‘It's unhinged', say shoppers about hot weather buy that guarantees a good night's sleep and only costs £5
With temperatures set to hit a scorching 32C this weekend, many Brits will be desperately looking for clever ways to cool down.
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Some shoppers have revealed an "unhinged" hot weather hack they've found to get through the sticky, sleepless nights, with many hailing it a "lifesaver".
Pet cooling mats can be found at many high street stores in the UK, and while they are intended to be used for cats and dogs, some people have been buying the gadgets for themselves.
Commenting on a TikTok video calling for people to share their "unhinged tips on how to stay cool" during hot spells, one social media user wrote: "Borrowed my cat's gel cooling mat as she's uninterested in it and it's a lifesaver.
"I'm considering getting a Labrador-sized one for more coverage."
Another replied saying: "I did exactly that, it's amazing."
The cooling mats can be found at many UK retailers, including Sainsbury's and B&Q, and cost as little as £5 for a small size.
Unlike some other hot weather buys available right now, they also cost nothing to run as they require no water or electricity.
Shoppers have also shared their tips for getting the most out of the cooling gadget, revealing they sleep with it under their bed sheets at night.
Posting to the Aldi Aisle of Shame Community Facebook group, one wrote: "Whoever posted to use the dog cooling mat for yourself under the sheets…thank you!!
"This is an amazing discovery! And it works!!!"
Six items every UK driver should remove from cars this weekend
Another commented: "I bought it and did the same, slept great the past 3 nights!"
"I have been using mine for the last 3 summers!" another user wrote.
"I put the mat at the bottom of the bed. Cools my legs and stays cool all night!"
Some Reddit users have also been posting about the hack, with one posting to the online: "I bought a cooling mat used for dogs for myself. It is great!"
They added: "I stumbled upon a cooling mat for dogs online that doesn't require cooling inserts or electricity and thought why not try it out.
"It is great! It is not too cold to make you freeze but it cools my body done nicely."
Where can I find the gadget?
Sainsbury's is currently selling a cooling mat for small dogs for just £5. that provides "instant cooling", according to the retailer.
The Weboox Pet Cooling Mat for Small Breeds is cool to the touch and gel based, requiring no water or electricity.
It's also wipe clean and water resistant, featuring safe, non-toxic cooling gel.
The mat is also available in a medium size for £10.
B&Q is also offering a cooling mat for under £6. Its Pets Self Cooling Gel Mat For Cats & Dogs measures 40X50cm and costs £5.95.
Morrisons is selling a Furdreams Pet Cooling Mat in medium for £7, which the retailer describes as easy to clean, portable and versatile for home, travel, or outdoor use.
Tesco is selling a larger pet cooling mat, which is on sale at £11.47, reduced from £15.29.
"COOLER Pet Cooling Mat is an essential accessory for those hot summer days, this cooling mat will help to regulate your pet's temperature and prevent overheating," Tesco says on its website.
How to keep cool in hot weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS...
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
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