Which infrared heating pad is best?
Heating pads are a great item to have on hand, not just for comfort during the colder months, but also for their therapeutic properties. Infrared heating pads are even better than standard heating pads, penetrating the skin more deeply for more significant healing effects. Many of those with arthritis, chronic pain, injuries, or many other conditions swear by the use of infrared heating pads to help manage pain and stiffness. The UTK Jade and Tourmaline Heating Pad is a versatile, portable mid-sized heating pad with jade and tourmaline and an easy-to-use heating controller that eases pain and soreness.
What to know before you buy an infrared heating pad
Heat therapy
Heat therapy can be useful for any number of ailments, including everything from back pain and muscle strain to chronic pain and severe injuries. On the most basic level, applying heat to an area of the body increases blood flow, speeding up healing and bringing more proteins and oxygen to the area. It can also soothe stiffness and help with range of motion. Heat therapy can also be useful in conjunction with medication or other treatments, as it has few side effects when done properly.
Infrared heat
Most heating pads are standard heating pads, which can help with surface-level pain. Infrared heat differs in that it penetrates more deeply into the body and provides longer-lasting and more serious pain relief. Infrared heat is also known as radiant heat, meaning it’s diffused, using solid objects to generate and emit the heat into the body.
What to look for in a quality infrared heating pad
Stones and crystals
Though not important to everyone, many diehard users of infrared heating pads swear by the inclusion of stones and crystals — often jade, tourmaline or amethyst — which allegedly emit negative ions and have unique restorative properties. The inclusion of these stones can drive up the cost of the heating pad, but there are many different stone options available if you’re looking for them. Fans of crystal and stone healing claim that they increase circulation and lymph flow when combined with the infrared heat, as well as canceling out the supposedly negative electromagnetic frequencies present in electrical objects.
Size
Heating pads range in size from very small pads intended for use on one part of the body to heating pads large enough for a full-grown adult (or two) to stretch out on. Most people find mid-sized pads to be the most useful, as they’re large enough for the back or torso, but still small enough to be moved easily and not so heavy. Very large heating pads are generally of limited utility to all but the most diehard of heat-therapy users. Small pads can be especially good to travel with, and are good for those who only plan on using them on a small area of the body and want to spend less.
Portability
Many infrared heating pads, particularly smaller ones, come with carrying handles or cases so they can be taken on the go or when traveling. Larger pads rarely have this functionality, but it can be highly convenient particularly for lighter, stone-free or smaller heating pads for users to be able to travel with them.
How much you can expect to spend on an infrared heating pad
Infrared heating pads aren’t cheap, especially if they’re of high quality. Expect to spend $50-$250 for a standard-sized, quality heating pad, and up to over $1,000 for very large heating pads with special features and add-ons, like more precious stones.
Infrared heating pad FAQ
Is it safe to use an infrared heating pad?
A. Generally speaking, yes. Infrared pads often allow for higher temperatures than standard heating pads, and any kind of heat therapy can come with some dangers and difficulties. It’s important not to overuse heat therapy, as this can be hard on the body and even dangerous. Most infrared pads come with a controller that allows the user to control the heat setting, as well as an automatic shutoff function, but not all do.
What’s the best infrared heating pad to buy?
Top infrared heating pad
UTK Jade and Tourmaline Heating Pad
What you need to know: A versatile infrared heating pad studded with jade and tourmaline stones, it has an easy-to-use controller with a built-in memory function.
What you’ll love: Reviewers love the warm, penetrating heat and found that the pad helped heal their aches and pains. It comes with a carrying case for easy transport.
What you should consider: Some reviewers concerned about electromagnetic frequency found that the heating pad is not EMF-free as it claims to be. The stones on the surface mean it’s not as comfortable to sit or lean on as others.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top infrared heating pad for the money
What you need to know: A relatively affordable infrared heating pad with jade and tourmaline, it claims to have a measured negative ion level.
What you’ll love: It gets very hot, and comes at a lower price than other, similar heating pads.
What you should consider: Some users found it to be less durable than comparable heating pads. The stones are on the large side and can make it difficult to roll or bend.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Thermotex Far-Infrared Heating Pad
What you need to know: This soft, comfortable infrared heating pad uses a carbon fiberglass mat rather than stones for a slightly different infrared heating pad experience.
What you’ll love: It can easily be wrapped around parts of the body, as well as being more soft and comfortable than heating pads that use stones.
What you should consider: The heat setting is not adjustable, and it has no automatic shutoff, making it much less versatile than many other models.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Arabella Matthews writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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