I used the Nice Machine after a hip scope. It was the best and easiest ice machine we have used. It does require distilled water (found in the baby isle at Walmart). The best part: we filled with distilled water and it lasted for two weeks. We never had to be bothered with refilling with ice. The coldness and the compression are adjustable. I used the pre-set program of 30 min on 30 min off through out the day with a cold setting of 3 (1-5) and compression setting at low intermittent. You can create your own time settings or use the preset programs. Very easy to set up and use on your own even while using crutches. By far the best and easiest ice machine we have ever used!!!