This is perfect for icing down from surgery. I had foot surgery on Fri, put this on when I got home and its been on ever since, today is Thurs. You put water in the cooler container- add ice and stir until it gets very cold. Take the hose from the cooler attatch to the boot, open the valve and the icy water flows right in. Stays cold 3 to 6 hours. Once done, attach the hose again, open the valve and the water from the boot flows back into the cooler. If needed you add more ice. Simple, no mess aSee full review