but burning on the skin,’ she said.
Since her ordeal, Sophia has become passionate about warning others. She encourages anyone with a hot water bottle to throw it out or replace it every year.
‘Don’t fill it up with boiling water, or top it up with cold water,’ she advised.
Sophia’s burns have mostly healed, though they remain sensitive, and she must avoid the sun for the next two years. But despite the healing process, she remains resolute in her decision to never use a hot water bottle again.
‘I would avoid them at all costs. There’s dangers even if it doesn’t leak, it can still burn you on your skin,’ she said.
‘People really need to look at the expiry dates and think again before using them.’
Have you ever had a close call with a hot water bottle, or maybe you've learned a lesson the hard way with other household products? Share your experiences in the comments below.
But sometimes, even the simplest decisions can have unexpected and painful consequences.
As the days grow colder, it’s a reminder that some habits can come with unforeseen consequences.
Sophia Pauley, 29, from Cardiff but living in Hackney, east London, had been using a hot water bottle to save on heating costs when she suffered a traumatic injury.
Woman suffers severe burns after using hot water bottle. Image source: @sophia_pauley_art on Instagram
On a snowy day last month, Sophia followed her usual routine—filling the bottle halfway and getting into bed to stay warm.
But soon after settling in, hot water began leaking from the top, burning her thighs, under her bum, and part of her hand.
‘There was so much, I could just feel it burn underneath me,’ she recalled.
The pain was excruciating, leaving her screaming in agony. She quickly dashed to the shower to try and cool the second-degree burns.
After calling an ambulance, she was advised to soak in cold water for 45 minutes before heading to A&E.
Doctors had to tweeze away the damaged skin, a process that left her horrified by the extent of her injuries.
‘It was an out-of-body experience. I have been to hospital before, but that was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced,’ she said.
For a week, Sophia struggled with basic tasks like walking and using the toilet.
Sophia’s hot water bottle had been with her for nearly four years, and she admitted that she should have replaced it sooner.
‘I use pretty hot water, but I know you’re not meant to use boiling. I sat in bed and immediately thought I had left the lid off because it was suddenly all over me,’ she said.
Although Sophia had the heating on, she often relied on the hot water bottle because her hands and feet tend to get cold. She now regrets using it and is urging others to avoid doing the same.
Doctors confirmed that hot water bottle burns had become more common, especially as people try to stay warm without turning on the heating.
‘Lots of people every year come in with hot water bottle burns,’ Sophia explained.
‘I was told they think there is cheaper manufacturing [of the bottles] and people are just not heating their houses enough.’
She also mentioned that the situation was particularly alarming for parents.
‘Some burns that look quite insignificant can be caused by the hot water bottle not even spilling but burning on the skin,’ she said.
Since her ordeal, Sophia has become passionate about warning others. She encourages anyone with a hot water bottle to throw it out or replace it every year.
‘Don’t fill it up with boiling water, or top it up with cold water,’ she advised.
Sophia’s burns have mostly healed, though they remain sensitive, and she must avoid the sun for the next two years. But despite the healing process, she remains resolute in her decision to never use a hot water bottle again.
‘I would avoid them at all costs. There’s dangers even if it doesn’t leak, it can still burn you on your skin,’ she said.
‘People really need to look at the expiry dates and think again before using them.’
Have you ever had a close call with a hot water bottle, or maybe you've learned a lesson the hard way with other household products? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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