Just imagine yourself getting a spa treatment at home using one of the best heating pads. When you're stressed or in pain because of too much work, a heating pad can help relieve muscle tension, calm, and relax your body. Choosing the best heating pad for you will bring you happiness and satisfaction, but you need to know what to look for to avoid wasting money. Read further to learn more about the best heating pads in the market today.

Top 3 Heating Pads

  1. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XXL Ultra-Wide Microplush Heating Pad
  2. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad
  3. Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief Heating Pad by TheraPAQ

4.5/5

  • Large to cover your back or full coverage
  • Comfortable to use
  • Easy to use

4.1/5

  • Auto shut-off can be overridden
  • Good size
  • Soft and comfortable

4.2/5

  • No stinky smell
  • Heats up evenly
  • Heats up fast

Best Heating Pads: Features to Look For When Shopping

Body pain is usually caused by tensed muscles, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuralgia, and stress. When shopping a heating pad, you have to ensure that you know the best features to look for. Here's a buying guide to shopping for heating pads.

1. Types of Heating Pads

There are many types of the heating pad such as an electric heating pad, infrared heating pad, and a microwavable heating pad. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

  • Electric heating pad: Heat is generated via electricity or electrical current that works to warm the surface area of the skin. Electric heating pads are inexpensive with adjustable heat settings and consistent heat.
  • Infrared heating pad: With a far infrared heating pad, the infrared heat tends to penetrate the deeper skin tissues or about 2 to 3 inches beneath the skin surface. It delivers negative ions which increases daytime energy levels and provide satisfying relaxation.
  • Microwavable heating pad: Some microwavable heating pads are made with rice. When choosing a microwavable heating pad, pick one that is made of a special compound designed not to have any odor.

2. Target Areas

Heating pads come in different styles depending on your target areas. You'll find shoulder heating pad, heating pad for the back, and full body heating pad available online. Also, there are trusted brands for neck and shoulder pain relief who produce neck and shoulder heating pads.

3. Doctor’s Recommendation

It's advisable to consult your doctor before buying a heating pad because it's not always applicable for all conditions. A neck heating pad or a neck wrap is applicable for chronic neck pain. For lower back pain, choose a heating pad that follows the contour of your spine to fully benefit from the heat. Seeking a doctor's advice is paramount when choosing the right type and style of heating pads.

4. Size and Shape

Heating pads also come in different sizes and shapes. A small heating pad can cover specific body parts, like your wrist, and a large heating pad or an extra large heating pad which is as large as a mattress for full-body relaxation. A back heating pad is intended for back muscle tension and back pains. If you're traveling with neck pain, choose a portable heating pad or a heating pad for the neck. You'll also find a small heating pad like a neck pillow.

5. Heat Settings 

The heat settings are crucial to achieving a fast and consistent heat. The best heating pads can deliver precise heat at a given temperature. Cheap brands come with a low, medium, and high settings, but high-end ones provide adjustable heat settings for a customized or personalized heat experience.

6. Operation

You can choose a cordless heating pad, a battery operated heating pad or a plug-and-play heating pad. If you're planning to use it for traveling, a battery operated heating pad is a good choice. Cordless heating pads are easy to use at home on a daily basis, while corded heating pads are less expensive and you don't have to worry about checking any battery level or if it's lacking enough charge.

7. Moist or Dry Heat Penetration 

It's a good idea to choose a heating pad that can deliver moist or dry heat penetration. Moist heat penetrates deeper into your body. However, moist heating pads tend to grow cooler quite quickly because they're not electric. The benefits of moist heat include deep muscle penetration for longer-lasting relief and won't dry out your skin.

8. Heating Performance

You want a heating pad that heats in a few seconds so it quickly provides fast pain relief. Check the heating performance of a heating pad by reviewing customer reviews. This step is crucial to ensure you'll get immediate relief from sore, aching, and tired muscles. Also, check the product specs and features to know its heating capability.

Heating Pad Reviews 2020

4.5/5

The Pure Enrichment Microplush Heating Pad is an extra-wide heating pad measuring 20 X 24 inches. It provides good coverage for your shoulders, lower back, legs, and other major muscle groups. For maximum comfort, this heating pad is super soft with a machine-washable micro plush that feels soft on bare skin. 

This ultra-wide heating pad heats in seconds, providing fast pain relief. Treat your sore and aching muscles within seconds using this heating pad. You can use it as a dry or moist heating pad for deeper muscle penetration, which is best for whole body pain relief and relaxation.

The Pure Relief XXL provides a double-wide therapeutic heat coverage for your sore muscles in your shoulders, legs, and back. It can be used to wrap around large body parts to relieve stiff joints, arthritic pain, and muscle ache. You can use it 20 minutes every day and this heating pad also comes with a storage bag, controller, and a user manual.

If you're feeling tired from a busy lifestyle, choosing the best heating pad like the Pure Relief XXL is a good idea. The different heating options provide superior warmth quality that customers truly love. The comfort level you'll feel is excellent, relieving your sore muscles and stress symptoms.

Here are the features of the Pure Enrichment Microplush Heating Pad:

  • Six Heat Settings which includes the following: warm–temperature range or 105⁰F, low–temperature range or 112⁰F, medium-low –temperature range or 119⁰F, medium–temperature range or 126⁰F, medium High–temperature range or 133⁰F, and high–temperature range or 140⁰F.
  • Ultra-Wide 20 x 24 inches Heating Pad: Offering excellent coverage for major muscle groups.
  • Heating Pad LED Controller: You can adjust the heat easily with six temperature settings based on your comfort level.
  • Moist Heat Therapy: It provides deeper penetration for more effective muscle relief.
  • Two-Hour Automatic Shut-Off (120 minutes): This feature conserves energy. It prevents burns due to excessive heating.
  • Extra-Long Cord: With the 9-foot long cord, you can easily use it from the comfort of your favorite chair or bed.
  • Machine Washable: It helps maintain the softness and the beauty of the heating pad so you can use it for many years to come.

Things We Liked

  • Large to cover your back or full coverage
  • Comfortable to use
  • Easy to use
  • No need to move pad around

Things We Didn't Like

  • Moderate heat

4.1/5

The PureRelief XL measures 12 x 24 inches, which is a great heating pad to treat aching and tensed muscles. It targets the arms, legs, abdomen, and the shoulders. You'll love the comfortable feeling using this heating pad because of its thick microplush fibers. 

Pure Relief XL is a deluxe heating pad, providing heat therapy solution. This heating pad is fast-heating because it heats within seconds, providing immediate pain relief. It can be used for dry or moist heat therapy. It is used for treating arthritic pain, stiff joints, and muscle ache. The recommended usage time is 20 minutes every day, to reduce pain, increase blood flow and treat muscle spasms.

Because of the auto shut-off feature, you'll have a peace of mind because you can use this extra large heating pad safely. The long cord allows you to move from your chair to your bed of whatever position you need to use the heating pad for maximum comfort.

Here are the features of the Pure Relief XL:

  • Extra-Large Heating Pad 12 x 24 inches: It provides excellent coverage for major muscle groups.
  • Six Heat Settings which includes the following: warm–temperature range or 105⁰F, low–temperature range or 112⁰F, medium-low –temperature range or 119⁰F, medium–temperature range or 126⁰F, medium High–temperature range or 133⁰F, and high–temperature range or 140⁰F.
  • Moist Heat Therapy: It provides deeper penetration for more effective muscle relief. It treats medical signs and symptoms for more effective and therapeutic effects.
  • Two-Hour Automatic Shut-Off (120 minutes): This feature conserves energy. It prevents burns due to excessive heating.
  • Extra-Long Cord: With the 9-foot long cord, you can easily use it from the comfort of your favorite chair or bed.
  • Machine Washable: It helps maintain the softness and the beauty of the heating pad so you can use it for many years to come.

Things We Liked

  • Auto shut-off can be overridden
  • Good size
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Long Cord

Things We Didn't Like

  • Bulky point where the pad and cord attached

4.2/5

The Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad by TheraPAQ is perfect for a wide array of purposes. You can use it to relieve muscle pain and joint stiffness, as well as to treat fibromyalgia, inflammation, spinal stenosis, arthritis, pinched nerves, abdominal cramps, and osteoarthritis. It's perfect for the shoulders and the neck, keeping them warmer. 

This is a pain relief heating pad measuring 12 x 17 inches with 100% clay beads, allowing cold or hot temperature. It nicely hugs your shoulder, neck, and your upper back. You can relax with the soft wrap and to say goodbye to pain. This microwavable heating pad is perfect for cold or heat therapy, by just putting it on the freezer or microwave for a couple of minutes.

Feel rejuvenated after an all day of work by getting a cold or hot therapy with this TheraPAQ heating pad. It relieves tension and alleviates pain, for people who have a busy everyday routine, active, or even those with a sedentary lifestyle.

Here are the features of the Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad by TheraPAQ:

  • Non-scented and all natural clay beads: Aim to distribute heat evenly with cold or hot temperature. It allows deep penetration on the muscles to eliminate pain.
  • Microwavable: It's perfect for moist and dry heating as well as cold and hot therapy.
  • Removable Outer Pouch: This heated pad has a removable outer pouch for easy cleaning.
  • Heating Technology: This heating pad heats up fast to relieve aches and pains.

Things We Liked

  • No stinky smell
  • Heats up evenly
  • Heats up fast
  • Comfortable to use

Things We Didn't Like

  • Initially very hot

4.2/5

The Geniani XL Electric Heating Pad can get rid of muscle soreness and pain by effectively directing heat stream towards body areas that hurt. It's excellent for muscle relaxation to eliminate pain. It is soft to touch, allowing you to place it in your neck, shoulders, abdomen, or legs.

With flexible heat options, you can adjust the heat settings depending on your desired warmth and your doctor's advice. You can adjust this heating pad to low, medium, or high, allowing you to choose the temperature that makes you feel most comfortable. It serves as a moist and dry heating pad for the kind of therapy you need.

You won't have problems using this heating pad which looks basically like what you see on the photos of the listing. It comes with a user manual and because this heating pad is easy to use, you won't probably need to check the manual in detail. But of course, check the care and maintenance as well as usage instructions for safety.

This electric heating pad doesn't consume much electricity so you won't be surprised by your electric bills. You'll be amazed how the auto shut-off works and the heat settings too. If your arthritis is killing you, this heating pad is a good choice because it has a soft covering and is convenient to use.

Here are the features of the Geniani XL Electric Heating Pad:

  • Soft Microplush Fibers: The Geniani XL Electric Heating Pad is soft and gentle to touch. 
  • Heat Options: The heat can be adjusted depending on your doctor's advice.
  • Moist and Dry Heating: Choose whether hot or cold therapy for your aches and pains. 

Things We Liked

  • Comfortable to use
  • Energy-saver
  • Flexible heat options

Things We Didn't Like

  • Shut-off fast

4.4/5

Are you always tired and even snore while sleeping? Do you suffer from headaches or migraines frequently? This electric heating pad can relieve your stress problems with the best features you can rely on and trust.

The Nestco Electric Heating Pad effectively relieves muscle tension and cramps. It is a large heating pad suitable for adults, offering a warm and relaxing effect on your arms, shoulders, legs, or your entire back. This heating pad is easy to use with a reliable silicone button. 

This heating pad has three temperature modes. You don't have to worry about overheating because this electric heating pad automatically shut-off to avoid overheating. It comes with 9 Volts power adapter, specifically designed to quickly heat up.

The Nestco Electric Heating Pad is convenient to use and store. You can fold it up easily for your neck and shoulders. The microplush is washable using a delicate cycle. Proper cleaning and maintenance allow you to choose it for many years to come.

Here are the features of the Nestco Electric Heating Pad:

  • Large Heating Surface: Eases muscle cramps, relaxes muscles, and relieves pain. 
  • Silicone Button: Use this heating pad conveniently using the silicone button.
  • Three-temperature Modes: Choose the best heating for you depending on your desired comfort level.
  • Two-hour Automatic Shut-off Feature: This heating pad is safe to use.
  • Modern Safe Controller: The control is reliable and safe.
  • Heat Settings: The three heat settings include 104°F, 122°F,  and 140°F.

Things We Liked

  • Easy to use
  • Space-saving
  • Flexible heat settings
  • Soft and comfortable

Things We Didn't Like

  • No light or display indicator

4.1/5

The Sunbag XL Heating Pad aims to provide quick relief for your knees, back, legs, neck, and other body parts. It includes an intuitive LED controller featuring varying heat settings. Now you can achieve the warmth you want to soothe your aching and tensed muscles.

The Sunbag XL Heating Pad is a fast-heating electric heating pad that heats up within seconds. It has a 10 feet long with a washable heating pad. It measures 12 x 24 inches, ETL approved, and a storage bag is included with a stretchy Velcro strap.

The Sunbag XL Heating Pad is a great moist heat therapy, allowing deeper penetration for treating inflammation, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. The elastic fixation strap encourages the pad to stay in place for a more fit body. Just relax and simply enjoy the warmth that the Sunbag XL Heating Pad can bring.

Here are the features of the Sunbag XL Heating Pad:

  • Fast Heating: This heating pad heats up within a few seconds.
  • Three Heat Settings: It has three heating modes that provide temperature control.
  • Ultra-Soft Flannel: This heating pad has a high quality, providing endless comfort because of its soft flannel fabric.
  • Machine Washable: The heating pad is easy to keep clean as it’s machine washable.
  • Two-Hour Automatic Shut-Off: This feature is for overheat Protection.
  • Long Power Cord: The cord is long measuring 10 feet.

Things We Liked

  • Soft fabric
  • Comfortable to use
  • Long electric cord

Things We Didn't Like

  • Smells like plastic

The best heating pads are used for different signs and symptoms, such as muscle tension, neck pain, headache, inflammation, and low back pain, as well as medical conditions like fibromyalgia, migraine, and insomnia. Whether acute and chronic pain, you can always rely on the different types and styles of heating pad for superior comfort and pain relief. Treat yourself with amazing heat therapy from a good brand of heating pad.