How Hot Do Heating Pads Get
The All-time Heating Pads
After many hours of research and two months of testing, our recommendation for the best heating pad is the Thermophore – MaxHEAT. Information technology pulls moisture from the atmosphere for a deeper penetrating oestrus without your needing to wet the pad before employ. Combined with a large coverage area, evenly weighted pad and the ability to attain high heat levels, the Thermophore was the clear winner. Our runner-up is the Chattanooga – Theratherm.
Our Acme Choices
All-time Overall
Thermophore
MaxHEAT
Runner-upwards
Chattanooga
Theratherm
After many hours of research and two months of testing, our recommendation for the best heating pad is the Thermophore – MaxHEAT. It pulls moisture from the atmosphere for a deeper penetrating estrus without your needing to wet the pad before use. Combined with a large coverage expanse, evenly weighted pad and the ability to reach high heat levels, the Thermophore was the clear winner. Our runner-up is the Chattanooga – Theratherm.
Tabular array of Contents
- The viii heating pads we tested
- 1. Best overall: Thermophore – MaxHEAT
- ii. Also great: Chattanooga – Theratherm
- Other products we tested
- How we selected
- How nosotros tested
- Why use a heating pad?
- Important features to consider
- The bottom line
The 8 heating pads we tested
| Product | Price | Fabric | Construction | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i. Thermophore - MaxHEAT | $$$$ | Sail / fleece | Heating pad / cover | Electrical |
| 2. Chattanooga - Theratherm | $$$ | Cotton wool / polyester flannel | Heating pad / comprehend | Electric |
| 3. Sunbeam - XpressHeat | $$ | Polyester microplush | Integrated cover | Electrical |
| 4. Pure Enrichment - PureRelief Xl | $$$ | Polyester microplush | Integrated encompass | Electric |
| v. Carex - Bed Buddy | $ | Cotton-poly blend | Tube filled with natural grains | Microwaveable |
| 6. Sunny Bay - Neck Heating Wrap | $$ | Non-pill fleece | Tube filled with natural grains | Microwaveable |
| seven. SoftHeat - MaxHeat | $$$ | Polyester | Integrated cover | Electric |
| viii. Sunbeam - Moist/Dry Heat | $ | Polyester | Heating pad / cover | Electric |
1. Top pick: Thermophore – MaxHEAT
The Thermophore – MaxHEAT was our elevation choice in heating pads. This heating pad reaches intense heat levels and automatically turns off after 25 minutes of continuous use, so it'southward a better option for palliative therapy rather than for a uncomplicated comfort measure. It reaches its peak temperature in under three minutes and reaches intense heat levels without getting uncomfortably warm.
Best overall: Thermophore - MaxHEAT
With features like a self-contouring design, loftier heat capabilities and moist heat applied science, this is our top choice.
It has a two-piece construction, with a removable and machine washable cover. The cover features their patented Moist-Sure technology for enhanced heat penetration. With a six-foot cord, it comfortably reached several different spots in our test living room. The slide control is piece of cake to operate and would be specially convenient if yous have arthritis. It has three settings for flexibility.
This heating pad was also the best heating pad for back pain. The large size covers the entire back or abdomen, so you can treat your whole dorsum without needing to accommodate the position of the heating pad. It likewise extends from the hip to the articulatio genus if y'all wish to salvage IT band pain. The rugged construction combined with flexibility and weight really make this heating pad stand out from the competition.
The Thermophire is designed with weights that are evenly distributed throughout the heating pad for the right amount of heft to contour to your body shape and maximize heat transfer. At the same time, the weights were small enough that yous can't feel them when the heating pad is draped over your trunk and the fleece cover is comfortably soft.
Primal takeaways:
- The Thermophore – MaxHEAT is the best choice for treating painful areas with timed sessions, high temperatures, and moist rut.
- Moist-Sure applied science means enhanced heat penetration without adding water (or soaking your clothing).
- Evenly distributed weights give you the almost amount of oestrus while providing uniform contact with the area you wish to treat.
2. Besides great: Chattanooga – Theratherm
If you are looking for precise control over your oestrus therapy, the Chattanooga – Theratherm is the heating pad for you. Yous tin can gear up the temperature to the exact caste that works best and the exact amount of time that you desire heat within given ranges. The oestrus settings range from 113 degrees Fahrenheit at the everyman setting to 166 °F at the highest.
Likewise great: Chattanooga - Theratherm
Control is at your fingertips with a unique digital control pad and precise settings.
You can too toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius settings. Plus, you can fix the corporeality of heating time from ane to hour. Some users plant the minimum setting to notwithstanding be too hot for their needs. We disagreed, finding instead that the lower stop of the temperature range was relaxing and comforting, only the higher end of the range was uncomfortably hot.
Once you've accomplished your desired settings, you can enter lock-out mode so yous don't accidentally alter annihilation while using the pad. Although the number of options isn't infinite, it certainly gave us more flexibility and precise control than any other heating pad nosotros tested. On the other hand, the controller was less intuitive than the others, and we found we had to consult the transmission for step-past-step instructions.
The Chattanooga automatically gathers wet from the air, which feels similar to textile that is damp from the dryer. It didn't transfer to our apparel or upholstery, but nosotros're glad the cover is also removable and washable. This model is also weighted, although the weights are focused mainly through the eye of the pad. While it does provide effective heat transfer, information technology isn't contoured to your torso. We tested the medium size, but it'southward as well available in pocket-size and big sizes.
Key takeaways:
- The Chattanooga – Theratherm extracts moisture from the air and retains it in a soft flannel comprehend for simple and convenient moist heating therapy.
- Incredibly precise digital controls allow you lot to fix the heating pad anywhere from 113 °F to 166 °F and the fourth dimension for anywhere from ane to 60 minutes.
- The lock-out feature of the command pad prevents you from accidentally changing your preferred settings during a session.
Other products nosotros tested
iii. Carex – Bed Buddy
If y'all're looking for a heating pad that doesn't require electricity, we recommend the Carex – Bed Buddy for its blueprint, drape and moist heat. Weighing ii pounds, the Carex was just the correct weight: heavy enough to transfer heat, but not so heavy that it became uncomfortable after several minutes of apply. Priced at effectually eight dollars (at the time of publishing), it is by far the least expensive of our finalists.
Over 1,000 Amazon reviewers charge per unit this model 4.4 stars on boilerplate, and we agree that it offers a lot of bang for your buck. It is filled with 100% organic materials: natural grains, herbs, and flowers. The Carex provides moist heating without calculation additional water or getting also wet. If you're alternating hot and cold treatments, this is a great option, considering information technology'south both microwavable and freezable.
We weren't actually sure how the rope handles added to the design; we would take preferred the actress length over the seemingly unnecessary handles. Another downside (to both our non-electric finalists) is that it has a cooked, popcorn-like smell when heated. We didn't feel it detracted as well much from the benefits, but if you lot have sensitivity to smell, these models may not be for you.
4. Sunbeam – XpressHeat
When you need relief fast, the Sunbeam – XpressHeat provides heat you can feel in 30 seconds. In our testing, we found that while information technology takes almost 5 minutes to reach its peak temperature, it is warm to the touch near immediately. The king-size is convenient for covering large areas like the spine or shoulders.
With six oestrus settings and a digital display, you can get a precise temperature that best fits your needs and comfort zone. At the same time, it's simple enough to figure out without consulting the user'due south guide. Information technology has a rut meter that lights upwardly the controller as the pad heats up, so you know when information technology'due south gear up. You lot can toggle between the automatic close-off at 2 hours or the stay on option, which is a nifty feature.
In full general, heating pads tend to exist commonsensical-looking, but the reversible olive green and camel colors of this heating pad are actually pleasing to the centre. The microplush fabric of the integrated encompass is both comforting and gentle on sensitive areas. It'due south flexible but very light, so it'south a better pick for condolement than estrus therapy. Overall, it looks and feels more like a miniature throw blanket than a heating pad.
v. Pure Enrichment – PureRelief Twoscore
A comparable heating pad is the Pure Enrichment – PureRelief XL, with soft microplush fabric for comfort and a large size for maximum coverage. Information technology is fast-heating, reaching its peak temperature in just over 2 minutes (although at 112ºF, its high temperature is on the low stop compared to our other finalists). You lot tin use a spray bottle to dampen the pad for moist heating therapy.
The digital LCD controller has six settings and the choice to choose whether you want it to stay on or to close off automatically after ii hours. With a ix-foot ability string, you don't take to worry virtually awkwardly reaching effectually piece of furniture. It also comes with a storage pad to keep information technology clean and safe in between uses.
6. SoftHeat – MaxHeat
Equally the maker of our top option for an electric blanket, we were excited to try another 1 of their products. Unfortunately, the SoftHeat – MaxHeat isn't designed with the features that make their electric blanket a winner: DC power, invisible wires, and plush textile.
What we do like well-nigh this model is the SmartHeat engineering science, which provides consistent heat (rather than the typical spikes and valleys) for maximum therapeutic estrus. We verified this when testing wattage with an electricity usage monitor. With the other models, the wattage would rise and fall, but it was the same wattage beyond the board with the SoftHeat.
The SoftHeat is specifically designed to wrap effectually the lower back. A nice feature to this model is that it secures with velcro, so it's the but electric heating pad finalist we tested that can be worn rather than draped. Information technology'southward simple to unplug and plug back in while fastened around you lot, although the rut doesn't last more than a few minutes.
7. Sunny Bay – Neck Heating Wrap
Ergonomically designed for the neck and shoulders, the Sunny Bay – Neck Heating Wrap tin can also be used on the arms, legs, or other areas. It's a soft, comfortable and portable option for applying oestrus without electricity. The Sunny Bay is fabricated of non-pill fleece and rice, and so you don't take to worry about cords or controllers. The thick fleece retains the heat, but it can besides forbid y'all from feeling how hot information technology gets, so you lot'll want to exercise circumspection. We microwaved it at the lowest choice and found information technology comforting simply not besides hot.
The Sunny Bay is slightly heavy and non broad enough in terms of usage. Acknowledging that this model can be heavy for some, the manufacturer also makes a wider and lighter version filled with flax seeds and weighing but two pounds (as opposed to two and a one-half).
viii. Sunbeam – Moist/Dry out Heat
If you're looking for a simple, budget-friendly heating pad, the Sunbeam – Moist/Dry Estrus gets the job washed without a lot of extra bells and whistles. It provides moist estrus when you wet the removable sponge insert and it features Sunbeam's patented UltraHeat technology for even, consistent heat.
The heating pad comes with a uncomplicated-to-apply slide controller that's great for arthritis sufferers and has a user-friendly extra-long power cord . The 12 x 15-inch size is on the small side for treating the whole back, and the plastic heating structure is not every bit flexible as all of our other finalists.
How we selected
We found a surprising lack of heating pad reviews conducted on review sites, then nosotros commencement delved into articles on heat therapy at Consumer Reports and Doctor Oz. Once nosotros felt confident in the scientific discipline behind rut therapy and how to apply information technology best, we headed over to Reddit forums like /r/fitness/ and /r/chronicpain/ to come across which heating pad features are most important to consumers.
Finally, we read through customer reviews on Amazon to get the perspective of bodily users. Each of our finalists has more than than 500 reviews and some run into the thousands, so we had an abundance of input from consumers.
How we tested
Condolement/Heat transfer
One of the first things we learned during our research stage is that you should never sit down on or against the heating pad (all these years, we've been doing it wrong). It's dangerous because you lot could crush the pad and damage the wires. Thus, a heating pad'due south design is extremely of import.
The heating pad should have enough weight and flexibility to drape over your body in order to provide the most pain relief. The weight allows for more direct contact with the heating pad and therefore more effective estrus transfer.
The Thermophore has evenly distributed weights for effective rut transfer without your sitting against the pad. The Chattanooga is likewise weighted, although the weights are distributed in a thick coil that did not contour to body shape as well every bit the Thermophore.
The other electric heating pads nosotros tested just had the weight of a throw blanket; they were comfy just did not have the impact of the weighted Thermophore and Chattanooga. The Sunbeam – Moist/Dry Heat was stiff and inflexible, so the heat transfer was lower than the other models. The Carex – Bed Buddy and Sunny Bay – Cervix Heating Wrap were naturally heavy since they're filled with flax seeds and/or rice, then they both draped nicely and effectively transferred heat.
A soft, plush cloth makes for the most comforting heating pad. Nosotros institute the Sunbeam – XpressHeat and Pure Enrichment – PureRelief Xl were the nicest to scroll up with, thanks to their super soft microplush fabric.
During the course of writing this article, nosotros reached out to someone with a contempo back injury. We had him attempt out the viii finalists and asked his opinion on which heating pad provided the about relief. His answer was the Thermophore, because of its moist heat, contoured curtain, and just the correct corporeality of weight.
Usability
Factors that determine the usability of a heating pad are size, cord length, and controller mode. You besides desire a controller that's unproblematic to employ and like shooting fish in a barrel to set, especially if you take pain in your hands. String length is an of import factor because a longer string means y'all can achieve electric sockets more than hands.
Since the most usable products are piece of cake to clean, we looked at the intendance, structure, and washability of the other heating pads. All of the electric heating pads were easy to clean. The Thermophore, Chattanooga, and Sunbeam – Moist/Dry Heat all accept a removable, automobile-washable cover and heating unit that can be wiped clean if necessary. The one-piece models like the Sunbeam – XpressHeat, Pure Enrichment, and SoftHeat are too car washable. You simply throw the entire heating unit of measurement in the washer. The Carex – Bed Buddy and Sunny Bay – Neck Heating Wrap are wipe-make clean only.
At first, we thought that the large size of the Thermophore would mean that you could share it with a partner. Consumers do mention sharing (oft with pets, surprisingly) a heating pad in their reviews, although it'southward hard to tell whether they are talking well-nigh taking turns or using it together. We speedily found that even fourteen past 24 inches isn't large enough to share. For sharing, we recommend an electric throw blanket like the Sunbeam – Heated Throw which we tested while searching for the all-time electric coating.
Heating capabilities & prophylactic features
In social club to examination the heating capabilities of the pads, we first used an infrared thermometer to measure out the temperature of each heating pad at its highest setting. Nosotros let the heating pad warm up for 10 minutes and then took several readings, recording the highest 1. Then we let the pad absurd off before the timed exam, where we recorded how many seconds information technology took to attain its highest temperature.
For the microwavable heating pads, we warmed them per the manufacturer's instructions and so measured the temperature immediately after removing information technology from the microwave.
The Thermophore and Chattanooga both reached the highest temperatures, but it took significantly longer (nearly four minutes) for the Chattanooga to estrus up. The Pure Enrichment was the fastest to rut up, but information technology also had one of the lowest maximum-temperature thresholds.
We besides checked to see how much surface area heats up by seeing if all four corners and the heart of the pad were warm to the touch after reaching its high temperature. Then we used each finalist as directed to run across whether they felt warm enough to be comforting and to make sure they weren't uncomfortably warm. At its highest setting of 166 °F, the Chattanooga was too hot to handle, simply you could lower it incrementally past degrees until it reached a more than reasonable level.
According to Dr. Nathan Wei, head of the Arthritis Treatment Middle, "moist heat penetrates better than dry heat." The majority of our heating pad finalists featured moist heat therapy, just we weren't fans until we tried the moist heat feature on the Thermophore and Chattanooga heating pads. Both of these models pull wet from the air and directly it toward your skin without an additional pace. While we could experience the deeper rut, nosotros were at first leery of this claim.
However, we plant the most boiling spot in the business firm (the bathroom) and placed the Thermophore and Chattanooga on a porcelain surface to see if whatever moisture was visible on the pad or the counter. In this test, the surface under the pad was visibly wet after a few minutes with a hot shower running, so we knew that the pads had in fact pulled moisture from the air.
Consumers accept reported that the Thermophore tin draw in wet even in an arid climate with humidity at v percentage or less. The aforementioned is true of the Carex, which delivers moist oestrus without calculation water. (All of the other finalists required us to add water for moist heat therapy.)
The Sunbeam – Moist/Dry Heat has a foam pad that you moisten and place inside the embrace. The Sunbeam – XpressHeat, Pure Enrichment, Sunny Bay and SoftHeat can exist sprayed with water until damp. With these types of products, nosotros came away with clammy clothing and piece of furniture which was less than desirable, mitigating the benefits of moist rut.
Last just not least, we tested the safety features to encounter if each pad automatically shuts off as advertised. Nosotros plant that the Sunbeam – Moist/Dry Oestrus did not turn off later two hours, although it supposedly has an automatic shut-off characteristic. All the others' safe features worked as advertised and shut off at the specified fourth dimension.
According to Burn Centre Care, temperatures as low as 43º C (109.4ºF) tin crusade burns if exposure lasts for five or vi hours. Virtually all of our models tested in a higher place 109.4ºF, and then the automatic shut-off characteristic is extremely of import. As e'er, you should follow all the instructions in the manual to be safe.
Why use a heating pad?
A heating pad provides palliative therapy without the need for messy creams or uncomfortable patches. Palliative care is a holistic approach to managing chronic hurting, often caused past serious illness. Heat therapy is one manner to manage pain, chronic or otherwise.
Heating pads are recommended for aches and pains and can assistance save pain in those suffering from arthritis, a sore back, or menstrual cramps. Heat tin can as well help an injury heal faster. Information technology dilates blood vessels so that tissues receive increased blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients. Heating pads can also be used purely for comfort.
Important features to consider
Fast heating:The faster the heating pad reaches your desired temperature, the sooner you'll feel relief.
Automobile washable: The last thing you want (specially if you're injured) is a complicated wash routine to intendance for your heating pad.
Number of settings: When choosing a heating pad, consider whether your purpose calls for a unproblematic or more complicated setting. For example, if yous are treating an injury, you lot may wish to set the exact amount of time and level of oestrus. Some people merely need loftier and depression settings, while others require more precise settings.
Controller style: Those suffering from arthritis may prefer a slide controller. If yous are looking to command the exact level of heat, a digital blazon can practise just that.
Moist estrus: Moist oestrus allows for deeper rut penetration to aid healing.
Condolement/soft material: When cozying up with a heating pad for comfort, you want a soft textile that feels nice against your skin.
Machine-off/timer role/options: Heat treatments can range from 15 minutes to two hours. Heating pads with a timer function are best for those using intense rut levels. For comfort measures that include sitting with a pad for a longer period of time, automatic shut-off features get important.
Ease of use: Regardless of why you're using information technology, a heating pad should be easy to employ.
The bottom line
Later using moist heat, it was hard to go back to dry heat just. Our recommended heating pads both feature moist heat therapy without adding water. The Thermophore – MaxHEAT and Chattanooga – Theratherm pull moisture from the air and directly it to where you need it most. While nosotros experience confident recommending either product, the Thermophore pulled ahead with its evenly distributed weights and ability to reach its elevation temperature apace.
Top Pick: Thermophore - MaxHEAT
Its flexibility and loftier heat capabilities and moist heating pick makes the MaxHEAT stand out.
More Reviews
Source: https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/best-heating-pad/
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