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I’ve had my standard drugstore heating pad for probably a decade (maybe longer), and it’s helped me get through everything from period cramps and a stiff neck to post-workout recovery. Despite my deep attachment to it, I’m convinced to upgrade and try other options after chatting with experts about the best heating pads. Some seem better-suited for my chronic back pain, and others have the convenience of being cordless. While I haven’t had the chance to test each out yet, I’ve started calling them in and will report back once I’ve done sufficient testing. Before we get into the non-negotiable features to look out for and the expert picks, a quick note from board-certified OBGYN at RMA of New York Dr. Lucky Sekhon. She says not to use a heating pad for more than 20 minutes at a time to prevent skin irritation or burns. Also, if you have medical conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or if you’re pregnant, be sure to consult your doctor before using one.
Update on September 6, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Type of heat
Generally, heating pads use either dry or moist heat. “An electrical heating pad that produces dry heat is going to be able to heat up pretty quickly and give you nice pain relief, but it’s also going to be more drying, literally,” Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and CEO and founder of LYT Yoga, says. “Moist heat has more of an ability to penetrate deeper into the tissue.” Heimann recommends moist heat for elderly people, anyone with dry skin or who lives in a dry climate.
Features
When it comes to electric heating pads (a majority of this list), there were some non-negotiables mentioned by experts: a machine-washable cover, auto shutoff, and multiple heat settings. Here, I’ve listed out the features each heating pad has to make shopping easier for you.
Size
Size depends on what you use your heating pad for. You may want an extra-large one to cover an area like your spine, but it may not make as much sense if you’re primarily using a heating pad for neck stiffness. Also consider if you’re hoping to bring it on-the-go and how easy it is to pack.
Best heating pad overall
Type of heat: Dry | Features: Machine-washable cover, auto shutoff, three heat settings | Size: 12 in. x 15 in.
Sunbeam’s heating pads come in a lot of different sizes and shapes, including ones that can wrap around your forearm and others that have magnetic clasps. This is one of the brand’s more standard heating pads that comes with three heat settings in a versatile 12 inches by 15 inches size. Dr. Sekhon likes it for period cramps, menopause, muscle stiffness, and general pain relief for the back, neck, and shoulders. It’s also fairly priced at just $36. Because it ticks all the expert requirements, can help with most issues, and isn’t a burden pack or store away, it gets the top billing.
Best microwavable heating pad
Type of heat: Moist | Features: Machine-washable cover | Size: 6.5 in. x12 in.
SuzziPads are filled with flaxseed, millet, and clay beads to provide moist heat after a quick zap in the microwave. “The beads never get too hot, so you do not have to worry about burning yourself,” says Dr. Karena Wu, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at Activecare Physical Therapy. She notes though to make sure your microwave is clean before heating it up, because it tends to pick up any lingering smells. Heimann also recommends this, and ended up buying one for her mother, who found some relief from her neck arthritis with it.
Best single-use heating pad
Type of heat: Dry | Size: Fits 35” to 47” waist
These single-use heating pads are activated by air after you take them out of their packaging. Unlike the other heating pads on this list, they don’t require plugging in or any prep like microwaving. Dr. Wu likes them as a low cost, low profile option under clothing or a good option if you’re in a pinch.
Best extra large heating pad
Type of heat: Dry | Features: Machine-washable cover, auto shutoff, and six heat settings | Size: 12 in. x 24 in.
Pure Enrichment carries an extra-large heating pad that’s best for covering large areas. Dr. Sekhon likes it for back pain and swollen ovaries from IVF treatment. She also says that despite its larger size, it heats up quickly. It has six settings — two more than the best overall — as well as a machine washable cover and auto shutoff. It’s also been recommended by the musician Santigold, who suffers from serious, chronic neck and shoulder pain. “I tried the pad. And I never had the pain at that intense level again,” she says. “You can drape it over your shoulder or wrap it around the side of your neck that hurts. You can put it on your hip, whatever — it really works.”
Best heating pad for severe pain
Type of heat: Moist | Features: Machine-washable cover, auto shutoff, and three heat settings | Size: 14 in. x 14 in.
This Thermophore heating pad provides moist heat without having to throw it in the microwave. Instead, it’s electrical and is made with a specially woven cover that traps moisture from the air and generates moist heat therapy. Dr. Sekhon likes it for severe muscle pain, chronic conditions like arthritis, severe menstrual cramps, and menopause-related joint pain. However, she does note that it can get quite hot, so careful use is recommended.
Best infrared heating pad
Type of heat: Infrared | Features: Timer, auto shutoff, temperature customization | Size: 14 in. x 14 in.
Infrared heat was also brought up by experts I spoke to. “It’s doing the same as a normal heating pad: enhancing blood circulation, increasing dilation of the vessels, but it can go deeper than others without burning,” says Heimann. “It’s going beyond the skin and subcutaneous level. It can help with healing.” Because of this, Dr. Sekhon likes far-infrared heat for chronic pain relief and deep muscle relief for severe menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. The biggest drawback here is price, so it may not make sense to invest in this if you have standard cramps or muscle soreness.
Our experts
• Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and CEO and founder of LYT Yoga
• Santigold, musician
• Dr. Lucky Sekhon, board-certified OBGYN at RMA of New York
• Santigold, musician
• Dr. Karena Wu, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at Activecare Physical Therapy
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