Best Heating Pad for Cramps
Modern heating pads are more than just a step above the styles that used to be used “only at your own risk”. Made from more comfortable materials and taking advantage of advanced technologies, heating pads today bring a whole new meaning to soothing heat.
Different shapes and sizes are especially nice to provide very direct heat to problem areas, such as those suffering from the dreaded monthly cramps. If you find your back, belly, and hips twinging the closer you get to your time, these are all excellent options to consider to help alleviate the discomfort and allow you to relax.
They also are top-notch for any other area you need to use heated relief upon due to their size and shapes.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief
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| #2 |  King Size Heating Pad
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| #3 |  Comfier Heating Pad for Back Pain
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| #4 |  PARAMED Heating Pad
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| #5 |  MIGHTY BLISS™ XXLarge Electric Heating Pad
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| #6 |  Sunbeam Weighted Heating Pad
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| #7 |  GoHeat Cordless Sunbeam Heating Pad
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| #8 |  SuzziPad Microwave Heating Pad
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You might want be interested: The Best Heating Pads
Table Of Contents
- Heating Pad Use Explained
- Heating Pad Safety
- Top Heating Pads for Cramps Picks to Consider
- 1. Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief
- 2. King Size Heating Pad
- 3. Comfier Heating Pad for Back Pain
- 4. PARAMED Heating Pad
- 5. MIGHTY BLISS™ XXLarge Electric Heating Pad
- 6. Sunbeam Weighted Heating Pad
- 7. GoHeat Cordless Sunbeam Heating Pad
- 8. SuzziPad Microwave Heating Pad
- Conclusion
Heating Pad Use Explained
The most popular heating pads are made with flexible heating elements, heating pads utilize soft, thick materials and help radiate heat to specific parts of your body. They are almost always corded and plug into a standard home outlet, although home use battery packs. Most offer various controls other than just on and off, such as timers and heat control.
There are actually various types of heating pads you can use- such as chemical, microwavable, and even infrared options. But these generally do not provide long lasting relief and may require more work than you want to bother with. Infrared options are almost always used in therapy centers under doctor’s care as well. Electric pads are generally the most popular choices, although microwavable options are also a great consideration since they are highly portable and provide quick relief, even if it doesn’t last very long.
Benefits
Heat therapy has long been used to help sooth joints, sore muscles, and provide pressure to areas of the body which can benefit from expanding blood vessels and increased oxygen flow. This type of therapy helps move nutrients through the body and increases natural healing to damaged muscles and tissues. It also provides relief from inflammation.
Soothing heat also helps alleviate discomfort caused by injury and chronic pain, and works to help lower blood pressure which can create a relaxing effect. This aids against stress, anxiety, and can even help reduce depressive feelings while physical tension releases.
Heating Pad Sizes And Shapes
Heating pads used to more or less be one size fits all, and if you needed heat applied to more than one specific area you were out of luck. Modern technology dictates that those days are in the past, and you can pick and choose from large, small, and even specially shaped products to fit specific needs. Some are even cordless to provide you the ability to move around and not be tethered to just one spot.
Heating Pad Safety
Although heating pads today are much safer to use than they used to be, you are dealing with both a source of electricity and heat- and so must take a few precautions and have some common sense awareness.
Some pads can get very hot very quickly, and you want to avoid placing a pad on exposed skin; rather use clothing or even a towel between you and your heat source. You also want to start at the lowest setting and work up rather than starting at the hottest setting. Avoid use with small children as well, and avoid placing it between you and a hard surface as that can create heating element issues and could force it to heat up too much as well.
Heating Pad Care
Heating pads also need to be cared for properly, and checked regularly for any issues with the cord or the heating surface itself. Many pads have a washable removable cover that you should launder every so often, and when doing so, check the pad for tears, cracks, or deformities that may indicate overheating. Also check the cord for secure attachment, cracks or exposed wires. Pad age and neglect is a number one cause of heating pad malfunctions and injuries.
Top Heating Pads for Cramps Picks to Consider
The choices span a huge range of various options, sizes, and shapes to help you get the best possible heat therapy relief. They are favored products and highlight quality choice so you can better narrow down a heating pad for your needs.
1. Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief
SPECS:
- Size: 12 x 24 inches
- Material: Polyester microfleece
- Features: Soft microfleece, extra long length, 4 temperature controls, 2 auto-off features, easy to wash.
Label: Editor’s Top Pick
Sunbeam is a long standing brand with a great reputation. Their heating pads are practically iconic, and offer plenty of features to provide you with comfort choices no matter what the occasion.
This extra long pad measures 24 inches long and 12 inches wide, which is perfect for coverage of your back, hips, and lower abdomen. It also works great for upper back and neck, or arm and leg use. Made from a soft micro-plush polyester. Consistent heating is provided through 4 different temperature levels and 2 auto-off timers. The extra long power cord helps you get comfortable just about anywhere as well, offering a 9 foot cord that plugs into any standard home outlet.
| Pros | Cons |
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2. King Size Heating Pad
SPECS:
- Size: 33 x 17 inches
- Material: Polyester microfiber
- Features: XXXL long length and size, 6 heat settings, 2-hour auto-off, machine washable
Label: Editor’s Runner Up
This XXXL heating pad is one of the largest on the market, and is not only good for full torse use, but also wraps well around the abdomen towards the lower back, or vise versa to combat cramping. It also is versatile in its use, and works well for legs, the length of your back, and draped over your shoulders.
At 33 inches long and 17 inches wide, you have a lot of versatile use. Plus, the 6 heat settings and 2 hour auto-shut off allows you to pick your perfect comfort and have peace of mind if you fall asleep it will turn off. Soft poly microfiber wraps you in softness, and is also machine washable. A long 9 foot cord lets you get comfortable just about anywhere. Plus, it rolls easy for transport and storage.
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3. Comfier Heating Pad for Back Pain
SPECS:
- Size: 14 inches wide with extension to provide for 62 inches around
- Material: Soft microfiber
- Features: 2 Heat levels, 3 vibration levels, 2 massage levels, extended fit, hands-free wear, 30-minute auto shut off
Label: Best Lower Back Heating Pad for Cramps
Back pain is often, well, a pain when you have cramps, and many women suffer from aches through their lower back and hips as well as in their lower abdomen. Although made for the lower back, this heating pad design also works well for stomach, leg, and back issues and provides both vibration massage and heat therapy.
The wrap around design secures well up to 62 inches, and offers a 30 minute shut-off to avoid overworking the muscles. The heat elements are consistent across the entire pad, which is covered in a soft microfiber material. An overheating protection is also built in for peace of mind.
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4. PARAMED Heating Pad
SPECS:
- Size: 12 x 24 inches
- Material: Polyfiber fleece
- Features: dual-sided, works well for moist heat applications, machine washable, 3 heat settings, 2-hour auto-off
Label: Best Double Sided Heating Pad Comfort
When shopping for the best heating pad, you might want to consider the other details besides what heat therapy it offers. This dual sided choice provides a fuzzy, plush minky feel coupled with a quilt-like side that allows you to use both a dry or moist heat application. This can be especially helpful when you need heat to penetrate deeper than just the surface for real healing qualities.
Quite large, you can use it to drape across your lower back or abdomen, and it works great for full upper back coverage as well. With three temperature controls, it has a 2 hour safety auto-shut off, plus, you can machine wash it. It comes with a storage bag for easy travel also.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lighter in weight so might not stay in place well if you move |
5. MIGHTY BLISS™ XXLarge Electric Heating Pad
SPECS:
- Size: 20 x 24 inches
- Material: Polyester microfleece
- Features: 3 heat settings, auto-off, moist heat approved, soft microfiber cover, machine washable
Label: Best Dry and Moist Heat Heating Pad for Cramps
This is another large pad perfect for use across your back, abdomen, shoulders, or legs. Measuring 20 x 24 inches, it helps apply consistent, soothing heat. Covered in a soft microfiber, fleece like material, it is plush and machine washable.
The material is perfect so you can use it for both dry and moist heat, and it offers 3 heat settings with an auto shut-off. It also can be machine laundered. SImply spray one side with water to take advantage of the deeper heat a moist surface provides, and feel the soothing power soak into your tired, sore, and crampy muscles.
| Pros | Cons |
| Not heat along edges |
6. Sunbeam Weighted Heating Pad
SPECS:
- Size: 14 x 14 inches
- Material: Soft microfiber
- Features: 3 heat settings, layered beads for weight, removable cover, 2-hour auto shut off, can be used with water for moist heat
Label: Best Weighted Heating Pad for Cramps
Weight therapy is also a great way to stimulate relaxation, and the Sunbeam weighted heated pad offers a 14 x 14 inch square that is perfect for abdominal use. Great for muscle tension and stress release. This flexible design stays in place due to the heavy layered micro-beads.
A soft, velour cover provides contouring comfort as well, and is easy to remove for cleaning. Three heat settings and a two-hour shut off timer makes it a safe choice, plus the cover material provides the perfect dry and moist heat surface to take advantage of for even further therapy options.
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7. GoHeat Cordless Sunbeam Heating Pad
SPECS:
- Size: 12 x 9.5 inches
- Material: Soft microfiber
- Features: Hands-free design, 3 heat settings, lithium-ion battery that recharges, 20-second warm-up
Label: Best Cordless Heating Pad for Cramps
Being forced to stay in one spot for heat therapy is one drawback of electric options. Luckily, there are also some cordless versions worth considering. If you need soothing heat while standing or moving around, the GoHeat Sunbeam heating pad is the option you want.
Measuring 12 x 9,5 inches, it is lightweight and can fit up to a 55 inch waist. Three heat settings and a fast, 30 second warm up define this design. A pocket helps hold the lithium ion battery pack to keep it out of your way. It also is machine washable.
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8. SuzziPad Microwave Heating Pad
SPECS:
- Size: 11 x 7 inches
- Material: Soft microfiber
- Features: 90 second warm up; soft, weighted comfort; washable cover; can be used for cooling; cordless
Label: Best Non-Electric Heating Pad for Cramps
Sometimes you want something that isn’t hooked up to an energy source, and so a good natural therapy option is worth considering. These heated pads are filled with flaxseed, millets, and clay beads to help hold heat and allow it to slowly radiate out to alleviate swelling, muscle and period cramps, joint pain, and any other aches and pains you may have.
The chambered design helps hold heat for longer and a soft material cover is easy to remove for laundering. Simply pop the 11 x 7 inch pad into the microwave for 90 seconds and enjoy up to 20 minutes of heated relief. It also can be used as a moist heat application, or even placed in the freezer for cooling relief as well.
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Conclusion
A good heating pad helps you get one step closer to comfort when suffering from cramps. These options provide various size and design choices to allow you the perfect pick to help with your heating needs. Choose your larger options to help cover your back, stomach, and hips and use an all-around heating approach. Or choose from smaller, or weighted choices for more specific heat application.