5 Best Massage Heating Pads [2021 Buying Guide]

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The best heating pad for a massage is designed to offer soothing and kneading motion. It’s a great way to relieve chronic pain and tension in the lower back, neck, shoulders, legs, and feet.

These days, people are so busy that they don’t have time for themselves. They work long hours and then come home to take care of their kids, housework, and errands.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health as well as your physical health.

I recommend using a massage heating pad. It’ll help you relax after a hard day or give relief from chronic pain anywhere in the body. There are many options out there but these five heating pads are the best!

Our Top Pick & Rating Comparsion

What is a heating pad? How do they work?

Heating pads are designed to deliver warmth to different parts of the body. There are different types, such as patches that you can put on the skin or wraps around an affected area.

The way they work is fairly simple. A massage heating pad generally consists of an electric heating element and some sort of covering, like leather or fabric. When you plug in the pad, the electric heating element warms up and begins to distribute heat onto your skin.

There are also air heating pads that use hot air instead of electricity to warm you up. Some massage heating pads have a combination of both techniques. They work the same as the electric ones. A fan circulates hot air around you, making you feel warm and cozy.

The best heating pad for a massage is going to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. If you want something with more versatility, then I recommend looking into wrap-style heating pads or holders.

Top 5 Best Massage Heating Pads Reviewed

Sunbeam Sunbeam Heating and Massage Pad for Neck & Shoulder

$49.87
5 new from $49.87
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of August 4, 2021 2:30 pm
  • Manufacturer: Sunbeam Corporation
  • Product Dimensions : 7.87 x 3.54 x 12.99 inches
  • Weight: 2.16 Pounds
  • Item model number: 000882-406-035
  • Color: Lavender
  • Wattage: 90 watts
  • Bulb Voltage: 120 volts

Sunbeam heating pad provides soothing relief for aching muscles, back pain, and stiffness. The soft mink cover provides comfortable warmth to relax sore muscles and ease tension.

Also, four pre-set massage settings provide customized comfort while the auto-shutoff feature ensures safety when not in use. The nine-foot power cord makes it easy to reach all areas of your body and the machine washable cover allows for convenient care.

It produces 90 watts using 120 volts which is equivalent to 3.5 watts per square inch of heating pad surface area.

Pros
  • Good for neck and shoulders.
  • It provides smooth vibration.
  • The magnet on the wings is nice for wrapping around your shoulders.
  • Comfortable heat level.
Cons
  • It’s not so awful once you use it a few times.

Extra Large Moist Heating Pad with Auto Shut Off

$49.99
Amazon.com
as of August 4, 2021 2:30 pm
  • Manufacturer: M PAIN MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES
  • Product Dimensions : 13.11 x 8.86 x 3.15 inches
  • Weight: 3.09 Pounds

ThermoRelief’s moist heating pads are an effective, natural way to relieve pain from muscle joint aches and pains. The moist heat draws out toxins from the body, which helps to ease tension and stiffness in your muscles.

ThermoRelief’s heat pad is designed for maximum comfort and features a medical-grade heating pad that is safe to use on all parts of the body. It also has adjustable temperature control with an auto-shutoff time of 60 minutes.

Also, you can fold it in a small area since it has flat and thin. It’s very easy to transport because of its flexibility. Using this massage heating pad, you can easily remove any pain like chronic pain, neck pain, injuries, cramps, and more from your body.

Pros
  • The cover is really soft.
  • The digital control is very intuitive and easy to use.
  • Enough cord length.
  • This heating pad is perfect for cramping, soreness, and any muscle tension.
Cons
  • When this pad powers up, it stays warm for a long time.
  • I found that it stops heating in the middle of timed sessions, but it’s not happened for all users.

Full Body Electric Heating Pad

$28.99
3 new from $26.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of August 4, 2021 2:30 pm
  • Manufacturer : SereneLife
  • Item model number: ‎SLHP24L
  • Product Dimensions : 24 x 12 x 1.1 inches
  • Weight: 1.55 Pounds
  • Bulb Voltage: 120 volts
  • Wattage: 85 watts

This full-body electric heating pad by SereneLife is a great tool for physical exercises, as it can warm muscles perfectly and increases blood flow. The pad has 6 heat settings to choose from, making it easy to find the right temperature for you.

It features a super soft cozy fabric material that will keep you comfortable while using it. Also, it’s the best heating pad that is lightweight and has a wired handheld. So you can use it anywhere at any time! I like its washable design that makes this product easy to clean and maintain.

The massage heating pad is made with a plug-in design that allows corded operation for quick warming up. Also, the heating pad has a digital controller with an LCD display, which allows you to adjust the temperature settings easily and safely.

Pros
  • Good fabric material.
  • Great customer service.
  • The automatic timer works well.
  • Very lightweight and easy to control.
  • This heating pad is a great way to stay warm while remaining in bed.
Cons
  • Some users say not good for back pain.

Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain

$49.99
$44.34
2 new from $44.34
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of August 4, 2021 2:30 pm
  • Manufacturer: Sunbeam
  • Item model number: ‎700-825
  • Product Dimensions : 22 x 19 x 22 inches
  • Weight: 2.65 Pounds
  • Bulb Voltage: 110-120 volts
  • Wattage: 75 watts

Sunbeam’s Contoured Heat Wrap provides a snug fit to alleviate neck, shoulder, and back pain. The heat wrap’s soft micro mink cover is machine washable for easy care while the adjustable collar allows you to customize the fit based on your needs.

Sunbeam heat wraps are available in four levels of warmth and feature an extra-tall design for added comfort. Also, its 75-watt heat wrap features a magnetic closure for easy adjustment.

Pros
  • It’s soft and comfortable, I like the velcro to adjust it tight on certain areas.
  • It has a safety feature that automatically turns off the heating pad every 15 minutes.
  • Small enough for travel, you can also use it in bed.
  • It wraps around nicely and stays put without bunching up or sliding off your shoulders.
  • Easy to use, heats up quickly.
  • This electric heating pad is best suited for massage in the neck area.
Cons
  • You can’t use it with an extension cord.

Sunbeam Heating Pad for Fast Pain Relief

$39.99
$34.00
6 new from $29.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of August 4, 2021 2:30 pm
  • Manufacturer: Sunbeam
  • Item model number: 002013-511-000U
  • Product Dimensions : 24 x 12 x 2 inches
  • Color: Burgundy
  • Weight: 1.4 Pounds
  • Bulb Voltage: 120 volts
  • Wattage: 180 watts

The Sunbeam XPressHeat is the fastest heating pad on the market. It can heat up to 3 times faster than a standard heating pad. It features 6 heat settings for all of your comfort needs and an LED digital controller that lets you choose between low, medium, or high heat settings.

The XPressHeat is safe for use with children and pets because it’ll not overheat and has a built-in automatic safety shutoff feature. This king-size/XL heating pad also includes a 9-foot power cord so you can easily position it anywhere in your home.

Pros
  • Made with Lightweight fabric & good easy to carry while traveling.
  • This is a fast heating pad that will get hot in a few minutes only.
  • You can wash it in your washing machine and dryer.
  • 5 year limited warranty.
Cons
  • Some users describe is that the chord isn’t always tight.

Heating Pad Side Effects

If you use heat therapy as a treatment for your injuries, make sure to keep an eye out for any potential side effects that may occur from it. Some of the most common side effects are:

  • Redness Swelling: When using a heating pad, you must be sure that your skin is not getting red or puffy. This could mean that the heat is too high and should either be lowered or removed entirely.
  • Skin irritation: Your skin can become irritated with regular use of a heating pad if it isn’t protected well enough. A small amount of lotion can help, but make sure to test it before applying.
  • Burns: Burns is a serious side effect of using a massage heating pad too long or at too high a temperature. Make sure you’re watching the time and adjusting as needed. If your skin becomes red, this is a further cause for concern and should be addressed immediately.
  • Scalds: A heating pad should not be too hot. If it’s, you may get a burn that is similar in nature to sunburn and will need to see a doctor.
  • Swelling: Swelling is one of the most serious side effects of using a massage heating pad at too high of a temperature. If swelling does occur, you’ll need to remove the heating pad immediately.

Buying Guide to Look for in a Heating Pad for Massage

When you’re looking for a heating pad there are three a few things to consider:

Comfortability:

You don’t want a heating pad that will make you feel like you’re lying on a rock. You need a heating pad that completely covers your massage area and for the heat elements to move all over your back without putting too much pressure.

Control:

Make sure the heating pad has a remote control. Some only have on and off buttons, which is good for some people but others may prefer to adjust automatic heat settings.

Heat:

The heating pad should have three levels of heat to choose from–low, medium, and high. This way, you can change it up a bit depending on what’s going on with your body. Some days you might want less heat and other days more. Plus, having a selection of heat levels will help with any discomfort you may experience.

Heating pad size:

This is one of the best things. Don’t bother with a heating pad unless it’ll fit your body well and cover your entire back area. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself fighting with the pad as you try to get comfortable.

It should also have long straps so that it can be secured safely in place, which also prevents slippage while you’re lying on it.

Velcro straps are also a good idea because they are easy to use and you don’t have to worry about the pad coming loose while you’re relaxing.

However, there are many great options out there. So if one isn’t right for you, just keep looking. You’ll find the perfect heating pad for your needs soon.

Some FAQs of Massage Heating Pad


While using a heating pad or before buying one, you should know some question answer about your heating pad. Below are some common questions regarding the massage heating pad, hopefully, you will find it helpful.

Are heating pads safe during pregnancy?

In general, pregnant women can use heat therapy safely as long as it’s not too hot. Heat can be soothing when you have a variety of aches and pains during pregnancy.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, Avoid extremely high temperatures that could cause burns or scalds.

So make sure the heating pad is covered with a soft or washable cover. Never sleep with the heating pad plugged in. If you use it before bed, unplug it once you are asleep.

Is a massage heating pad safe?

Massage is a soft tissue manipulation of the body, involving rubbing and kneading techniques. It can relax muscles and the mind. Also, massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years to relieve tension headaches, aid in recovery after strenuous exercise, treat injuries related to sports teams, and much more benefits.

So a massage heating pad is a great way to massage your sore muscles and is safe for use.

What types of pain are treated by heating pads?

Some of the most popular types of pain that are treated by heating pads include muscle aches, cramps, and soreness. Heating pads can help relax your muscles and relieve pain.

What are heating pads made from?

In general, the majority of heating pads for a sore back are made from cloth or other forms of fabric that are safe to use directly on skin.

Some materials include flannel, cotton, and microfiber. Heat therapy involves warming the area that’s in pain for a prolonged period of time and is typically done by using heat packs or pads.

So you should choose a heating pad that is made with good fabric and has essential features to get maximum comfort.

Is a vibrating heating pad good for use?

There are several types of massage heating pads. One of the most popular is the vibrating heating pad, which helps relieve muscle aches and tension. They also provide relaxation and comfort just like any other heating pad.

As for the number of heat settings, some work with as few as three different heat settings while others have more, such as six or even seven heat settings.

So a vibration heating pad will be good for use when it has different heating settings and vibration modes.

Are weighted heating pads good?

Many people suffer from back and neck pains for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common types of problems related to backs and necks include arthritis, muscle strains, migraines, disc herniations, spinal cord injuries, and more.

That’s why using a weighted hot or cold pack can be so beneficial when you have these types of problems.

How long can you use a heating pad?

It’s best to avoid using a heating pad at maximum heat for any longer than 2 hours at a time. Longer use may cause serious problems like Scalds, Burns, and even Skin irritation, and more.

So you should use a heating pad for more than 30 minutes in running.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking for a heating pad that can be used during pregnancy, is safe to use in general, or just needs to have specific features such as weight and heat settings, these massage heating pads should cover all those bases. Each pad will provide you quick muscle aches and pains, and more from the body.

If you need a good one, I’ll recommend Sunbeam’s (‎700-825) electric heating pad. This will be a good choice for your needs.

However, the above 5 best massage heating pads have provided the best information based on my own experience and other reliable sources. So you can choose your own personal heating pad from them.

Hi, I'm Steffanie Brewer. My passion is to help people lead healthy lives by sharing my knowledge of the latest trends in health and wellness through blogging!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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