Tired of rubbing and massaging your aching neck or shoulders? Why not try putting an electric heating pad on a problematic area and let heat therapy give you pain relief? They come in so many forms that can target so many different areas of the body when you need it the most.
That's why we took on the task of making a list of the top 10 best electric heating pads out there. For example, Mighty Bliss' heating pad is large enough to be used on the shoulders, back, legs, or any other area. We've picked out nine more electric heating pads for your needs, and we've also included a buying guide to help you choose the best one!
You might be wondering what an electric heating pad is good for and how it works to relieve or manage pain. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation in the targeted tissue. Muscles and nerve endings are soothed and sedated through heat, reducing painful knots or aches.
Heating pads are also used for relaxation by minimizing pain signals sent to the brain by your body. With lower pain signals registered, you "feel" considerably less pain as a whole.
You can use a heating pad to reduce neck pain, headaches, knee or hip pain, cramps, back and foot aches, and many other problematic pains. However, there are some conditions that should not be treated with heating pads, so do your research and check with your doctor first.
The following lineup contains the best electric heating pads of varying sizes, some customized for a particular body part for target pain relief.
$26.97
Dimensions | 12 x 24 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Neck, shoulders, back, legs |
Heat levels | 3 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 10 ft. |
$33.64
Dimensions | 23 x 15 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Lumbar area |
Heat levels | 4 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 9 ft. |
$39.99
Dimensions | 29 x 24 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Neck, back, shoulders |
Heat levels | 4 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | Not provided |
$49.99
Dimensions | 22 x 19 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Neck, shoulders |
Heat levels | 4 |
Machine washable | Cover only |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 9 ft. |
$28.34
Dimensions | 12 x 11 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Arms, legs |
Heat levels | 6 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 9 ft. |
$26.99
Dimensions | 12 x 24 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Shoulders, legs, back |
Heat levels | 6 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 9 ft. |
$39.95
Dimensions | 35 x 20 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Feet, back, waist, abdomen |
Heat levels | 4 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 4 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry |
Cord length | 8.5 ft. |
$52.49
Dimensions | 14 x 27 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Shoulders, neck, knee, back |
Heat levels | 86 - 166℉ |
Machine washable | Cover only |
Auto shut-off | After 1 min. to 1 hr. |
Heat options | Moist |
Cord length | 6.5 ft. |
$29.99
Dimensions | 12 x 24 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Shoulders, neck, back |
Heat levels | 4 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 9 ft. |
$18.99
Dimensions | 12 x 15 in. |
---|---|
Target area | Shoulders, back, legs, stomach |
Heat levels | 3 |
Machine washable | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 9.8 ft. |
Image | 1 ![]() Mighty Bliss | 2 ![]() Sunbeam | 3 ![]() Pure Enrichment | 4 ![]() Sunbeam | 5 ![]() Sunbeam | 6 ![]() Sable | 7 ![]() Serta | 8 ![]() BodyMed | 9 ![]() Sunbeam | 10 ![]() AlierGo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Large Electric Heating Pad | Heating Pad Back Wrap | PureRelief XL Heating Pad | Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder | XpressHeat | Heating Pad | Heated Foot Warmer | Digital Moist Heating Pad | XL Heating Pad | Comfytemp |
Features | Get Pain Relief Fast for a Lot of Body Parts | Heat Therapy That Targets the Lower Back | Heat Therapy With an Ergonomic Fit | Extra-Tall Collar for Direct Neck Pain Relief | Fast Heat Therapy for Sore Arms and Legs | Quick-Heating Relaxation for Large Muscle Groups | Luxurious Heating Pad for the Feet | Fully Customizable Pad That Makes Its Own Moist Heat | Patented Sensors Provide Consistent and Even Heat | Soft Flannel Heating Pad for Targeted Therapy |
Price | $26.97 | $33.64 | $39.99 | $49.99 | $28.34 | $26.99 | $39.95 | $52.49 | $29.99 | $18.99 |
Dimensions | 12 x 24 in. | 23 x 15 in. | 29 x 24 in. | 22 x 19 in. | 12 x 11 in. | 12 x 24 in. | 35 x 20 in. | 14 x 27 in. | 12 x 24 in. | 12 x 15 in. |
Target area | Neck, shoulders, back, legs | Lumbar area | Neck, back, shoulders | Neck, shoulders | Arms, legs | Shoulders, legs, back | Feet, back, waist, abdomen | Shoulders, neck, knee, back | Shoulders, neck, back | Shoulders, back, legs, stomach |
Heat levels | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 86 - 166℉ | 4 | 3 |
Machine washable | Entire pad | Entire pad | Entire pad | Cover only | Entire pad | Entire pad | Entire pad | Cover only | Entire pad | Entire pad |
Auto shut-off | After 2 hrs. | After 2 hrs. | After 2 hrs. | After 2 hrs. | After 2 hrs. | After 2 hrs. | After 4 hrs. | After 1 min. to 1 hr. | After 2 hrs. | After 2 hrs. |
Heat options | Dry and moist | Dry and moist | Dry and moist | Dry and moist | Dry and moist | Dry and moist | Dry | Moist | Dry and moist | Dry and moist |
Cord length | 10 ft. | 9 ft. | Not provided | 9 ft. | 9 ft. | 9 ft. | 8.5 ft. | 6.5 ft. | 9 ft. | 9.8 ft. |
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Choosing an electric heating pad takes more consideration than pinpointing which area is aching and needs pain relief. There are heat options, power cord length, and maintenance to consider. We will discuss these in detail in the buying guide below.
For a customized and efficient way of tapping the benefits of heating pads, focus on their design and target body parts. This way, you can achieve focused heat therapy and quickly address those aches.
With an envelope type heating pad, you slip your feet in between the folds and create just the right amount of heat to boost circulation and relaxation. The material of this type is often made with soft fiberfill or another blanket-type material for comfort. Some pads even provide extra cushioning at the bottom.
To account for curves and angles, heating pads for the neck and shoulders often comes as a wrap-around cape that you clasp together on the chest.
When choosing a heating pad for the neck and shoulders, we recommend checking the design to see whether it will conform tightly to your body to allow for focused therapy. Furthermore, the clasps or lock mechanism should be secure and keep the entire thing in place.
To get the most out of your heating pad, we recommend getting one with an extra-long back section so you can also loosen tight back muscles in the process.
Whether it's menstrual cramps or lower back pain, you can use a heating pad that's just flat, but some are contoured to wrap around your torso better. Check if it comes with a strap to help keep the pad in place.
For a versatile heating pad option, you have rectangular ones that can be used on any body part. You can wrap the pad around your neck or feet or lay it flat on your back for heat therapy.
Take note of the size of the pad, as this type comes in numerous dimensions. For example, an extra-large one can give you enough coverage for your back, but it may be too bulky to wrap around your neck.
You can even get a mattress-sized heating pad for full body heat therapy, while some are extra compact for travel or to take to the office. A quick look at the product description will help in choosing the best size for your needs.
People have different heat tolerances, and some need high temperatures while others are more relaxed with mild heat therapy. Furthermore, each body part has a specific heat tolerance. You may find your feet and lower back are more sensitive than the shoulders or upper back area.
With that said, we recommend choosing a particular heating pad with adjustable heat settings so you can customize the temperature based on preferences and needs.
Dry heat therapy, as the name suggests, has no moisture involved. It is convenient because clothes don't get wet, and you don't need to spray the pad beforehand. However, it can draw moisture out of the skin, leading to dry patches and irritation. We advise limiting the use of dry heat if the skin gets uncomfortable.
On the other hand, moist therapy enhances tissue elasticity, making it recommended for those with aging or dry skin. Moist heat penetrates more deeply into the skin and opens pores. The downside is your clothes getting wet, so bare skin is a better method.
Some heating pads are compatible with both heat options, and you can even spray some mist onto the pad or use a sponge to wet the surface for moist heat. Dual capabilities let you choose the heat therapy type depending on preference.
Auto shut-off is a fantastic safety feature to have in case you doze off while using the device. An extra-long power cord lets you use the heating pad on the bed or couch without tugging on the wire.
A machine-washable pad ensures your heat therapy sessions remain hygienic without the extra effort of handwashing. Some pads only have an outer covering that is machine washable, while others can be fully thrown into the machine after the control panel is detached.
Looking to massage your body and achieve soothed muscles and a relaxed state? We've got a few suggestions to get you started.
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