I know we aren't supposed to put commercial items on the boards...but -

Could you please tell me if you've found heating pads - whether they are electric or microwaveable that you found that really work for you and wear you've purchased them? (specific brand, store, website - if allowed/if possible)

I have been looking at literally hundreds of them online, but I don't want to waste my money on something that won't work.

The main areas that I need heat for are my neck and shoulders, mid back and lower back...

Thanks!

I'm at work, so I can't tell you the brand name right now, but last year I bought an oversized one at Sam's for about $15.

What I like about it, is the highest setting gets really warm, and it's flexible enough to bend across my shoulders, or long enough to cover my whole back.

What I don't like, is that it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes, but I guess that's a good safety feature to have.

I have two rice bags that I use all the time for my neck and back. One I made myself using an old tube sock. I love them the most because they wrap around my neck like a sock.

I wrap them around and then cover them with a hand towel so all the heat gets to my neck and it also stays warmer longer.

I have a heating pad that I got at Wal Mart for 35 dollars that fits my recliner and has a buit in massager that is wonderful for the days my whole body aches.

Bonnie

I don't know the brand name of mine either.....but it sounds alot like Barbara's. It is large, which I like cuz it covers my whole back. I think most of them have the safety turn off thing now....and that is annoying, but I guess better safe than sorry. If you can, I would buy one that uses moist heat.....much better results, as moist heat gets down deeper. I used to know the science of that, when I was working at a Physical Therapy department....but I forgot.... The one I have has a sponge like thing that you wet, then put between the pad and the cover.

If you get a electric heating pad you definately need one with an automatic shut off- especially if you tend to fall asleep with them on. I have a friend who has been in the hospital for the past week and willl be there for another week getting skin grafts for a burn she received from a heating pad.

You can even burn yourself witht the ones you heat in the microwave, but at least those don't stay hot....

Mine is called SoftHeat. It's 12x24 inches. I'm very happy with it.

UPDATE -
I just wanted to tell you guys that I finally found the BEST heating pad in my quest for a HOT heating pad!

I bought it thru a medical supply company across from my PT office...my Dr wrote me a prescription for a moist heating pad. I paid for it and have to submit it to my insurance company. I don't know how much they will pay...but I don't care...it has helped me so much!!

It's the Thermophore Arthritis Pad Soothing Pain Relief...it's large - 14" x 27". It's moist heat...but doesn't require any water -- it takes moisture from the air...it has an advanced 4 stage therapy switch...it gets nice and HOT and it has a 20 minute timer...it works wonderfully!! It was expensive, but like I said, I am hoping the insurance will cover some of it...it was $97.29...

It has really helped me...
Dena

OOOH, I have seen those, and am so envious! There is no way I can afford those, but I am glad you found that and can now relax with moist heat.....so nice! I think that is what I miss the most about working at the PT office....the moist heat packs!!!!

The Homemade Heat Packs made with rice, etc, that you microwave, give off moist heat, and are super cheap. You can just put some rice in a sock.

My pain is mostly in the lower part of my body -- feet, legs, butt, hips and back -- so my hubby got me a heated mattress pad. I love it so much! It gets hot enough and gives my whole body relief at the same time. I use it every day.

I have one of those too. I got it last year, and I love it~ I can't imagine the cold winter nights without it anymore.

ok, cic and barbara, i am soooooooooooooo very jealous. i wanted one.

when i went to the ER two weeks ago, i stopped at a bigger walgreens drug that has more things in it when i got my prescription. (it's a 24 hr store)

they had a variety of heating pads in there, and they were used to target the specific areas of the body that needed it the most. ok, so i stood there and lusted after them, wish i could have afforded them all. swap them around when different parts hurt they weren't overly expensive either.

i like their heating pads, they are the best i have found for me. and i have already gone through three of them and on my fourth. if scott didn't use them as well as myself, they would probably last a lot longer. i don't think they were meant to be balled up and rolled up and such, men!

love ya'll