Different Types of Heating Pads: Electric vs. Microwavable vs. Chemical
According to the statistics reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 84.1% of women experience menstrual cramps. A huge chunk of this percentage i.e. about 43.1% go through this painful situation during every cycle while the rest feel severe pain every once in a while. Whatever the case may be, period cramps and pain are a situation that needs proper management. For this purpose, women prefer to use different types of heating pads.
Electric heating pads provide ample coverage but can be folded for storage into small space
In this article, let us go through different types of heating pads as well as their applications. In addition, some of their notable brands have also been discussed and linked below.
Types of Heating Pads
Heating pads come in different forms which primarily vary depending on their working mechanism. These include the following:
Electric Heating Pads
Electric heating pads have an electric coil incorporated in their design. When the user switches the heat on, this coil passes current through the heating pad and raises its temperature resulting in the production of moist or dry heat. These types of heating pads are ideal because it is easy to change their temperature settings.
Moreover, these products also have automatic shut-off timers which enable the device to switch off the flow of current usually after every 2 hours. This way, the risk of overheating and skin burning is prevented. As a cautionary measure, an electric heating pad should only be used when you are awake due to the risk of fire associated with it.
These types of heating pads usually come with a temperature range of 76 to 82°C (169 to 180°F). Despite their advantages, one issue associated with electric heating pads is that their dry heat setting can reduce the moisture in the skin thus causing dryness and irritation.
Microwavable Heating Pads
Microwavable heating pads are constructed using heat-retaining materials such as grains of wheat, flax seeds, or buckwheat packed in an insulating fabric. In addition, for creating a soothing smell, essential oils or ground-up spices like nutmeg or cloves are also added. Some microwavable heating pads also have dried rose petals in them for good fragrance.
When used, the microwavable heating pad can be put into the microwave and it gets heated up within a few minutes. For the next 2 hours, this heat remains within the pad and provides warmth. As the nature of heat-retaining material in these pads varies, the duration of heat retention is also different for different products.
Some types of heating pads are wide enough to provide ample coverage
Chemical Heating Pads
Chemical heating pads work by conducting a chemical reaction in them which is exothermic i.e. it generates heat and releases it into its environment. Usually, a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate or calcium chloride in water is added to these pads to heat them up. However, others have moist iron powder with certain catalysts which rusts over time when the pad is exposed to air.
Some of the chemical heating pads are disposable as the reaction-producing heat can happen only once. However, in other cases, these pads can be put into boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to reverse the reaction thus making the product useable. A common example of these types of heating pads is the one containing sodium acetate solution.
How Do Heating Pads Work?
Heating pads work by warming up a particular skin area. As a result, the blood vessels get dilated and the blood circulation improves. With the supply of more blood, the affected area gets more oxygen as well as nutrients which help with pain relief and heal the damaged body tissues.
When used for menstrual cramps, these heating pads decrease the transmission of pain signals to the brain by sensitizing the skin. Moreover, soft body tissues become more flexible which helps recover the injuries as well as pain associated with them.
Using a heating pad in winter makes the bedding cozy and warm
Using a heating pad in winter makes the bedding cozy and warm
Advantages of Heating Pads
Different types of heating pads can be employed for different purposes which include the following:
- Different types of heating pads are often employed for the management of menstrual cramps.
- People often use heating pads to relieve neck and shoulder pain and stiffness.
- In some cases, the use of heating pads has been associated with the reduction of issues related to migraine.
- In the elderly, heating pads are often employed on the joints to help deal with arthritic pain.
- The back pain, often caused due to sciatica, can also be eliminated with the use of different types of heating pads.
- The pain and muscle stiffness which is often associated with an injury can also be gotten rid of with the help of heating pads.
Use of Heating Pads in Pregnant Women
Usually in their third trimester, pregnant women often face the issue of back pain. Although heating pads are considered safe for the management of this issue, it is best to take extra precautions while using them. This includes only using a heating pad for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
This will reduce the amount of heat reaching the fetus and thus prevent any kind of damage. In addition, it should be made sure that the skin does not become too hot as too much heat can damage the neural tube of the fetus.
Heating pads are easy to use due to their easy electric controller
Different Types of Heating Pads at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications
Heating pads are products that are employed to provide warmth to the body. This is particularly helpful for the management of pain and muscle stiffness. Depending upon their heating mechanism, different types of heating pads have been introduced in the market. Some of these use electric current for heating up while others take advantage of the exothermic reactions.
Whatever the case may be, heating pads are highly effective in their job and are often preferred by people who are dealing with pain, stiffness, menstrual cramps, etc. Considering their importance, the following section highlights different types of heating pads along with their prices as well as purchase links:
Drive Medical RTL19G007GR Digital Heating Pad
US$36.49
Product Details
Drive Medical RTL19G007GR digital products are one of the types of heating pads that are comfortable for the patient. These are capable of providing both dry or moist heat to the body within seconds. With their fixed unique time setting options as well as heating features, the user gets multiple options to set the parameters depending upon their needs.
The product has a weight of 1.5 lbs and a length of 24 inches with a height of 0.25 inches. These heating pads are 12 inches wide and come in grey color. The construction material is polyester which is strong enough to ensure a long-term warranty.
For moist heat, these types of heating pads carry an absorbent sponge within them that has the ability to penetrate the body tissue at a higher rate. Moreover, the time required by these heating pads to get heated up is shorter with an additional ability to monitor real-time temperature. This way, overheating of the device can be prevented.
When it comes to temperature, six temperature options are available. These include 113℉, 122℉, 131℉, 140℉, 149℉, and 158℉. As for the countdown timer, the possible settings include the options 0:15, 0:30, 0:45, 1:00, 1:30, and 2:00.
In addition, this electric heating pad also has a digital display which is large enough for the users to read properly. The on/off switch is also digitalized along with the temperature, timer control, and indicator light. The product is also machine washable and can be air dried afterward. For easy carriage, these types of heating pads come with a convenient-to-use tote bag which also has an elastic fastening strap to hold the product.
1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal Heating Pad 12″x24″
US$23.88
Product Details
1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pads 12″x24″ are the types of healing pads that are bigger in size. That’s why, these can cover larger body surfaces. Owing to its comfortable and soft material, the product is comfortable against the skin and does not cause rashes or redness. In addition, the heat retention property of these Home Aide Comfort heating pads allows them to retain heat for longer.
The three heat settings i.e. low, medium, and high of these heating pads allow the user to select the temperature that is most suited to their needs. Moreover, as a preventive measure, the Home Aide heating pads are designed to automatically shut off after 2 hours of consecutive use. This effectively prevents the risk of overheating of the pad as well as the skin and thus the possibility of skin burning is significantly reduced.
As for their usage, 1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pads can be used with or without a moist heat option. This moist heat therapy option is especially beneficial for those who suffer from muscle tension. In addition, if you experience pain due to muscle spasms, arthritis, etc., using these types of heating pads can also help relieve the discomfort. In addition, their use for relieving menstrual cramps is well-known.
These 1034 Home Aide Comfort Heal heating pads work by improving the circulation in the area in which these are applied. That’s why, these are also considered effective in multiple conditions such as Raynaud’s disease. However, if you just want to feel relaxed and sleep well, using a heating pad is one of your best options as these products can be used by everyone and are not specific for those suffering from certain disease states.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
The use of heating pads at night can improve sleep quality
The different types of heating pads, in addition to other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out different types of heating pads.
Bottom Line
Heating pads are essential for those who are suffering from pain and muscle stiffness. These effectively improve blood circulation in the affected area which subsequently increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients thus speeding up the recovery.
Different types of heating pads are available in the market which include electric, microwavable, as well as chemical-based products. All of these vary in the way they get heated up but provide the same benefits. Some heating pads are single-use items while most of them can be reheated again and again.
Due to the benefits they provide, it is best to keep a good quality heating pad at home so that you don’t have to worry about menstrual cramps or any kind of body pain. For purchasing the different types of heating pads, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
