Did you know that back pain affects 80% of people at some point in their lives? That’s 8 out of 10, which is unexpectedly high. No one wants to live with constant pain. That’s when heating pads come into the equation.
Infrared heating pads, in particular, serve as an effective therapy for bone ache. They utilize natural stones to create a heating effect that goes all the way to your bones. On top of that, they don’t have any known side effects until now.
Here, I’ll show you the best infrared heating pads that you can buy, along with a full buyer’s guide.
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Our 7 Top Picks for Infrared Heating Pads
Here are the best infrared heating pads on the market. We handpicked them to fit different uses. Plus, they’re available in different price ranges to suit all budgets.
HealthyLine Far Infrared Heating Pad
This HealthyLine heating pad offers three different forms of therapy in one product; far infrared therapy, hot stone therapy, and negative ions therapy. It’s designed to deliver heat 6 inches deep into your body. Additionally, it improves the breathing rate and lung function.
The small stones embedded on the pad work on relieving muscle ache and boosting the blood circulation.
As for the infrared rays, they target the inflamed areas and help alleviate the pain. Also, the negative ions emitted have positive effects on insomnia. They encourage serotonin production as well.
Features
- Colors: Bronze & brown
- Dimensions: 32” x 20”
- Voltage: 110-120V
- LED display
- 12-Hour automatic shut-off
- Mesh lining
Pros
- 3-in-1 heating pad
- Clear instructions
- Foldable design
- Moderate price
Cons
- Strong odor
Bio Amethyst Far Infrared Mini Mat
The Bio Amethyst heating pad is a piece of art. It’s pressed into 15 layers of jewelry-grade amethyst. Each pad has a total of 8 pounds of the valuable natural stone.
You can use the Bio for massage, naturopathy, and osteopathy, along with a lot of different heat therapies. It comes fully-equipped with temperature sensors to ensure the optimal output.
Furthermore, the Bio heating pad has a compact size. That way, you can store it easily without any concern regarding the stones. On top of that, it’s fairly easy to use, compared to similar products. Make sure you also check our guide to the best acupressure mats.
Features
- Color: Brown & rich brown
- Dimensions: 31” x 20”
- Auto EMI chip
- Temperature sensors
- 3D-padded cover
Pros
- Waterproof protector included
- Foldable design
- Premium customer service
Cons
- The heating is low for some people
- Expensive
Venture Heat Far Infrared Heating Pad for Pain Relief Therapy
The Venture Heat pad has a highly functional innovative design. It works by a carbon fiber heating technology that eliminates the need for electric cords and coils. The technology also accounts for the pad’s flexibility. You can rest on it for as long as you like; you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
The Venture’s heat penetrates deep into the muscles, thanks to the far infrared technology. It provides a soothing effect on the whole body because it improves circulation. In addition, you can use it to relieve arthritis pain.
Features
- Colors: Black & grey
- Dimension: 36” x 24”
- Three heat options
- Carbon fiber nanotechnology
- Fleece cover
Pros
- Lightweight
- FDA-approved
- 60-minutes timer included
- Moderate price
Cons
- It stops working after a while
MediCrystal Far Infrared Amethyst Mat
When it comes to far infrared therapy, the MediCrystal heating pad is one of the best options available. It features 17 layers of Brazilian amethyst stones, which translates to 6.5 pounds of the crystals. Now you have an explanation of the expensive price tag that comes with it!
The MediCrystal comes fully-equipped with an instructions guide, a storage bag, and a controller. Plus, it provides an adjustable temperature range of 86°-158°F. You can also decide the duration of your session up to 9 continuous hours.
Features
- Colors: Rich brown
- Dimensions: 32” x 20”
- Voltage: 110-120V
- Protection cover
- Storage bag
Pros
- EMF-free
- Negative ions therapy included
- High efficiency
Cons
- High price
UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad
Two words define the UTK heating pad; versatility and durability. Upon purchasing, you get 5000 hours of use. On top of that, it’s not exclusive to the back; it can be wrapped around the neck and shoulder too. That also means that you can use it anywhere you prefer, such as your car or your office.
There are three sizes of the UTK. You can choose yours according to the body parts you intend to use it for. Additionally, there’s an automatic shut-off, so it doesn’t overheat if you leave it on your body for long.
Features
- Colors: Grey
- Sizes: Small, medium, and large
- Voltage: 110-120V and 220-240V
- Velcro strap
- Digital timer
- Jade stones
Pros
- Portability
- High versatility
- Long electrical cord
- Affordable price
Cons
- Heavyweight
WelAide 100020 Far Infrared Heated Pad
The WelAide 100020 heating pad has a built-in sleep mode. It’s one of the few pads that allow you to use it while sleeping. Moreover, it comes with a digital timer and a temperature sensor. Therefore, it’ll control its temperature without any effort required on your part.
The WelAide operates by far-infrared heat and negative ion therapy. It boosts the circulation and maintains lung function. Plus, it helps with insomnia. Not to mention that the deep heat also reduces tension and stress.
Features
- Colors: Grey
- Dimensions: 14” x 20”
- Digital timer
- Temperature control
- Sleep mode
Pros
- You can use it while sleeping
- Negative ion therapy included
- Foldable design
- Average price
Cons
- Not durable
Your Guide to Getting the Best Infrared Heating Pad
Getting an online product blindly isn’t usually the best idea, although we’ve all done it at some point. In order to avoid any bad outcome, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about buying infrared heating pads. Let’s start with the vital aspects you should consider.
5 Things You Should Consider Before Getting an Infrared Heating Pad
Here are the most necessary features to check in a heating pad before you purchase it.
Size
Some people want a pad that’ll just cover their back. On the other hand, some people prefer full-body pads. There are several sizes available of infrared heating pads; each of them has different usage.
That’s why you should always determine how you’ll use it before you get it. That way, you’ll know the exact size that you need.
Design
There are a few features that determine whether the design suits you or not, such as the cord’s length and the material. Some people love to move around with their pads, so they need long power cords.
As for the material, some heating pads are stiff, so they don’t fold onto themselves. This can be inconvenient if you like to store your pad folded. Therefore, it’s always better to check these kinds of things before finalizing the payment.
Natural Stones
Infrared heating pads either come with natural stones or with carbon fiber technology. For the ones with natural stones, you’ll need to determine which type you need. Here’s a brief guide:
- Jade: Best for far-infrared heat
- Tourmaline: Best for negative ion therapy
- Amethyst: Best for both
Safety Features
Heating pads with automatic shut-off are generally safer than the ones without. It’ll be helpful if you tend to sleep in the middle of your session.
On top of that, it’s safer to use heating pads that allow custom heat settings. That way, you won’t expose yourself to a temperature higher than you need.
Convenience
Convenience lies in small details. For example, some buyers may be indifferent to the position of the power switch, but it’s actually pretty important if you want to get maximum convenience out of your pad.
Having the power switch near your hands will save you the hassle of having to move from your place.
Along with the power switch, the presence of a digital controller will make your mission easier. Besides, a simple interface will be a bonus. All these details may seem insignificant, but you’ll feel their importance when you use them.
3 Benefits of Using an Infrared Heating Pad
Still not sure about getting an infrared heating pad? These 3 benefits will change your mind.
Instant Pain Relief
Whenever you feel pain, instead of taking drugs, you’ll have your own instant pain relief. Infrared heating pads target the inflamed areas in your body. Also, their effect lasts a long longer than regular heating pads. That’s why physical therapists use them in some treatments. If you want to combine heat therapy with vibrating massage for pain relief, check our guide to the best full-body electric massage mats.
No More Insomnia
Insomnia’s rate in the USA is 1 in every 4 persons. Too much, isn’t it? If you’re that one, an infrared heating pad will save you a lot of trouble. The warming effect relaxes the muscles and puts the body in a blissful state, which improves sleep.
Detoxing Without Detoxants
The improved blood circulation that results from infrared heating pads means that your body wastes will also be carried away. Afterward, they exit your body in the form of sweat. That way, the targeted areas will be entirely detoxified.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers will hopefully clear out any confusion you have about infrared heating pads.
How do infrared heating pads work?
Once you plug the pad in, the stones warm-up and begin emitting negative ions and infrared rays. The larger the number of stones is, the more benefits you’ll get out of the pad.
Infrared heating pads either have Jade, Tourmaline, or Amethyst stones. The ones with Amethyst are the most expensive.
Should you sleep during an infrared heating session?
If it’s going to be a short nap, you can sleep. However, we don’t advise that you spend your night while the heating pad is on. You’ll sweat a lot, which will cause you to wake up dehydrated.
On top of that, it’s not safe to leave the pad on for this long, unless it’s on sleep mode. Otherwise, it may overheat on the skin.
Is the infrared heat safe on the body?
Yes, the infrared heat emitted for heating pads is usually free of electromagnetic radiation. That means that it won’t have a negative effect on your skin.
Additionally, most heating pads come fully-equipped with safety features, so your skin doesn’t get exposed to more heat than it needs to. If you’re concerned about safety, get a pad with automatic shut-off, like the HealthyLine Infrared Heating Pad, for example.
What’s the difference between infrared and regular heating pads?
Regular heating pads have a shallow effect. They only target the skin. Meanwhile, infrared heating pads penetrate deep through the skin, until they reach the muscles. They go as deep as 2 inches.
Far infrared heating pads have stronger effects; they can go up to 6-inches into the tissues. These are ideal for people with constant muscle aches. Moreover, they cost more than regular infrared pads.
The Verdict
Infrared heating pads can be lifesavers for some people. Plus, there aren’t any major side effects associated with them. The worst thing you’ll get out of an infrared heating pad is that it won’t work properly.
Our favorite heating pad among our list is the UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad. It has everything you may need in a heating pad, such as durability, high versatility, and safety features. Besides, it has a fairly affordable price, compared to other brands.
If the UTK is out of your price range, the Back Rescue Infrared Heating Pad is a nice option to consider. You’ll get all the features you need at a budget price. You may also like some of the best facial massager tools from our list, so be sure to check them out.
Here are a handful of other Infrared Heating Pads
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