10 Best Microwave Heating Pads Of 2023 For Tired & Achy Muscles
Convenient and portable heat therapy option to ease cramps and sore muscles.
Dr. Dave CandyDPT, OCS, ATC, FAAOMPT
Expertise: Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Experience: 10 years
Dr. Dave Candy is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy with 10 years of experience. He is also the owner of More 4 Life in St. Louis, MO. He specializes in helping people aged 40 and above deal with chronic, nagging a... more
Aditi Naskar Diploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 4 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Period cramps, back pain, and muscle aches are common concerns in women. These might be due to a regular menstrual cycle or aches that occurred after a gym session or aches caused due to some injury. To remedy those, you need the best microwave heating pads. They provide you with relaxation from the discomfort. In addition, this thermotherapy or heat therapy can also alleviate pain caused by an old injury.
These heating pads are convenient to use. All you need to do is place the heating pad in a microwave for a few minutes and use it. So, if you are looking for a heating pad, you’re on the right page. We have rounded up the best microwave heating pads in this article. Keep scrolling to read more!
In This Article
What Is A Microwave Heating Pad?
A microwave heating pad is essentially a regular heating pad that is warmed by heating it in the microwave or an oven before use. It is typically made using a thick fabric like flannel filled with gel and natural grains like wheat or flax seeds.
Read on to find out the mechanism behind this efficient problem solver.
How Does A Microwave Heating Pad Work?
A heating pad helps alleviate pains in your joints, muscles, and tissues as a form of heat therapy. “Heat makes your blood vessels dilate, which increases the blood flow to the affected area. That in turn relaxes your muscles and reduces stiffness,” explains Dr. Dave Candy, physical therapist and owner of More 4 Life. “Increased blood flow also brings nutrients andIt also increases the oxygen to your muscles, which flow to the wounded cells and accelerates healing. Finally, heat causes your brain to release endorphins which decrease pain.”Let’s now check out the best of the lot!
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Best For Maximum Coverage Purple Moon Collection Heating Pad Purple Moon Collection $29.9 ON AMAZON Read More › $29.9 ON AMAZON - 4
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Best For Back Pain REVIX Extra Large Microwave Heating Pad Revix $29.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $29.99 ON AMAZON - 8
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10 Best Microwave Heating Pads
. Best Overall:Carex The Original Bed Buddy Hot & Cold Wrap
The Carex The Original Bed Buddy Hot & Cold Wrap uses moist heat to ease pain, sore muscles, and cramps. It increases blood circulation and also aids in the healing of injuries or wounds. The moist heat therapy provides quicker and complete pain relief in just two hours. This heat wrap is filled with 100% natural herbs, flowers, and grains. It features a flexible, form-fitting design that contours the target area for effective pain relief. It is available in four unique scents – original white, balance orange, bliss pink, and fresh green.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9 X 5 X 7.6 inches
- Material: Fleece
Pros - Easy to use
- Flexible
- Soft fabric
- Value for money
Cons
None
. Best Portable:Thermalon Moist Heat Heating Pad
This heating pad by Thermalon is designed to provide calming relief from joint and muscle pains in the shoulder, abdomen, back, hip, and more. It comes with the patented HydroPearls technology that captures moisture from the atmosphere for relieving pain and providing comfort. This microwave-activated heating pad contours the target area to provide even heat distribution and deeply penetrating moist heat. It also features a pocket to help you warm up your hands.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12 X 9 inches
- Material: Fleece
Pros - Portable
- Easy to use
- Washable
- Longer heat retention
- Durable
Cons
None
RememberBest For Maximum Coverage:Purple Moon Collection Heating Pad
Image: Purple Moon Collection The Purple Moon Collection heating pad is the right choice for anyone looking to get relief from muscle and joint pain. It is made of 100% polyester and has long ties that secure it in place so you can move freely while enjoying natural moist heat therapy. Its flaxseed filling provides maximum coverage and comfort, making it more effective than dry heat. This reusable hot pack is also a great way to get relief from cramps or menstrual soreness without having cords getting in your way.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 71 x 20 x 10 inches
- Material: Polyester
Pros - Easy to use
- Soft fabric
- Durable
- Uniform heat distribution
Cons
None
. Best Uniform Heat Distribution:My Heating Pad Microwavable Heat Pack
Get yourself this versatile microwave heat pack by My Heating Pad, which is designed to deliver gentle heat therapy. It is filled with a blend of rice and flaxseed and heats up fully in about 90 seconds for instant pain relief. This easy-to use pack features soft fleece on one side for moist warmth and cotton on the other to increase heat retention. This heat pack is small and flexible enough to be used on the knees or the neck effectively.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 91 X 1.18 X 11.81 inches
- Material: Fleece and Cotton
Pros - Portable
- Lightweight
- Uniform heat distribution
- Flexible
Cons
None
Pro Tip. Best Soft Fabric:Huggaroo Microwavable Heating Pad
The Huggaroo Microwavable Heating Pad is designed to provide intense moist heat therapy, especially in your neck and shoulders. It is filled with flaxseeds, wheat, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, lemon grass, rosemary, cinnamon, yarrow, white willow, valerian root, yellow dock, and hops. The cordless and weighted structure is ideal to be used anywhere, giving you ample freedom of movement. It provides instant pain relief to tightened muscles and tension in the neck and shoulder region. You can also chill this in the freezer for instant cold therapy.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 3.5 inches
- Material: Polyester
Pros - Easy to use
- Soft fabric
- Mild scent
Cons
None
. Best Durable:SunnyBay Microwavable Extra Long Neck Heating Wrap
The SunnyBay Microwavable Extra Long Neck Heating Wrap is filled with fresh whole wheat that holds heat for a long time. It is highly flexible and covers even difficult-to-reach target areas with ease to provide deep heat therapy. All you need is two minutes in the microwave to get at least 30 minutes of heat. You can also use it for cold therapy by placing it in the freezer for some time. Check out this video to know if this model is the best one for you.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 26 x 5 x 1 inches
- Material: Fleece
Pros - Soft fabric
- Stretch-resistant
- Durable
- Uniform heat distribution
Cons
- Strong scent
Best For Back Pain:REVIX Extra Large Microwave Heating Pad
Image: Revix The REVIX Extra Large Microwave Heating Pad is a great choice for anyone looking to find relief from pain. Not only does it provide moist heat therapy, but its extra large rectangle shape and flexibility make it easy to adjust and secure onto any area of the body that needs relief. With organic flaxseeds, millets, sorghum, and clay beads providing comfort while relieving muscle tension or back strain – this heating pad has you covered! And if you’re dealing with stomach discomfort or menstrual cramps – don’t worry! The heating pad also offers support during cold therapy sessions so you can get fast relief when needed.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.9 x 12.6′ inches
- Material: Polyester
Pros - Soft fabric
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Minimal design
- Unscented
Cons
- A bit overpriced
. Best Ergonomic Design:Soothing Company Extra Large Heating Pad
The Soothing Company Extra Large Heating Pad offers targeted pain relief for your back, shoulders, and neck. It features a flax seed filling that conforms to your body to provide a comfortable and snug fit. This heating pad comes with extra-long, adjustable straps that keep it secure. Its design makes it ideal for rotator cuff injuries, lower back pain, abdominal ache, and neck injuries.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 58 x 10 inches(heating pad) and 17 x 10 inches (heat compress area)
- Material: Fleece
Pros - Soft fabric
- Easy to use
- High heat retention
- Ergonomic design
- Portable
Cons
- Expensive
Best Heat Retention:SuzziPad Microwave Heating Pad
The SuzziPad Microwave Heating Pad is a great way to get natural relief from pain and stiffness. It is cordless; so you can take it anywhere you need the heat. The unique combination of flaxseed, millet, and clay beads provides deep penetrating moist heat that helps improve blood circulation while relieving joint pain, cramps stiffness knotted muscles tightness arthritis swelling, and inflammation. It comes with an easy-to-use velcro strap which makes securing this pad around your body effortless.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7 x 18 inches
- Material: Polyester
Pros - Easy to use
- Versatile
- Value for money
- Uniform heat distribution
Cons
None
. Best For Stomach Cramps:Sacksy Thyme The Original Sack
The 2-in-1 hot and cold compress by Sacksy Thyme can be used for calming stomach cramps, back ache, or elbow or knee pain by kids and adults alike. It is designed with optimal density that can mold to the contour of any area on your body. This sack is filled with dried cherry pits and organic flax seeds that retain a solid amount of heat. However, you can customize it by choosing your own herb filler like lavender and eucalyptus. You can also go for the brand’s special blend or leave it unscented. All you need are two minutes in the microwave to set it up. It comes in 12 different design options.
Specifications
- Dimensions:13 x 7.5 x 2 inches
- Material: Soft cotton
Pros - Easy to use
- Value for money
- Mild scent
- Excellent heat retention
- Available in 12 different designs
Cons
None
Let’s find out the right way to use a heating pad and get the maximum benefits.
How To Use A Microwave Heating Pad
- Start by inserting the heating pad in the comfort wrap provided.
- Place the heat pack in the microwave. Ensure that there is nothing else in the microwave along with it.
- Warm up the pad in the microwave as per the instructions. Most heating pads take up to two minutes in a standard microwave setting. In case your microwave does not have a turntable, rotate the heating pad by 180 degrees halfway through the total time.
- Make sure that you allow the heating pad to sit idle for up to 30 seconds before removing it from the microwave.
- Test the heating pad for the optimal temperature to avoid burning your skin. Once done, place it over the affected area.
- If you feel that the pad is losing heat, go ahead and reheat the product until it reaches the optimal temperature you are looking for.
Heating pads are indeed saviors, and you must invest in one! If you are wondering how long they last, scroll down for the answer.
How Long Do Microwave Heating Pads Last?
The durability of a microwavable heating pad depends on the construction, insulation, filler, and material quality. The heat in most standard size heating pads lasts for about 45 minutes, while the larger ones may last even longer.
There a few factors that will come in handy to help you make the right purchase decision when it comes to choosing the best microwaveable heating pads. Take a look at them below.
How To Choose The Best Microwavable Heating Pads
- Size
Microwavable heating pads are available in a wide range of sizes, from small to extra-large. You need to choose the size based on your needs and requirements. For instance, if you intend to use the heating pad over your back, it will have to be quite big. It is best to buy a larger size to serve multiple uses and purposes.
- Shape
The most common shapes for microwavable heating pads are square and rectangular. However, there are other shapes that you can choose from, depending on your requirements.
- Flexibility
The sign of a good heating pad is its flexibility in contouring the target area. This helps increase the effectiveness of the heating pad.
- Price
Whether you are looking for a high-end product or a cheaper one, there are microwavable heating pads in all price ranges. They start at about $10, and the large sizes can go up to $40.
- Filling
Microwavable heating pads come with a filler material that gets warmed inside the microwave to produce moist heat. Most of these are natural materials like rice, flax seed, wheat, and popcorn kernels, while others come with a synthetic gel filled inside. Choose one based on your preferences.
Infographic: Tips To Microwave A Heating Pad Safely
If you want a temporary but effective remedy for your aching body, you need a microwave heating pad. This convenient product offers intensive relief from severe muscle pains. However, you must follow safety tips while heating this pad in an oven to prevent fire risks. Check out the infographic below to learn the right tips for microwaving the pad for your safety. Scroll down.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
There are tons of chronic pain conditions, muscle soreness, or injuries that need constant care, and one of the effective ways to do that is a microwaveable heat pad. Skip the struggle to fill up that old hot water bottle and pick one of these. If you are looking for a flexible pad to relieve neck and back pain, the Carex Bed Buddy Heat Wrap is a great option. For larger areas like your back, the heating pad Soothing Company is a good pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I warm my microwave heating pad in a regular oven?
Yes, microwave heating pads can be heated in a regular oven. You can set the temperature at 200 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Are microwavable heating pads also suitable for cold applications?
While most heating pads double as cold compresses, however, this doesn’t stand true all the time. It largely depends on the material, construction, and other several factors.
How do heating pads help with pain?
The heat from the heating pads helps heal the damaged tissue by stimulating the oxygen, blood, and nutrient flow in the muscles. This helps reduce stiffness and pain, thereby temporarily alleviating discomfort.
Does a heating pad really help cramps?
Heating pad helps relax the muscles of your uterus that cause period cramps. It boosts circulation and reduces pain in the abdomen, back, or legs.
How many times a day can I use a heating pad?
You can use a heating pad 2-3 times daily.
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