At a certain point, we can no longer ignore the gnawing, lingering, and always constant pain in our neck, shoulder, or back areas. They persist and persist to remind us that we need to do something about it before it’s too late. But, really, who has the time to visit expensive physical therapists and masseuses? Don’t fret. Thanks to the almighty heating pad, you can receive at-home thermotherapy at a fraction of the cost.
In the following guide, we tell you how 10 heating pad brands could be the answer to fast and effective pain relief right in the comfort of your own home. You don’t want to miss out on our top pick. Read on to find out more.
Heating Pad FAQ
1. What Is a Heating Pad?
A heating pad is a pad designed to provide heat therapy for pain relief, muscle soreness, and muscle inflammation.
2. What Does a Heating Pad Do?
A heating pad is designed to treat muscle soreness, aches, and pain by a consistent release of heat to the problem areas.
3. How Does a Heating Pad Work?
A heating pad releases heat to the problem areas for fast pain relief. Different models may use different sources for heat, but typically, they rely on electricity to deliver consistent temperatures throughout the treatment.
Heating pads can be used on the neck, shoulder, legs, back, and anywhere else that needs relief. The heat from the pads is designed to promote blood flow and increase oxygen in the muscles to boost recovery.
4. Where Can You Buy Heating Pads?
You can buy heating pads at your local home goods store or online at Amazon.com.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, and Where to Buy. We were mainly concerned with the pads’ functionality, temperature settings, coverage size, ease of use, ease of maintenance, and durability.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
Heating pads range in price from around $26 to $345. The higher-priced heating pads feature more temperature settings, are larger, and made with a special patent-pending technology, contain amethyst crystals, and/or are weighted pads.
What We Reviewed
- Sunbeam Renue Extra-Large Micromink Tension Relief Neck and Shoulder Heating Wrap
- Chattanooga Theratherm Digital Moist Heating Pad
- Pure Enrichment PureRelief Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad
- BodyMed White Digital Electric Moist Heating Pad
- Sunbeam King-Size MicroPlush/Soft Touch Electric Heating Pad
- Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL King Size Heating PadSunbeam Renue Microplush Tension Relief Neck and Shoulder Heating Wrap
- Sunbeam King-Size Microplush XpressHeat Heating Pad
- Sunbeam Renue Contouring Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad
- Far Infrared Amethyst Mat Mini (32″L x 20″W)
Sunbeam Renue Extra-Large Micromink Tension Relief Neck and Shoulder Heating Wrap
[amazon box=”B016WK51HS”]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The Sunbeam Renue Extra-Large Micromink Tension Relief Heating Wrap is uniquely shaped for providing relief to the entire shoulder and neck area. Featuring a digital LED controller, two heat settings, and a two-hour auto shut-off function, this heating pad is designed to increase blood flow for faster muscle relaxation and healing.
What’s more, it also features four massage settings and a 9-foot power cord for added convenience. Finally, this pad is backed by Sunbeam’s 2-year limited warranty for quality assurance.
Pros
- Stays in place
- Adjustable fit for different neck and shoulder sizes
- Various settings and controls to suit comfort level
CONS
- Strong smell for some users
- Did not work for some users
[amazon box=”B016WK51HS” template=”widget-vertical”]
Chattanooga Theratherm Digital Moist Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B0010L1KZM”]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The Chattonooga Theratherm Digital Moist Pad is designed to deliver intense, moist heat for pain relief associated with muscle inflammation and spasm as a result of tension and strain. In addition to the neck and shoulder area, this pad can also be used on the back, wrist, shoulder, knee, and feet.
It features a flannel covering that pulls in moisture from the air. It also features a digital hand control that lets you program the treatment and adjust the temperature. Finally, a lockout mode locks the temperature setting in place throughout the rest of the treatment duration.
Pros
- Large size; large coverage area
- Up to 167-degree Fahrenheit temperature
- Digital display to monitor treatment
CONS
- Stopped working for some users
- No return policy
- Did not heat to temperature selected for some users
[amazon box=”B0010L1KZM” template=”widget-vertical”]
Pure Enrichment PureRelief Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B01KVYJJA6″]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The Pure Enrichment PureRelief Neck and Shoulder Pad features a built-in magnetic closure and a contoured shape designed to stay in place during the treatment duration. Featuring four heat settings and easy-to-use LED controller, this pad penetrates deep into the pain area for effective tension relief.
What’s more, this pad also features a 2-hour auto shut-off function for conserving energy and to prevent overheating. A 9-foot long power cord is included for added convenience. Finally, this pad is machine washable and can be stored away in the included storage bag between uses.
Pros
- Large, contoured pad
- Temperature settings to suit different levels of pain
- Machine washable
- Ultra-soft, flexible material
CONS
- Strong chemical smell
- Not returnable
- Does not heat evenly for some users
[amazon box=”B01KVYJJA6″ template=”widget-vertical”]
BodyMed White Digital Electric Moist Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B001PM15XI”]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The BodyMed White Digital Electric Moist Pad delivers therapeutic warmth to relieve muscle tension and pain. This pad features an easy-to-read LCD controls that let you set the temperature and treatment time.
In addition, it also features a temperature lock that protects against accidental touching of the temperature controls during treatment. This multi-functional pad is not only limited to the neck and shoulder area, but it can also be used to treat the knee, back, and arms.
Pros
- Time and temperature settings
- Provides consistent moist heat
- Large coverage area
CONS
- Stopped working for some users
- Digital display on the controller is not back-lit
- Auto shut-off after one hour
[amazon box=”B001PM15XI” template=”widget-vertical”]
Sunbeam King-Size MicroPlush/Soft Touch Electric Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B00474Z0Q4″]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The Sunbeam King-Size MicroPlus/Soft Touch Electric Pad features an easy-to-use LED controller that allows you to adjust the desired temperature setting to soothe your problem area. This king size pad uses ThermoFine technology to consistently maintain heat for year-around relief.
Measuring at 12-inches by 24-inches, this pad is made with microplush/soft touch fabric that’s gentle on the skin and comfortable for extended use. What’s more, this pad is designed to increase blood flow and promote oxygen levels in inflamed muscle areas for faster recovery.
Pros
- Large coverage area
- Cover is integrated into the pad
- Super soft material
- Heats up quickly
CONS
- Stopped working for some users
- No returns
- Controller overheated for some users
[amazon box=”B00474Z0Q4″ template=”widget-vertical”]
Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B01KVYTV86″]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad is made with plush microfibers and a king size measuring 12 inches by 24 inches. This pad features six temperature settings that can be adjusted via a digital LCD controller to accommodate your desired heat level. What’s more, it also features a moist heat therapy option for deeper pain relief wherever you need it.
Meanwhile, the 2-hour auto shut-off function prevents the pad from overheating and to help you conserve energy. This pad also comes with a 9-foot long power cord, so you can use it wherever it is convenient for you. Finally, this pad is completely machine washable and can be easily stored away in the included storage bag.
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Super soft fabric
- Easy-to-use controls
- 5-year warranty
- Machine washable
CONS
- Stopped working for some users
- Inconsistent temperature for some users
- Not warm enough for some users
[amazon box=”B01KVYTV86″ template=”widget-vertical”]
Sunbeam Renue Microplush Tension Relief Neck and Shoulder Heating Wrap
[amazon box=”B001JCXJTW”]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- Where to Buy
The Sunbeam Renue Microplush Tension Relief Neck and Shoulder Heating Wrap provides therapeutic relief to the neck, back, and shoulder area. This pad features a contoured shape with an upper flap for effective coverage of the entire problem area.
Made with microplush and completely washable materials, this pad also features a digital LED controller with four heat settings for customizable comfort adjustments. What’s more, it comes with a 9-foot long power cord for even greater convenience. Finally, this pad is backed by Sunbeam’s 2-year limited warranty for quality assurance.
Pros
- Long power cord
- Machine washable
- Large coverage area
- 2-year warranty
- Easy-to-use controller
CONS
- Strong chemical smell
- Not hot enough for some users
- Stopped working for some users
[amazon box=”B001JCXJTW” template=”widget-vertical”]
Sunbeam King-Size Microplush XpressHeat Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B005NZ66KU”]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- WHERE TO BUY
The Sunbeam King-Size Microplush XpressHeat Pad is a 12-inch by 24-inch pad featuring Sunbeam’s patent-pending technology designed to heat up the pad in only 30 seconds. Also, this pad is made with microplush fabric for an ultra-soft pain relief experience not found in other pads.
In addition, an easy-to-use digital controller allows for six different temperature settings to suit individual needs. Finally, this pad is not limited for use on the shoulder and neck area; it can also be used on the back, spine, legs, and wherever else you’re experiencing pain and tension.
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Large coverage area
- Microplush materials
- Machine washable
CONS
- Controller overheated for some users
- Stopped working for some users
- Inconsistent heat for some users
[amazon box=”B005NZ66KU” template=”widget-vertical”]
Sunbeam Renue Contouring Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad
[amazon box=”B0753PSVY7″]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- WHERE TO BUY
The Sunbeam Renue Contouring Neck and Shoulder Pad features a uniquely designed shape consisting of a tall, adjustable collar for targeting the neck area, and large flaps for targeting the shoulders and the back of the head. These weighted pads also feature a magnetic closure for securing it in place.
Made with super-soft micromink materials, this pad is also completely machine washable and comes with a detachable power cord. What’s more, this pad features four heat settings and a 2-hour auto shut-off function for customized pain relief you can depend on.
Pros
- Contoured shape
- Large coverage area
- Heats up quickly
- Machine washable
CONS
- Strong chemical smell
- Overheated for some users
- Stopped working for some users
[amazon box=”B0753PSVY7″ template=”widget-vertical”]
Far Infrared Amethyst Mat Mini (32″L x 20″W)
[amazon box=”B018Q7SZZ0″]
- Features
- Pros & Cons
- WHERE TO BUY
The Far Infrared Amethyst Mat Mini is unlike other pads on the market. This pad uses 18 layers of untreated, unpainted, 100% natural purple amethyst crystals for fast and reliable pain relief. Containing almost seven pounds of amethyst crystals, this pad is designed to release negative ions and far infrared deep impact heat to promote blood and oxygen flow in the problem areas.
What’s more, included with this pad is an easy-to-use controller and a multilayer waterproof protective cover for easy storage. Finally, a 3-D Air Mesh Cushioning Pad is also included with the pad for customizable heat relief.
Pros
- Great for detoxing
- Easy-to-use controls
- Stays hot
- Great customer support
CONS
- Too thick and stiff for some users
- Safety mechanism ineffective for some users
- Pricey
[amazon box=”B018Q7SZZ0″ template=”widget-vertical”]
The Verdict
image source: Freepik
After reviewing all 10 products based on the five parameters, we present our verdict for the best heating pad brand to relieve pain: The Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad. This pad impressed us with its functionality as it features a king-size pad designed to target large problem areas and features six temperature settings for customizable treatments.
Furthermore, it also features a 2-hour auto shut-off function to ensure safety, while the microplush materials are super soft and comfortable for long-term use. The best part is, this pad is easy to maintain as it is completely machine washable and comes with a carrying bag for easy storage.