The first type of heating pad is heated using electric elements embedded inside the fabric, which give out a controllable and continuous amount of heat. Some users were also disappointed that the pad doesn't sit as close to their body as they would prefer. It’s made with a soft, velvet-like material, and the Velcro straps make for a comfortable and secure fit.

These heated patches scored no less than a four across all attributes, except for features, where they earned a three. We noted that the pad may absorb any odors lingering in the microwave, so cleaning your microwave before heating your pad is recommended. Heat therapy may help boost circulation, which allows nutrients and oxygen to travel to joints and muscles. With the coldest weather in decades forecast for the UK this winter, hot water bottles provide a cheap, eco-friendly option when it comes to keeping warm!

It can be used on most parts of the body, and its larger size and surface area offer fantastic warmth. Heating pads are usually made of soft materials such as fleece or microfibre, which is great for comfort but does mean that they can become dirty after frequent use. It’s important to not use the product on specific injuries, as it could further exacerbate the problem instead of helping. Whether for period pain, arthritis or general back, hip and muscle aches, applying heat can go a long way in taking some of the discomfort away, and one product that can really help with this is a heating pad. Whether it's food grease or red wine or grass and mud or sweat stains, it is almost inevitable that your clothes will, at some point, fall victim to staining.

Heating pads may help improve the circulation in your body, which could help relieve your back pain, repair damaged muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve back stiffness. We didn't really like the lightweight controller and noted that it tends to slip off the couch easily, but this was a personal preference.

The amount of heat you need from a pad can vary depending on the level of discomfort you have as well as your personal preferences. Put on a Voltarol heat patch and feel the continuous low-level heat on low back pain for 8 hours, helping you to get on the road to recovery. Children and the elderly also have different requirements, as they cannot tolerate as high a heat as most adults can. Beat the chill with this men's fleece GEL-HEAT™ jacket, a great extra layer for exercising on cold days.

If you don’t have a heating pad, taking a warm shower or relaxing in a hot tub may also relieve back pain and stiffness. Voltarol Medicated Plasters provide up to 12 hours of continuous release of anti-inflammatory ingredient diclofenac, effectively relieving pain. So, it'll pay to look for a pad that can be hand washed or popped into the washing machine to make keeping it spick and span super easy. Flameless candles, or LED candles, aim to provide a realistic dose of atmospheric glow whilst forgoing the messy wax drippings and the fire hazards.Deep Heat Heat Rub, Deep Heat Pain Relief Spray, Deep Heat Max Strength, Deep Relief Anti-inflammatory Gel and Deep Relief Joint Pain Gel are medicines for muscular aches and pains. They’re really useful if you need relief over longer periods of time as they don’t need to be reheated, and reassuringly, they also include safety features to prevent accidents. If the gel-pack is being used following an injury, seek medical advice if no improvement in the condition is seen within 72 hours.

On the other hand, heating pads have adjustable levels and provide a continuous flow of heat — for as long as the pad is turned on. This heating solution doesn’t have a timer or auto shutoff, which may not be ideal if you prefer those features. Although dry heat is more convenient, moist heat is generally more effective with treating muscle aches and stiffness as it can penetrate deeper into the tissues than dry heat,” Dr. We also had a family physician from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for medical accuracy, risks associated with using heating pads, and who should avoid using them. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Shockingly, 36% of UK homes do not have a carbon monoxide detector despite them only being a small investment that could save your life. Unlike heating pads, which tend to be larger in size, these Sunbeam patches are small enough to be placed on various parts of the body, including your back, abdomen, arms, legs, and calves. There's an adjustable waist strap to lock the back wrap in place, and the strap extends up to 85 inches.