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Top Rated Heating Pads Reviewed
In 2016, the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research had a study that showed there was pain reduction in adults who used heat therapy. There are many other scientific shreds of evidence that support the value of the treatment and the use of best heating pads. Make sure you purchase one today and experience the benefits they have to offer.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
Invest in what works.
Not all pads are equal. Some are more advanced and of a higher quality. As a result, you will find that there are chances that a heating pad might fail to give you the level of relief that you require. Some of them don’t have enough heat for deep penetration. You will end up using it for a longer time, without any guarantee that it will alleviate your pain and aches.
Some pads fail to work effectively because they have uneven heat distribution. That limits their functionality because they won’t entirely cover the affected area. You cannot expect such an unreliable pad to meet your pain relief needs.
Some of them do not offer sufficient coverage and will have you straining when dealing with hard to reach areas. Make sure you carefully consider any function or feature that may result in you not getting the kind of results you want. You don’t want to feel like you wasted your money.
Ease of Use
Find a user-friendly alternative.
As previously mentioned, a pad that frustrates you will not help you get the results you desire. You should make sure that it is user-friendly and easy to operate. The cord length should be long enough so that you can comfortably sit in any position or location that you want. Fortunately, some of the cords in this list range from 9 to 10 ft. You will have the option of relaxing wherever you want, without worrying that you will accidentally unplug it. Long power cords are the next best thing to cordless devices.
You should get a controller that will be easy for you to operate. Some have excellent LCD displays, which are very simple to read. There are those that have straightforward labels that are simple to understand. You should go for such options because they are simple to master. You will also end up knowing the controller like the back of your hand.
Some pads are easier to clean up than others. They can either be washed by machine or hands only. If you get an alternative that you can easily wipe clean, then you shouldn’t hesitate as well. Some even come with removable covers, which you can clean without risking damages to the entire pad.
Size
Find a size suitable for your needs.
Brands offer heating pads in a variety of sizes. You can get them in king size, large, medium and small sizes. Each format has its own advantages and situations where it works best. For instance, large heating pads will come in handy when dealing with menstrual cramps, lower back pains, upper back pains, and abdominal cramps.
King size alternatives are also ideal for consistent back pain. They are an excellent way to treat a whole area simultaneously. Small heating pads are the best for; knee support, neck, and shoulder pains. They are often easy to contour making them ideal for such areas. A well-sized heating pad will help you properly reach all the areas that you are targeting.
However, in some instances, using certain sizes won't work in your favor. As we saw earlier on, when you use a small pad for larger areas, you are going to cover such areas in bits. Therefore, you will still have to bear with the pain; until you finish going through the entire area. On the other hand, it will not make sense to use an excessively large one, to work on a small space. Make sure you analyze why and where you need the pad for, as you make your purchase.
Comfort
It will serve you well if it's comfortable.
Comfort is something that heating pads must have. By the time people decide to use one, they are usually in pain or dealing with discomfort and stiffness. In such circumstances, you would need to be as comfortable as possible as you try to get some relief. A few factors help determine a pad’s comfort level. First, you should look at the material used in its construction.
Brands use different materials, from fleece, cotton, polyester, and micro plush. It is common to find them mixing micro plush with one other fabric because of its softer nature. Don’t forget to check the material used, to determine if your skin could handle it as well. The warmth levels of the heating pads also promote comfort. That is why it’s easy for most people to feel relaxed during their treatment.
Lastly, the only way you can cozy up and even sleep as you put it on is if it is held securely in place. Some brands offer straps so that users can easily place the pads in areas where they need the heat treatment. You will be more comfortable with pads that provide such mechanisms because they will not restrict your movement. You won’t have to worry about it falling whenever you move or turn.
Best Heating Pads Reviewed
1. Caylee's Creations
Finding the best heating pad that has the perfect hot or cold balance is not easy. If you were to try to attain such temperatures with other brands, you would end up having used a minimum of two pads to achieve the same. Caylee’s creation used a significantly high quantity of dried corns, amounting to 3lbs, to achieve such remarkable heating and cooling times. It sounds heavy, but the interesting thing is, they engineered it so that it could be light enough for kids.
The company carried out several tests before they settled for clean whole corn grains. The corn was able to retain heat longer than all the other grains they tested. Additionally, the corn proved to be resistant to both mold and mildew. The number of therapeutic benefits you will get from this pad is incredible. It will be helpful when you have headaches, sports injuries, muscle aches, pains, and cramps. Users with arthritis will also benefit from it as well.
You could also use them on chilly nights to warm up your covers. Most parents use them when their kids have trouble sleeping. They let their children snuggle with the pads until they fall asleep. To warm it up, all you have to do is microwave it for some minutes. Depending on your microwave’s wattage, it should take about 2 to 5 minutes to heat it. If you wish to cool it, just place it in the freezer, and you are good to go. The corn needs to retain its dryness, so make sure you use a freezer bag before placing it inside.
The pad is reusable, meaning you can use it as often as possible. It is made of cotton and handcrafted in the USA. The cover is also easy to clean and removable as well. It will also last you longer than the low-quality options in the market.
2. Asani XL
If you own a typical heating pad, you must have wished that you could switch up the temperature settings at one point. The Asani option will finally solve that problem for you. The brand gives you the possibility of personalizing your experience by offering three temperature levels. As a result, you can customize the temperature, targeting the area you want better. You will be able to choose between, high, medium, and low settings for much more effective results.
Another thing that sets it apart is its fast heat up process. Some heating pads take longer to heat, which might seem like forever if you need to use it urgently. What makes it unique is the innovative warp knit fabric, the brand used to create it. Thanks to the material, the pad penetrates heat much faster compared to its counterparts. Therefore, if you’re as impatient as most people are, you should be happy to know that you can immediately put it to work.
The pad also offers more than enough coverage. Most users love the fact that it’s bigger than the average sizes in the market. The brand refers to it as their king size alternative since it measures about 12inches by 24inches. You will find it easier than ever to reach some tight spots. From your shoulders to your back, neck, thighs, and arms, while offering full abdomen coverage when you need it to. The pad is also extremely comfortable. You will love how it feels against your skin, thanks to its soft micro-plush nature.
It’s the kind of pad that will help you relax, as you simultaneously tend to your needs. You will also find its 10 ft. cord quite convenient. The cable is long enough to reach most AC outlets, giving you the freedom to lounge on your bed or couch. In case you are worried that you might get too comfortable and fall asleep, you'll be glad to know that it has an automatic shut off feature. The feature kicks in after two hours. So, you can rest assured that you will be safe.
3. Arealer XL
Arealer is another winter favorite and one of the best heating pads on the market that has the softest flannel material. It comes in a double-design, so it has flannel on both sides. As a result, they are incredibly comfortable and compatible with people who have sensitive skin. The cloth makes it durable and easy to maintain as well.
The heating pad also has a convenient temperature controller, which you can use to adjust the temperature as you wish. Just like the previous heating pad, it also has three settings that you can choose from. You can choose from high, medium, and low-temperature ranges. Getting in-home relief will be easier than ever before. This particular alternative also has a ninety-minute auto-off function. It works well and is considered a certified safe option.
The brand incorporated a metal heating wire into its designs, to ensure that it heats up quickly. When compared to conventional graphene the difference in their performance is highly noticeable. It will only take about 5 seconds for the pad to evenly heat-up. Additionally, the heating pad also has dry and moist functions. As a result, you can use either setting, based on your needs. You can use it to gain relief wherever you choose. The muscle relaxation the pad offers is pleasant and will help take the pain away.
4. Mighty Bliss
Just like the most luxurious winter pajamas, this heating pad consists of soft micro-plush fibers. The pad is comfortable and reliable, because of its quality. It won't break down soon after purchasing it since it is not flimsy. If you’re still feeling skeptic, then the brand’s hassle-free lifetime replacement should give you some reassurance. You can also get a refund if you aren’t satisfied with the purchase.
You should consider this Mighty Bliss pad as an excellent solution to dealing with unbearable cramps, back pain, neck pain, shoulders, post-surgery discomfort and much more. If you also tend to feel restless at night, you’ll finally be able to help yourself to a good night's rest.
Your days will also feel more productive since you won't be struggling with pain-related issues. Users also get to utilize several heat settings and modes to get the solutions they need. The heat penetration is effective and will have you feeling better in seconds.
5. Anbber
Anbber’s heating pad has one of the best heat distribution systems in the market. The brand found an innovative way to improve on the heating wire's shortcomings and create the ideal model. Ordinarily, heating wires are uncomfortable, bulky, and thick. In addition, they rarely dissipate heat uniformly. What Anbber did was they made the wires thinner, flat, and more flexible. That is why their pad feels warmer and has a massage effect. The entire layout is excellent, and its performance is outstanding.
For added comfort, the pad is super soft and consists of breathable polyester, which is also protective to your skin. Attaching it to your body will be easy because it comes with several elastic bands. The cord is long and will not limit your mobility. It’s easy to clean and safe to directly use on your skin.
You will get up to six heat settings, which is much more than what most brands have to offer. The Level 1 setting is 110 degrees Fahrenheit, level 2 is 125, level 3 is 130, level 4 is 145, level 5 is 145+, and level 6 is 160. It also comes with an LCD controller for smoother operation. The controller has a power button, lowers heat levels, increases heat, and displays the heat level you have chosen.
The pad will help you with muscle strains, menstrual pain, back, and spinal pain relief, neck and shoulder pain relief, among others.
6. Pure Enrichment
Pure Enrichment pads are 60% larger than most options in the market. It measures about 24 by 20 inches and is classified as an XXL option. Compared to other pads, it has almost twice their surface area. It will offer you a double-wide kind of coverage; helping you deal with large muscle groups. Using it for only 20 minutes a day will make a tremendous difference. Not only will it offer you relief, but it will also help increase your blood flow and work on your muscle spasms. Stiff joints, muscle aches, and arthritic pain will all be a thing of the past.
This heating pad also has a variety of six heat settings. The first one is the warm temperature range at 105 degrees F. Next, it has the low settings that are 112 degrees F. Its medium-low settings are 119⁰F, medium 126⁰F, medium-high 133⁰F, and the highest is 140⁰F. You can relax and get your aches attended to since it has an automatic shut off feature. By shutting off, it will keep you safe from heat-related burns and help you conserve energy.
The materials the company uses consist of polyester at the bottom and micro plush at the top. The micro plush side is exceptionally comfortable, even on bare skin. When you make this purchase, you will also get; a 5-year warranty, user manual, excellent customer support, and a storage bag.
7. Dr.Duane
Finding a pad with enough heat intensity to handle deep pain and muscle issues are not easy. Dr. Duane is the kind of brand that caters not just to the average person, but fitness workers as well. That is part of what makes it an excellent gift option. You can also buy it for an office worker who has a lot of tension they need to work on, or for a senior who deals with constant muscle aches and such, the list is practically endless. However, one thing that you can be sure of is the fact that the pad will undoubtedly help soothe and relieve all their pain, tension, and cramps.
It takes about three minutes to heat up properly, which is still faster than its counterparts are. The pad has a quick and straightforward setup process, which will be available with your purchase. It comes with a power adapter, which you have to connect to both the unit and the electrical outlet. Once you do so, you will notice that the Display screen will light up. If you want to get some warmth, place it on the area where you want to warm up. The same instructions apply to areas where you need pain relief. The pad comes with a retractable belt, to help keep it in place.
As for the controls, you can use the + or the – buttons to help switch up the heat levels. Turning it off will be as easy as pressing the power button. What makes this an impressive alternative, is the fact that it has two kinds of auto-shutoff functions. The first function is similar to most, where it shuts off for safety purposes. This function kicks in after one and a half hours of continuous use. In case you want to use it after the time limit is up, you can just press the power button again, and it will start working.
The second shut off function is for over-heat protection. If the pad is being misused while turned on, the auto-shutoff will be immediately activated. You will notice this when the controller’s screen displays F. Instances in which the function will kick in include curving or folding the pad while it is still in use. Always make sure that you use it when it’s flat or in a straight position.
For proper storage, make sure you let it cool down completely. Avoid wrapping the control panel around the pad. If you’re planning to store it for a long duration, you should put it in a packaging that is both water and dust proof. When you buy the pad, you will also get a two-year warranty, which comes with a free replacement policy.
8. Tech Love
If you are still in search of heat pads that have moist and dry heat options, you should check out this Tech Love option. Such pads are great for people who share theirs with the family. Some people prefer dry heat, since applying it is easier. However, your skin may end up dehydrated afterward because it might draw out moisture. People who prefer going for moist heat settings do so because it has better muscle penetration. Regardless of what you are into, having both heat options will work in your favor- especially if you don’t plan to use the pad alone.
The pad measures about 20 to 28 inches in size, making it one of the list's biggest options. Alleviating your stress, increasing your circulation, and relieving muscle stiffness will be simple with this kind of pad. In addition to the two heat therapy options, you will also get a variety of temperature ranges as well. Much like a majority of the pads we have lined up, this pad also offers six temperature settings. From the lowest to the highest, you will have the option of choosing from; 105⁰ F, 112⁰ F, 119⁰ F, 126⁰ F, 133⁰ F, and 140⁰ F.
Unlike most pads, the Tech love option has two automatic shutoff functions. You have the option of either setting it to two or six hours. As for maintenance, the fabric is machine washable, and its premium quality makes it durable. It also consists of micro plush, which makes it extremely comfortable. Users also get a travel pouch to travel with the pad conveniently wherever they go. It has a long cord that won't frustrate you if you're not that close to the power cord.
The pad also comes with; a controller, user manual, and a fixation pad. It comes with a 1-year warranty because of the manufacturer's confidence. You can also return the pad 60 days from the purchase date, free of charge.
9. InsiderBlue
Insider blue alternatives are some of the most advanced in the heat pad industry. They offer more functions and features compared to other brands. The pads are becoming more and more popular and are soon surpassing brand name options. It is user-friendly, thanks to its LED screen and display settings. With a 24inch length and a 12inch width, you will find it long enough to meet your pain relief needs.
Compared to the list options that we’ve already come across, this brand offers more in terms of versatility. Users get the luxury of choosing between four timer settings. You can also choose from nine heat settings, for a one of a kind therapeutic heat pad experience. Nine is much more than what most pads typically have. The dry and moist therapy options are not unique to this brand; however, they included an anti-microbial moisture sheet, and that’s what sets them apart.
For comfort, they used the softest fleece available. You will love how it rarely hardens or cracks, in addition to its silky and plush nature. Some of the best applications for this particular pad include relief from pain and soreness associated with the lower back, thigh, knee, athletic muscle fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, upper back, and menstrual cramps relief.
Aside from the pad, buyers will also get; a pair of covers that are machine washable, a carry pouch for portability and two highly elastic straps.
10. DONECO
You can get the Doneco heat pad in two different colors. The darker one is larger than the lighter colored one, so you should keep that in mind when making your purchase. Regardless of your selection, you will still get sufficient coverage. You can even get one for your pets to keep them warm during winter and chilly nights.
The pad comprises of polyester and micro mink materials, which make it user-friendly to people with sensitive skin. It is quite strong and will serve you for quite some time. It has fast-heating technology, ensuring that you will be able to use it shortly after turning it on.
Users like the fact that it consumes very little power, and offers long-lasting heat. The temperature is adjustable in six settings, and it has a safety shut off feature. The pad’s LCD controller is also easy to use. It has two indicator lights; one for the shutoff timer and the other to show whether it’s on. You will also find it easy to personalize your treatment, because of its straightforward labeling.
Sources
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