The Best Heating Pads

Heating pads are gold in a number of different situations. While they may seem like something that’s not really necessary, they can aid in a lot of different scenarios: from people who are trying to alleviate back pain to those who have circulation problems and literally have cold feet all the time. But since this is an electronic device, you need to be very wary with the specifications of the product you buy, which is why we’re going to lend a helping hand with information and product examples to put you on the right path for choosing a good heating pad.

The Best Heating Pads

Types of Heating Pads

You need to know a couple of things about heating pads before you pick one for yourself. Some really important information is knowing about the different types of pads that exist so that you can make a more informed choice that suits you better.

— Electric

These are literally pads that you can plug into a power outlet and they will let out dry heat once the elements inside them have reached a certain temperature. They are really good for when you want to draw moisture out of the skin, but for people who have sensitive skin, they might not be the best idea.

It is also not advisable to use electric heating pads for hours on end because you are exposed to the risk of skin burn. An alternative would be to seek out electric heating pads that have thermostats and timers and will automatically shut off after a certain period of time. This way, you will decrease the risks implied by falling asleep while using an electric heating pad.

— Moist

These turn the power of moist air into aid that relaxes sore muscles. You will most commonly find them in the shape of microwaveable bags that have an integrated conducting filler, but they can also be just hot water bottles. The latter category doesn’t actually produce internal heat, so they are safer compared to electric heating pads. The major benefit of moist heating pads is the fact that they provide long-lasting pain relief.

— Infrared

These have a functioning mechanism that’s often compared to the heat produced by the sun. They are also commonly used by people seeking pain relief, as the heat that comes from them does a neat job in expanding the blood vessels and making sure that fresh blood reaches the muscles and joints.

Heating Pads and Back Pain

One of the major reasons why people buy heating pads is because they help with back pain. To show that isn’t BS, let’s look at this situation from a medical point of view and determine if these products can actually serve the said purpose.

Heating therapy isn’t new at all; it’s been around since Ancient Greece when people used the sun for its therapeutic benefits. What heating therapy actually does is to boost circulation and help blood that is rich in oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles and joints in your body. This blood plays a really important part in relieving inflammation and repairing damaged muscles.

Pretty much any type of heating therapy is helpful, but some methods are more efficient than others. Heating pads are quite a common choice because they are easy to get used to and to carry around whenever needed. Powered by your home electric system, these pads can be used in just about every corner of the house, whether you’re making pancakes in the kitchen or sitting on the couch for some quality TV time.

Some people prefer a hot water bath, but the main disadvantage is that you can’t maintain certain temperatures for too long, as the water slowly cools down. Heating pads will provide you with a steady temperature because they are designed in such a way as to provide a constant level of heat as long as they are turned on.

Naturally, there is a right and a wrong way to use a heating pad or a heated mattress pad. If this is your first time using such a product, it’s best if you start with the lowest temperature setting and work your way up from there.

For example, if you are experiencing pain and stiffness, it is always best to choose a lower heat setting and then increase the intensity.  The problem here is that using the heating pad on your back isn’t an exact science.  There isn’t a predetermined period of time or an exact formula on how long you should use the heating pad.  However, it is advised that you remove the heating pad from your back after 15 to 30 minutes of use in order to avoid any potential skin burns.  If you use a heating pad on a low heat setting, it’s safe to leave it on your back for about an hour.

Rules for Safety

• Never place a heating pad on damaged skin because you will risk further injuries.
• If you don’t use the heating pad with a built-in timer, make sure you don’t fall asleep with the pad turned on.
• If you notice that the cord of your heating pad is cracked or if the internal wires are exposed, avoid using the pad altogether.
• While it’s generally safe to use a heating pad on your back if you are pregnant, it’s very important that you avoid prolonged exposure, as this could pose a threat to your baby.

You may want to check out: Best Small Heating Pads

Bottom Line

As you can see, heating pads that come from different brands may share a lot of similarities. That occurs because the technology in itself follows the same concept, so not everyone can reinvent the wheel when it comes to heating pads. The improvements that can be made consist mostly in speeding up the time it takes for the pad to heat up or the quality of the materials used which can be translated into a more durable product.

What’s even more important is to focus on heating pads that provide as many safety measures as possible: like those who have strong and resistant cords and those with automatic timers that can actually turn off the pad if you fall asleep while using it.