Thermophore MaxHEAT Plus Moist Heating Pad - Size Petite 4" x 17" - Model 377 - Deep Penetrating Moist Heat Therapy for Back, Muscle, and Joint Pain - Adjustable Heat Settings

This thermophore is very different from most electric heating pads aimed at the general consumer market, and is typically available from medical supply retailers and wholesalers, not drug or department stores. It gets much hotter than consumer-oriented heating pads, and it heats up much more rapidly. The special cover generally absorbs enough humidity from the air to create a small amount of moisture, which transfers heat much more effectively. Covers are washable in cold water but should be line dried to avoid shrinkage. Worn replacement covers can be purchased. [Covers for some models also come with a pouch in which to place a wrung-out cloth (included) to compensate for very dry conditions, when needed.] The thermophore is available in a variety of sizes and, within each size, there is a choice of controls: 1) a "dead-man switch," which must be held to operate--ideal if the user is likely to fall asleep while using it; and 2) a timed control (20 minutes) with manual on-off and delay buttons. It is not a coincidence that the picture on the box shows the model laying on his abdomen, with the thermophore atop his back. The instruction booklet emphasizes that, for safety reasons, the user should never lay on top of the thermophore. There are two reasons for this: 1) with the thermophore layered between the bed and the body, the heat cannot easily dissipate, increasing the risk of burning the skin; 2) the heating coils and wiring will degrade more rapidly from the high heat the thermophore produces and, if it is accidentally folded or wrinkled while in use, the risk of damage to the thermophore over time also increases. Unfortunately, unless users have someone to place the thermophore on their backs for them, it can be very difficult to use according to the instructions. Also, some users may find laying on their abdomens uncomfortable or inconvenient for 20 minutes at a time. I suspect that many users who are disappointed in the limited lifespan of their thermophores may lay on top of it due to necessity or ignorance. I recommend reading the entire consumer manual carefully before using it for the first time. I recently replaced a six-year old, frequently-used model with a new thermophore and have been pleased with the performance. I tried using the optional moisture cloth a couple of times to see if it made a difference in my 45% humidity environment. Although it clearly added to the moisture in the heat produced, I believe the unaided cover produces enough moisture to be effective. I also like the new delay feature on the timer control. If the thermophore gets too hot for comfort, I simply press the delay button until it cools down and then press it again. Because the delay feature stops--but doesn't reset--the timer, I know that I will not overextend total heating time beyond 20 minutes. I have one minor suggestion to the manufacturer with respect to improving the timer control. The on-off and delay buttons are identical in feel, and until the user gets familiar with where the two buttons are, it is easy to confuse them if the user does not have visual contact with the control (e.g., see model on the box, whose eyes are closed). This confusion could easily be avoided by adding a raised plastic "dot" in the center of one of the buttons, so the two buttons can be distinguished from each other by touch. Overall, however, the thermophore has been a fantastic product for me. Users should keep in mind the safety and wear concerns--which appear in the consumer manual--particularly if they use the product frequently.

Works as described. The Low setting is pretty warm. It heats up quickly. It seems durable. I purchased this because I know a PT facility that uses this brand. The cord could be longer, I have to stay fairly close to where it is plugged. There are just 3 control settings - High, medium, low. The heat feels evenly distributed throughout the pad. If heat gives you pain relief, this should work. It works well for my needs. It is expensive, but it is good quality.

Best heating pad!!

This is a great heating pad. It can be wrapped around shoulders easily or around the abdomen or lower back, but I mostly sleep on it because the generous size allows everything from my shoulders to lower back to be contact with muscle-soothing heat. It has a fifteen minute timer and three heat settings, so it's ideal for different pain levels and easy to forget about and just relax into sleep.

Likes: Large surface. Thin enough to NOT hurt my back when laying on it. It doesnt BULGE like other heating pads when you lay on them. It has a plastic/vinyl-like inside, with a comfortable almost microfiber like full cover over that, so you can slide in-between those a mesh pad that you use to get wet, to create the moisture. Both outter cover and mesh are washable. VERY long cord. Long enough to go from one side to the other in a California King bed, and still have room to plug in. Still using it after 4-5 years, and it still works like new. ALMOST as good as a massage. Cons: Pretty expensive (but very worth it). Only lasts for about 10 minutes, then you have to turn it off for a minute and set it again. This messes up the steam, and the placement on you back. If you dont wash them every couple uses, the outter and mesh begin to smell very bad. Like Cat Urine (no, its not me, lol. I hardly sweat). I think this is from the inner plastic, or maybe from the manufacturing? VERY highly recommend to anyone with an injury or sore muscles.

We bought a 2nd one for our son and and a third as a gift for a friend in pain. Really nice quality. Pay attention to the model science some have a switch you have to hold down while other models have a 3-setting switch that shuts off automatically and that you don't have to hold down.

I recently purchased the Thermophore MaxHEAT Plus Moist Heating pad in the Petite size (4" x 17") and I am very happy with its performance. I bought this heating pad for aftercare and recovery from a double jaw surgery, and it has worked great. This was the number one rated product in many jaw surgery groups and I agree after using it. The moist heat option is especially helpful, as it provides even more soothing relief for sore muscles and joints. The small size of the Petite pad is also convenient, as it allows me to easily use it on specific areas of my face and jaw, where I need the most relief. I am very satisfied with the Thermophore MaxHEAT Plus Moist Heating pad in the Petite size and would recommend it to others who need relief from surgical aftercare and recovery.

I have a similar heating pad by the company with moist heat. I like it but you have to hold down the on switch. I wanted the same heating pad with controls so I don’t have to hold down the on button. This one said it had moist heat but it came with some fabric you have to wet and place in heating pad cover to get it. I’m very disappointed and have not used it. I will send back for a refund.

This is the best heating pad I have ever owned. I had one just like this one and it lasted over 10 years , My husband uses this heating pad every day, twice a day for back issues. The pad keeps a constant heat at all times and the large surface covers the whole back. It has an automatic shut off after 20 minutes which is very good. I highly recommend this heating pad. I know you can buy cheaper pads but if you want one to last a long time and maintain the temperature pay the extra, you won't regret the purchase.

This is my second of their heating pads, and this is even better than the first one I had which I used intensively for years. It has an automatic timer with three heat settings. The thing I love is that the lights are a different shades so even in the dark, you can tell which setting you are picking. Most heating pads don’t get hot for my liking and this one definitely does.

Not as nice as my old model but works well

I love this blanket, I can't say enough about it! With multiple heat settings and the quality of product I'm sure anyone will love it.

Back problems