Best Heating Pad

Best Heating Pad to Keep You Warm and Comfortable This Winter Updated 2024

Winter is here and it’s important to stay warm. We can crank up the thermostat, but opening utility bills is an exercise in sticker shock. Or, we can bundle up and wear a dozen layers. That’s not very comfortable though, especially to sleep in. Heating pads are a good alternative. Compact, energy efficient, and able to fix that nagging shoulder pain as well. Let us look at 10 of the best heating pads.

What are the best heating pads?

Let us look now at 10 heating pads currently available on Amazon. We’ll examine their construction, shape and size, as well as heating capabilities, to find the best heating pad for your needs.

Why use heating pads?

Heat serves two purposes: to keep our bodies warm and comfortable, and as a remedy for aches and pains. Heat therapy can be very effective to alleviate pain and discomfort. Heat, when applied locally, causes blood vessels in the targeted area to dilate, which increases oxygen flow and nutrients to the muscle. This helps heal damaged tissue, without the use of medicine or any other expensive treatments.

1. Sunbeam 002013-912-000 King SizeXpressHeat Heating Pad

This is a one-piece washable pad, measuring 12X24”. It comes in hunter green and camel colors and is reversible, with a Microplush reversible to SoftTouch polyester fabric. The Sunbeam XpressHeat includes a patent pending technology pad that heats up in 30 seconds, which is 3 times faster than standard heating pads. It has a digital LCD controller with unique heat meter, which gets brighter as the pad heats up. It also has a moist heat option, perfect for deep therapeutic therapy.

There is a 2 hour auto-off feature, but you can also program it to stay on. This model is recommended for general heating uses, as well as for treating muscle cramps.

2. Sunbeam 732-500 King-Size Heating-Pad

This pad also measure 12X24”, and for people looking for heatings pads offering the highest temperatures, this is the model for you. It features 3 heat settings and is controlled with a large slide controller, perfect for those with arthritis. It comes in a blue cover that's machine washable.

The absorbent sponge included with this model is great for moist heat-therapy, which provides deep, penetrating pain relief. It is suitable for general heating use, as well as to treat muscle cramps.

3. Sunbeam Ultra Soft Heating Pad with Straps

At a standard sized 12X15”, this pad comes in a soft vinyl/plush polyester fabric, and is perfect for targeted treatments. It features an absorbent sponge meant for moist heat therapy, and 4 heat settings, with a 2 hour auto-off feature and extra long power cord.

4. BodyMed White Digital Electric Moist Heating Pad

This is a slightly larger pad at 14X27”. What is unique is the moist heating option, which does not require you to add any water – instead, it draws humidity from the ambient air and produces its own moisture. This model is recommended for pain relief caused by muscle strains and sprains, joint pain, and inflammation.

It features a large LCD control, allowing people to set and monitor heating temperature and time. It has a lockout ability, which prevents accidental changing of settings during treatment. A shutoff function can be set in one-minute increments for up to one hour, with an automatic shutoff after 15 minutes.

5. Battle Creek Thermophore Automatic Moist Heat Pack

This is a similar model to the BodyMed mentioned above. It has identifical dimensions at 14X27”, and also provides moist heat therapy, producing moisture without any added water. The model includes a flannel cover that helps retain moisture for deep tissue therapy.

Recommended uses for this type of moist heat treatment include back pain, arthritis, TMJ, rheumatic pain, joint inflammation, and muscle spasms. 

6. HealthSmartTheraBeads Microwavable Heating Pad

This heating-pad is a microwaveable model which also provides moist heat therapy. Ready to use in under 2 minutes in the microwave, this small pad at 12X16” provides portability and instant relief. TheraBeads take in moisture from the air – they have a coating that allows them to absorb humidity, which releases after heating in the microwave. After the pad is used and cools down, the TheraBeads naturally absorb moisture from the air again, and are ready for another use.

At a small size and weight, the HealthSmart is ideally suited to treat the following:

· Arthritis

· Joint pain

· Injuries

· Stiffness and soreness

· Drawing out and soothing pain

· Reducing swelling

· Recovering from surgery

· Back/shoulder pain and stiffness

7. Sunbeam Body-Shaped Heating Pad

For those looking for ultimate portability, this model is the one for you. The Sunbeam body-shaped heating pad is meant to be worn under your clothing during the day as you go about your daily activities.

It measures at 11X20.5”, with flexible velcro straps which extend up to 70 inches to comfortably and securely fit around the treatment area. It has a 9 foot long cord, and a soft, machine washable fabric pad. There are removable hot & cold gel packs for mobile therapy, if you are not near an electrical source. Plugged in, it has a 2 hour auto-off feature. 

8. Mind & Body Whole-Body Wrap

This is a pillow-shaped model measuring 7X25” with a double-sided fabric, allowing for both heating and cooling, by both microwave and freezer. It is fully washable, and microbeads prevent mold and mildew.

9. Nature's Approach Aromatherapy Belted-Lumbar Wrap Herbal Pack

A lumbar belt is ideal for lower back pain, and this model is designed to fit snugly, no matter if you are sitting and moving. It can be heated or frozen, and comes with a variety of aromatherapy herbal packs for moist heat therapy, including:

· Lavender

· Peppermint

· Spearmint

· Valerian Root

· Cinnamon

· Chamomile

· Clove

· White Willow Yarrow

· Yellow Dock Root

· Lemongrass

· Flax Seed

10. Sunny Bay Body Heating-Wrap

Measuring at 24x10.5”, this large body heating-wrap is a microwavable and freezable, and is designed to cover your entire pack. It is ideal for the following conditions:

· Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

· Fibromyalgia

· Neuralgia

· Athletic Sport Sprains/Strains

Final Verdict

As this list of the best heating pads show, there are a variety of options available to people who suffer from muscle discomfort, illnesses, or simply those looking for heat therapy solutions. Just as everyone’s needs are different, deciding the best heating pad is also dependant on every person’s preferences.

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