Use of heat therapy for pain relief is not new. It dates back to 500BC when the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used Sun’s heat to treat illnesses.
Hot stones, springs, thermal baths and volcanic hot air caverns are some century-old ways to cope with pain. Basically, heat combats pain in 3 ways. It dilates blood vessels.
With this, the flow of blood (and hence, the flow of nutrients and oxygen) to the damaged muscle tissues increases and this helps healing.
Second, it encourages the pain receptors in the affected area to block the transmission of pain signals to brain.
Top 10 Best Heating Pad Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Microwavable Heating Pad - Warming Solution Bag for Joint Pain, Aches, Pains, Cramps, and Arthritis | Comfortable and odorless. Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief. Made of a soft micro-fleece material that feels good. Low price. | 2.5 | $ |
 | Preffered Plus Heating pad Moist/dry therapy | King sized pad to cover more area. Use of SmartHeat Technology for even and long-lasting results. Automatic turn-off feature. Low price. | 3 | $ |
 | Advocate Heating Pad | King sized pad to cover more area. Automatic turn-off feature. Includes a reusable storage bag. Low price. | 3 | $ |
 | Thermotech Automatic Digital Moist Heating Pad Heating Pad, Beige, King (26 x 14 Inches) | Sturdy and durable. Extra large pad to cover more area. Automatic turn-off feature. Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief. | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Mind & Body Electric Spa Wrap-2 Count Jumbo Size Pack | Extra large pad to cover more area. Uses SmartHeat technology for even and long-lasting heat. Automatic turn-off feature. Comes with a two-year warranty. Low price. | 4 | $ |
 | Milliard Electric Therapy Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief - Gray - 15in x 12in | Ergonomically designed to conform to the curvature of human body. Oversized, easy to use controls. Low price. | 4 | $ |
 | Thermophore Classic™ Deep-Heat™ Therapy Pack™ - Large 14" x 27" Red Box | King sized covers more area. Automatic turn-off feature. Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief. Two soft washable covers. 2-year warranty. | 4 | $$ |
 | Sunbeam 938-511 Microplush King Size Heating Pad with LED Controller | King sized pad to cover more area. Two sided cover that offers superior comfort and heating. Automatic turn-off feature. Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief. Comes with a one year warranty. | 4.5 | $ |
 | Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad with UltraHeatTechnology | UltraHeatTechnology for consistent and even heating. Incredibly low price. | 4.5 | $ |
 | PureRelief XL - King Size Heating Pad with Fast-Heating Technology, 6 Temperature Settings & Convenient Storage Bag - Charcoal Gray (12" x 24") | King sized pad to cover more area. Automatic turn-off feature. Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief. Comes in two color options. Comes with a five-year warranty. Low price. | 5 | $ |
This makes the patient unable to feel pain. And third, it reduces the stiffness in the connective tissues, making them more supple, flexible and healthy.
Heat remedies offer great pain relief and therapeutic advantages for all kinds of body aches and muscle soreness. They can be used for pain in back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, legs or feet.
They are even helpful for menstrual cramps. And the best part is that they do not have any side effects, unlike painkillers or invasive surgical procedures.
Heat pads are an inexpensive, easy and convenient heat remedy. They are compact and portable so you can even take them to your office. Luckily, there are plenty of readily available heat pads in market.
In this guide, we have handpicked a few for you. We will tell you about their types, benefits, disadvantages and help you choose the best heating pad for you. So, stay tuned!
What types of heating pads are there?
Heating pads can be broadly classified as electric, infrared, microwaveable, chemical or water bottles.
As the name suggests, an electric pad uses electricity for heating. When plugged in, the heating coil inside the pad heats up. User can control the temperature with the built-in thermostat dial or knob or remote control. The pad’s outer layer is a thick anti-flammable cloth which gets evenly heated. Most of these devices have intelligent heat sensors which turn off the pad when it has been on for long or when it gets too hot.
Infrared heaters came much later in scene. They use infrared wireless mobile technology which is commonly used for device communication over short ranges. They require line-of-sight and penetrate the skin to about 3 inches. They are made of high quality materials and have adjustable heat settings.
Microwavable heating pads are made of an anti-flammable cloth that’s typically filled with rice, barley or wheat. For relaxation, essential oils such as lavender are also dropped in with the grain. These can be purchased from wellness stores or you can make them at home as well. These are much safer as there is no risk of electric burns.
Chemical heating pads function through a crystallization process. The pad has a small piece of metal which when pressed, leads to a chemical reaction to cause heating. This chemical is typically sodium acetate. The pad stays warm for up to a couple of hours. To reuse it, just drop it in boiling water and it will re-crystallize.
Hot water bottles are probably the most commonly used heating pads. The bottle is made of a thick rubber and has a nozzle opening through which hot water can be filled in. Typically, a bottle can hold around 60 ounces of water. It stays warm for a few hours.
Other than this, they can be differentiated by size. The standard size is 12 x 15 inches while the king size is 12 x 24 inches. Larger heating pads are better for covering large areas such as lower back as they can heat that entire area in less time.
Benefits of Best Heating Pad
Heating pads are good for your muscle health and health is something nobody would like to compromise with. So, don’t compromise with the quality of your pad and choose only the best heating pad available in market. A good pad should not overheat or lack temperature control. Its heat should pass through the skin without burning it. Warm is the ideal temperature for skin.
Also, the heat flow should be consistent. Slight pain or injuries may need shorter times but severe pains may take hours of sustained heating for any relief to happen. Whichever heating pad you use, it should be a safe and reliable product. It should allow temperature and heating time adjustments. The best heating pads automatically shut off after a time. This lets you sleep with the device on without having to worry about it burning up. Also note that it should be compact and light so that you can use it at home while relaxing or even on the go.
Downsides of Heating Pads
Heating pads have some downsides too and they may not be apt for everyone. You should not use them if you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or any blood-clotting disorder. Also, you should not use them on open sores, bruises or swelling. Instead of heat, ice or cold packs should be applied on swellings. Many heart patients are also advised to stay away from heating pads. To be on the safe side, you must consult with your doctor to see if your medical condition allows using it.
Heating pads can be dangerous if they are not cautiously used. Their temperatures need to be constantly maintained at safe levels but not all pads allow temperature adjustments or shut off automatically after some time. If the pad is not of good quality, it can easily cause accidents. For example, if the wires inside an electric pad malfunction, there can be a fire hazard.
10. Microwavable Heating Pad – Warming Solution Bag for Joint Pain, Aches, Pains, Cramps, and Arthritis
Most microwavable pads are filled with rice but the disadvantage is that rice spoils in some time, developing an unpleasant smell. If you are looking for a microwavable pad but aren’t too keen on using rice, this pad from Beady Heat could be a perfect heating solution for you. It is made from a special compound that’s designed to last longer without any odors. It is small (10 x 5 x 2 inches) but can target most body areas.
You just need to place it in the microwave and heat to your desired temperature. 30-90 seconds should be enough as you would not like to overheat it. Before placing the hot pad on affected area, you must test the temperature by placing it on your wrist first.
It stays warm for about 20-30 minutes, so you do not need to reheat it before that. Since this heat is moist by nature, it does not cause dehydration and is ideal for people with dry or aging skin.
It can help you with many types of problems such as aches, cramps, sore muscles and others. While the inside of the pad consists of minute heat-saving beads, the outside is made of a micro-fleece material which has a soft and pleasant feel to the skin. It weighs around 2.1 ounces, so you can easily carry it with you and use whenever you like. It is quick and easy to use and very affordable too.
Pros:
- Comfortable and odorless.
- Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief.
- Made of a soft micro-fleece material that feels good.
- Low price.
Cons:
- It is small and doesn’t stay hot for long.
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9. Preffered Plus Heating pad Moist/dry therapy
This is an electric heating pad with SmartHeat Technology. This gives users even and long-lasting heat. Users can choose whether they want the pad to give moist or dry heat. It measures 24 x 12 x 2 inches and is great to cover a big area. It has a long (ten inches) cord to plug in but this can be detached for washing. It requires 60 watts of power and 120 volts of voltage.
After 60 minutes of heating, it automatically shuts off. The inside is filled with soft foam and thin wires which bend according to placement. You can place it on your couch and comfortably lean against it. It weighs about 1 pound and is easily portable too. It heats up well and has four heat settings to meet your needs.
The first two are for warm temperatures while the other two settings are for hotter temperatures for severe pains. You can set the timing and heat level and sleep without worrying about it overheating or burning. It is a very nice large heating pad that’s safe and affordable. If you check it online, you can find good discount offers too. Overall, it’s a value for money product!
Pros:
- King sized pad to cover more area.
- Use of SmartHeat Technology for even and long-lasting results.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Low price.
Cons:
- Some users have complained that it takes too long to heat up.
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8. Advocate Heating Pad
This is another great electric heating pad on our list. Made by Diabetic Supply of Suncoast Inc., it is a big king size (24 x 12 x 1 inches) pad that heats up evenly and fast. It is made from an absorbent sponge for penetrating deep-heat relief.
Since this material is anti-microbial, it allows users to stay safe while enjoying the benefits of the heat. The cover is made of 100% polyester and can be machine-washed. It has a long (9 feet) chord to plug in, so you can rest on your couch or in bed without having to worry about connecting to a close by outlet. When you want to wash the pad, you can easily detach the chord from it.
It requires 50 watts of power and 110 volts of voltage. It has four heat settings: warm, low, medium or high heat. Once the pad is plugged in, you can use the easy touch button control to select the temperature you want. It reaches the maximum temperature within few minutes and maintains that heat for long. After 40 minutes of heating, it automatically shuts off.
The pad is light weight (1 pound) and comes with a reusable storage bag that works well for traveling. It is a quick and easy to use product from a reliable brand. For those who do not want to spend much, it is a good option to consider.
Pros:
- King sized pad to cover more area.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Includes a reusable storage bag.
- Low price.
Cons:
- Some users complained that the pad feels slippery.
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7. Thermotech Automatic Digital Moist Heating Pad Heating Pad, Beige, King (26 x 14 Inches)
This is an extra large professional grade heating pad by Thermotech. With 26 x 14 inches, it is clearly larger than the usual. It is heavier (2 pounds) too but the good thing is that it is more sturdy and durable.
The outside of the pad is a removable beige fleece cover which feels soft and nice. The cover also has a Velcro strap so that it can be fastened to the body. It can be hand-washed at home. The electric pad has a 6 feet chord which is long enough for convenience.
You would require 110V AC outlet to plug it in. It uses the humidity in air to produce moist heat. The heat feels soothing and penetrates down the muscles with multiple benefits. With 4 different heat and time settings, the controller is more advanced than most of the lower priced pads.
Since it heats up extremely fast, users should start it with the lowest heat setting of 113F (45C). Even 113F can feel too hot if continued for long. For added safety, the settings are automatically set to a time of 15 minutes, after which the device shuts off.
The maximum temperature is 166 F (75C), which is a very high temperature and users must be cautious when using it. This is a product that many doctors use and it is definitely worth recommending.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable.
- Extra large pad to cover more area.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief.
- Advanced controller with 4 heat and 4 time settings.
- Comes with one year warranty.
Cons:
- It is way too hot and requires extra caution.
6. Mind & Body Electric Spa Wrap
This heating blanket is 3.5 times larger than the conventional heating pads and can be easily wrapped around thighs or waist. At 24″ x 54″, it is very large and provides quick pain relief when applied. It weighs 2 pounds and is easily portable, so you can carry it in your bag to office.
It is made from a soft luxurious fabric that feels great and can be machine-washed. The chord is detachable and 10 feet long, which means that you don’t necessarily have to sit close to a power outlet.
Like most other electric heating pads, it requires 60 watts of power and 120 volts of voltage. It uses SmartHeat technology that quickly distributes even heat throughout the wrap. Though the heat is dry by nature, it is soothing. If you are at a place where the weather is already dry, you should use a humidifier when using this pad.
There are 3 heat settings on the controller button, so users can select the temperature that suits them. The maximum temperature is lower than what one sees in other heating pads but probably it is for safety. It doesn’t get very hot, so it may not be helpful to treat severe pains. After two hours of heating, it automatically shuts off. It is safe and the price is also reasonable.
Pros:
- Extra large pad to cover more area.
- Uses SmartHeat technology for even and long-lasting heat.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Comes with a two-year warranty.
- Low price.
Cons:
- Some users have complained that it is barely hot even at the highest temperature setting.
5. Milliard Electric Therapy Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief – Gray – 15in x 12in
This is another great heating pad on our list. Milliard has designed it ergonomically in a way that it conforms to the curvature of human body. This way, contact with heat is maximized and users experience an instant relief. It is a small (15 x 12 x 0.5 inches) gray pad that heats up quickly.
It weighs about 1 pound and can easily fit in an office bag. Its plush velour cover is soft, removable and machine-washable. The inside of the pad is made of vinyl. It has a long (seven and a half feet) detachable cord which allows for comfortable positioning and movement.
This electric pad requires 50W of power and a 120V outlet to plug into. It has three adjustable temperature settings (low/medium/high) and three timer options (15/30/60 minutes), so you can set them according to your own needs.
The controls are oversized for easy readability. Also, they are simple and intuitive to use, so you do not require any technical knowledge for it. Overall, the design is solid and convenient. It is perfect to give instant pain relief to small areas such as shoulders or joints.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed to conform to the curvature of human body.
- Oversized, easy to use controls.
- Low price.
Cons:
- There is no automatic turn-off feature.
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4. ThermophoreMaxHeat Deep-Heat Therapy, Large, Standard 14″ x 27″ (Auto-Switch)
Thermophore is one of the most reliable brands and is known for its policy of taking back any defective product instead of repairing at home. In line with the other products from this brand, the Deep-Heat pad is well-made and effective.
At 14″ x 27″, it is generously large and can cover bigger areas such as the entire spinal area or leg. It gives intense, penetrating moist heat for pain relief. For this, it draws moisture from air and user is not required to add water.
Just plug-in the polarized plug and put the pad in the provided fleece cover. Note that the heating pad should not be used without its outer cover, else it may cause burns. The cover is made of soft cotton fleece and is easy to wash or care for. The pad consumes a lot of electricity (150 watts of power) and requires a 110 volts outlet for its operation.
Its 10 feet chord is long enough for easy movement and positioning. It has a sliding control switch featuring three temperature settings (low, medium & high). There is also a 20 minute auto-off timer for added safety. The maximum temperature is 80C or 176 F, which is very hot.
It is great for severe pains. Thermophore recommends that a treatment session should be 30 minutes long and have a 60 minute cool down period before starting another. Since it weighs 2 pounds, it feels slightly weighted but the good thing is that the pad does not slide and stays in place. It is a high quality moist heat pad recommended by doctors and though it’s a bit costlier than many others, it is worth the price.
Pros:
- King sized pad to cover more area.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief.
- Comes with two soft washable covers.
- Comes with a two-year warranty.
Cons:
- Some users complained that the product was not very durable and didn’t last long.
3. Sunbeam 938-511 Microplush King Size Heating Pad with LED Controller
This product is unique in the way that its cover has two integrated fabrics. One is a material called SoftTouch and it maintains optimal temperatures while the other called Microplush offers ultimate comfort. With this, Sunbeam 938-511 is a blend of ultimate comfort and exquisite pad heating. It is basically a two-sided non removable cover and if you want to wash the pad, you will have to do that with cover on.
It is a large king sized (12 x 24 x 0.5 inches) pad with a 9 feet cord. Weighing 1.1 pounds, it is light weight and easy to carry in a small bag. It requires 70 watts of power and a 110 volts outlet to be plugged into. There are 4 adjustable heat settings (warm, low, medium & high). Warm or low temperatures are ideal for skin.
It gets so hot in the higher temperature settings that some users found it to be uncomfortable. So, set the controller to higher settings only when the pain is severe. For added safety, it automatically shuts off after 2 hours.
When that happens, a red LED light gets activated, letting you know that the pad has shut off. It cools off after about 15 minutes and you can reheat it then. Since it is capable to deliver both moist and dry heat, users can choose what suits them best. The shape of the pad conforms well to all body parts. Unlike many other heating pads, it is very soft and flexible. It is a large pad but due to its pliability, it can be comfortably used on smaller body areas as well. It is a reasonably priced, safe product that many users swear by.
Pros:
- King sized pad to cover more area.
- Two sided cover that offers superior comfort and heating.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief.
- Comes with a one year warranty.
Cons:
- Some users complained that the product was not very durable.
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2. Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad with UltraHeatTechnology
Sunbeam 756-500 is a very low priced pad but it’s authentic and strikes the right balance between comfort and impeccable heat therapy. If you are looking for the lowest price option, this is the best heating pad for you.
It uses UltraHeatTechnology that provides a consistent, even and soothing heat for maximum relief. It is a standard size (12 x 15 inches) pad with a soft blue cover that’s machine-washable.
Weighing 1.1 pounds, it is light weight and convenient. Its long 9 feet cord allows flexibility in positioning. It requires 50 watts of power and 110 volts of voltage. It has a large slider controller with 3 heat settings, allowing you to select the temperature you want.
The low heat setting is 90 F, the medium is 95 F while the high is 100 F. Low and medium temperatures are ideal for children and people who are heat-sensitive. It is a basic pad that works very well considering its price. The only major drawback is that it does not have an automatic shut off feature. So, you will have to turn it off when you’re done. Other than that, it is a great product.
Pros:
- UltraHeatTechnology for consistent and even heating.
- Incredibly low price.
Cons:
- No moist heat or automatic shut-off features.
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1. PureRelief XL – King Size Heating Pad with Fast-Heating Technology, 6 Temperature Settings & Convenient Storage Bag – Charcoal Gray (12″ x 24″)
PureRelief is a leading manufacturer of premium health and personal care products. Their King Size Heating Pad is definitely a high quality product that’s effective and durable.
It is rich in features and is intended for those who are looking for a more potent solution for pain relief. It has a moist heat therapy option which allows deeper penetration for more effective muscle relief.
Also, it is larger than standard. At 12” x 24”, it is a king size pad that can help provide full body relief. It is flexible and conforms well to all body parts. It comes into two colors (gray and blue), so one can choose what they like. The cover is made of super soft micro plush fibers for comfortable daily use. The fabric used on top of the cover is micromink and on the bottom part, it is polyester.
The cord is good 9 feet long and can be detached when the pad is to be washed. It requires 180W power and 120V voltage to operate. With its digital LCD controller, it is easy to adjust the heat settings. There are total 6 heat settings: warm (105⁰ F), low (112⁰ F), medium low (119⁰ F), medium (126⁰ F), medium high (133⁰ F) and high (140⁰ F). It heats up quickly and retains that heat for long.
After 2 hours of heating, it automatically shuts off to conserve energy and to prevent burns. The pad is safe, reliable and has an added bonus of excellent customer support from its manufacturer.
In case, there is any issue, people at PureRelief are always ready to help and users seem to be pretty happy with their service. At the price it’s going for, this product offers a lot more than what one could ask for.
Pros:
- King sized pad to cover more area.
- Automatic turn-off feature.
- Uses moist heat therapy for deep penetrating relief.
- Comes in two color options.
- Comes with a five-year warranty.
- Low price.
Cons:
- The cover is non-removable.
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Editors Choice of Best Heating Pad
After analyzing all these options, we think that PureRelief XL – King Size Heating Pad is the best heating pad for maximum pain relief. It is a king size pad with king size coverage. Simply perfect for sore legs and back! It is extremely soft, flexible and comfortable. Unlike other pads, it allows greater temperature control as it comes with 6 different heat settings.
Most other pads limit their settings to 3 or 4. It is a low priced pad, yet it provides automatic shut-off and moist heat therapy features. Its heating is known to be consistent, even and long-lasting.
The brand name also plays a huge role in its credibility. PureRelief is known for its excellent customer service and it is offering a much longer warranty period than any other heating pad manufacturer offers. This makes it a great package and we see no reason why we should rate it any less than 9 out of 10 on our scorecard.
Do you like using heating pads? Which one do you think is the best heating pad? To share your experiences and views, leave your comments in the box below. We love hearing from you! For more soothing and health related reviews make sure to browse around. Maybe you’d enjoy having a cordless flosser that flosses through water streams? If so click here to read more!
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