Cold Therapy · DonJoy · Product Comparisons ·Oct 30, 2026

DonJoy IceMan Classic3 vs. Clear3: Differences, Compatibility, and Which Should You Buy?

Reviewed by Dr. Dina Khentigan, DNP · Last updated October 30, 2026

Quick answer: The DonJoy IceMan Classic3 and IceMan Clear3 work the same way. Both are plug-in, cold-only machines that pump ice water through the same DonJoy Wrap-On pads. The real differences are the cooler and the power supply. The Clear3 has a see-through cooler, and the power supplies are not interchangeable.

Both machines cost almost the same at My Cold Therapy, and the pads, sterile dressings, and skin barriers fit either one. So for most people, the choice comes down to which cooler you prefer and whether you already own parts for one of them.

[VIDEO EMBED: Dr. Dina Khentigan, DNP, compares the DonJoy IceMan Classic3 and Clear3]

What is the difference between the IceMan Classic3 and Clear3?

The two machines share the same core design. DonJoy says both use its recirculation system, which mixes water that has warmed in the pad back in with colder ice water. DonJoy says this keeps the temperature more even across the pad. Neither machine has active (pumped) compression. The straps hold the pad in place, but they don't squeeze on a cycle.

Here is where they differ:

The cooler. The IceMan Clear3 has a clear cooler, so you can see how much ice is left without opening it. The IceMan Classic3 has a solid cooler.
The lid. On the Classic3, you rotate the handle forward to unlock the lid, then rotate it up and back to latch it. On the Clear3, you seat the lid's lip in its groove and press the front down to close it.
The power supply. DonJoy lists different power supply part numbers for each machine: 25-4041 for the Classic3 and 25-4882 for the Clear3. They are not interchangeable.
The part number. The Classic3 cooler is DonJoy part 11-0494. The Clear3 cooler is part 11-0493.

How do the Classic3 and Clear3 compare side by side?

	DonJoy IceMan Classic3	DonJoy IceMan Clear3
DonJoy part number (cooler)	11-0494	11-0493
Type of therapy	Motorized cold therapy	Motorized cold therapy
Active compression	No	No
Cooler	Solid, with a handle that locks the lid	Clear, so you can see the ice level
Power	Wall plug	Wall plug
Power supply part number	25-4041	25-4882
Pads it uses	DonJoy Wrap-On pads and cold pads	The same DonJoy Wrap-On pads and cold pads
Sterile dressings and skin barriers	Same as Clear3	Same as Classic3
Hose lengths	Pads come with a regular hose (6.5") or an extended hose (15")	Same
Price at My Cold Therapy, cooler only	$119.00	$119.99
Price at My Cold Therapy, with one pad	$184.99	$184.99

Specs are from DonJoy's product pages and instructions for use. Prices are My Cold Therapy's listed prices as of October 2026 and may change.

Do the Classic3 and Clear3 use the same pads?

Yes. DonJoy says its non-sterile Wrap-On pads are made for use with both the IceMan Clear3 and the Classic3. A pad you buy for one will fit the other.

Pad	DonJoy part number	Size	Matching sterile dressing
Universal, regular hose	11-0679-9-00000	10.85" x 11.34"	Universal, 11-0822-9-00000
Universal XL, regular hose	11-0681-9-00000	12" x 11.34"	Universal XL, 11-0823-9-00000
Universal XL, extended hose	11-0682-9-00000	12" x 11.34"	Universal XL, 11-0823-9-00000
McGuire knee (open patella)	11-1268-9-00000	10.85" x 11.34"	Universal, 11-0822-9-00000
Small shoulder	11-1397-9-00000	12.75" x 19" x 12.25"	Shoulder, 11-1360-9-00000
Regular shoulder	11-1334-9-00000	14" x 23" x 12.5"	Shoulder, 11-1360-9-00000
Ankle	11-1522	Not listed by DonJoy	None listed
Forefoot	11-1521	Not listed by DonJoy	None listed
Hip, right or left	11-9111 (right), 11-9112 (left)	Not listed by DonJoy	None listed
Large rectangle	11-0813-9-00000	9.76" x 13.75"	Contact us

Shop Classic3 replacement pads or Clear3 replacement pads. They are the same DonJoy part numbers.

Shoulder sizing: The regular shoulder pad runs large. We suggest the small shoulder pad if your chest measures under 42 inches around, and the regular shoulder pad at 42 inches or more. For a shoulder or hip, many people like an extended-hose pad because the longer hose reaches the machine more easily.

Are the Classic3 and Clear3 power supplies interchangeable?

No. This is the one part that does not cross over. DonJoy lists power supply 25-4041 for the Classic3 and 25-4882 for the Clear3. Our Clear3 replacement power supply (25-4882) also fits the Aircast Cryo/Cuff IC cooler, but it does not work with the Classic3. If you lose a power cord, check the name on the front of your cooler before you order.

Do DonJoy IceMan pads fit Breg or other machines?

No. DonJoy IceMan pads only fit DonJoy IceMan machines. They do not fit the Breg Polar Care Cube, Kodiak, or Wave, and Breg pads do not fit an IceMan. DonJoy's instructions say to use only approved IceMan cold pads with the Clear3. If you're comparing brands, see our Breg Cube vs. Wave vs. Kodiak guide.

Which one should you buy: the Classic3 or the Clear3?

Neither is better for everyone. Use this to decide:

Your situation	Good match
You want to check the ice level at a glance without opening the lid	Clear3
You like a handle that locks the lid shut	Classic3
You already own a Clear3 or Classic3 power supply, or spare pads	Match the machine you already have parts for
Your surgeon's office or orthopedic practice named a specific model	The one they named
Your surgeon wants cold plus active compression	Neither. Look at a cold compression system instead.

For more help by procedure, see our guides to ice machines for knee surgery and ice machines for shoulder surgery.

[Dr. Dina quote: what matters most to her when a patient is choosing between two similar machines, such as ease of filling and draining at home]

What do you need between the pad and your skin?

DonJoy's instructions say to always use a barrier between your skin and the cold pad. Never put the pad on bare skin. You have two options:

Sterile dressing: Your surgical team may want a sterile dressing under the pad right after surgery. DonJoy sterile dressings come in universal, universal XL, and shoulder styles, and they fit both machines' pads. Learn why sterile dressings matter with cold therapy.
Non-sterile skin barrier: Over intact skin or a dressing already in place, our Omni Ice skin barriers for DonJoy Clear3 and Classic3 pads attach to the pad and sit between it and your skin.

Who should not use an IceMan cold therapy machine?

DonJoy's instructions list conditions where the IceMan should not be used. These include Raynaud's phenomenon or other vasospastic conditions, Buerger's disease, cold allergy or cold hypersensitivity, cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disorders, pheochromocytoma, sickle cell anemia, and a history of cold injury.

For everyone else, follow your surgeon's schedule for how long and how often to use the machine. Check your skin often. Stop and call your care team if you notice numbness that doesn't go away, burning, blisters, or skin color changes. Be extra careful after a nerve block, when you may not feel the cold as well.

[Dr. Dina quote: how often to check the skin under the pad, and what to look for, especially after a nerve block]

How do you get the most out of each fill of ice?

Both machines fill the same way: add ice to the fill line inside the cooler, then add cold water to its fill line. DonJoy's tips for longer-lasting cold:

Freeze water in plastic cups or food containers to make larger blocks of ice, then add them to the cooler.
Don't use frozen water bottles. DonJoy does not recommend them.
If the pad doesn't feel cold, check that you added enough ice.

DonJoy's product pages don't list how many hours one fill lasts. Remember that how long the ice lasts is not how long you should keep the pad on.

Frequently asked questions

Is the DonJoy IceMan Clear3 better than the Classic3?

Not for everyone. Both are motorized, cold-only machines with the same recirculation design and the same pads. The Clear3 lets you see the ice level through a clear cooler. The Classic3 has a solid cooler with a locking handle. Pick the cooler you prefer or the one your surgeon named.

Do Clear3 pads fit the Classic3?

Yes. DonJoy makes its Wrap-On pads for use with both the IceMan Clear3 and Classic3. The same part numbers fit either machine, and so do DonJoy sterile dressings and our Omni Ice skin barriers for DonJoy pads.

Can I use a Clear3 power supply on a Classic3?

No. DonJoy lists different power supplies: 25-4882 for the Clear3 and 25-4041 for the Classic3. The Clear3 power supply also fits the Aircast Cryo/Cuff IC cooler, but not the Classic3.

Does the DonJoy IceMan have compression?

No. The Classic3 and Clear3 give cold therapy only. The pad straps hold the pad in place, but there is no pump-driven compression. If your surgeon wants compression, ask about a cold compression system.

Can I use two pads on one IceMan at the same time?

Yes, with the DonJoy IceMan dual pad connector (Y adapter), part 11-0674-9. You will also need a second pad.

Do I need a prescription for a DonJoy IceMan?

DonJoy says not to use the device without a prescription and direction from a physician. Your prescription should say how long and how often to use it.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to buy an IceMan?

Yes. The IceMan Classic3 and Clear3 are HSA and FSA eligible at My Cold Therapy. Check with your plan if you're unsure.

Can I return an IceMan if I change my mind?

Because these are medical products, we can't accept returns once an order ships unless the item is defective and covered by DonJoy's 6-month warranty. Contact us before you order if you're unsure which pad or size you need.

Shop DonJoy IceMan systems at My Cold Therapy

Medical disclaimer: This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Cold therapy has risks and is not right for everyone. DonJoy IceMan units are intended for use with a prescription and direction from a physician. Follow your surgeon's instructions and DonJoy's current instructions for use.