10 Best Heating Pads for Cramps 2023 – WWD

2 Aug

In this text

Courtesy

In the event you purchase an independently reviewed services or products through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

In the event you suffer with mild, moderate, and even debilitating period cramps, you aren’t alone. In reality, roughly 31.31 million women in America are believed to suffer from menstrual pain every month, in accordance with a Statista report. In the event you’re one among them, you’ve probably tried all types of methods to assist relieve your symptoms — from hot water bottles, acupressure mats, painkillers, gentle exercise or simply camping out in your favorite pajamas for a day or so.

One method you could not have tried is a heating pad. “Heated pads, also often called heating pads, can offer several advantages for relieving cramps,” explains Stewart Parnacott, an instructor at Baylor College of Medicine. “The appliance of warmth helps to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the affected area. This increased circulation can reduce muscle tension and alleviate discomfort related to menstrual, muscle, or abdominal cramps. Moreover, the heat from heated pads can provide a soothing sensation, promoting leisure and easing the intensity of cramping sensations”.

In the event you’re wondering how this differs from a hot water bottle, Dr. Hannah Schroeder, who makes a speciality of Naturopathic Medicine explains: “Heating pads are often electric, so unlike a hot water bottle, a heating pad doesn’t should be stuffed with hot water each time you ought to use it — you possibly can just plug it into any outlet near you”. They will also be a simpler option for girls who’ve more intense menstrual cramps, or endometriosis which could cause more debilitating uterine cramping. “Just plug the cord into an electrical outlet, turn the pad on, and also you’re good to go,” she adds.

But plug-in pads are only one option and types resembling Thermacare, Rael, and Higher Dose have created a wide selection of progressive recent products — from infrared sauna blankets, to portable heated devices, and wearable patches that help ease pain. It’s never been easier to tackle cramps in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Intrigued to seek out out more? Allow us to introduce you to 10 of the perfect heating pads for cramps that can help to make your next cycle far more manageable and in addition make cozy gift ideas, too. You’ll wonder the way you ever lived without one.

Related:
Best Deep Tissue Massagers
Best Foot Warmers
Best Silk Pillowcases

Join for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the inside track on the perfect in beauty and magnificence with in-depth reviews of exciting recent releases and buyer’s guides to seek out the products you should try ASAP.

Thermacare Air Activated Heat Wrap

Best Back Heating Pad

Variety of hot pad: Adhesive; air activated
Size for back pads: S/M As much as 34-inch waist L/XL; 35- to 47-inch waist
Pros: Might be worn discreetly, offers as much as 8 hours of pain relief
Cons: Single use and must buy different pads for the back and abdomen.

Coping with menstrual pain at work is worst, but these menstrual heat wraps from Thermacare may also help to make it more manageable. Each pad is thin enough to be worn underneath clothing so you possibly can get all of the comfort of your favorite hot water bottle whilst you’re at a desk or in your feet all day. Just peel away the self-adhesive paper on the back before applying the wrap to your lower abdomen or back. Deep heat is then delivered straight to your body to alleviate cramps and contractions for as much as 8 hours.

Thermacare Air Activated Heat Wrap 4 Pack

$27

Rael Heating Patch for Menstrual Cramps

Best Heating Pad for Travel

Variety of hot pad: Air-activated adhesive
Size: 6.18″ x 4.72″ x 1.54″; 6.38 Ounces
Pros: Might be used on the back or abdomen, incorporates natural oils, discreet, travel friendly
Cons: Single use

For natural pain relief on the move, Rael’s compact heating pads are an awesome essential to pack in your suitcase. Each pad starts to warm up as soon because it’s unwrapped, while diffusing natural lemon, jasmine, and rose oils. These oils soothe cramps within the abdomen for as much as 8 hours while promoting blood flow and relaxing the muscles. They will also be placed on the back or abdomen — or wherever you’re feeling essentially the most discomfort.

Rael Heating Patch for Menstrual Cramps

$11.98

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Best Blanket for Menstrual Cramps

Variety of hot pad: Electric, far infrared blanket
Size: 1 x 71″ (180 x 180 cm), unfolded. Maximum interior circumference when in use is roughly 65″ (165 cm)
Pros: Good investment which will be used every month, or as much as you wish. Also treats whole body.
Cons: Very expensive, need space to store it.

Many ladies find that on the primary and second day of their period when pain is at its worst, their whole body can feel achy — especially the legs and back. If that sounds familiar, you’ll love this Infrared sauna blanket from HigherDose that enhances deep leisure and improves circulation with far infrared heat. Simply slip contained in the sauna bag, turn it on and lie back and calm down for as much as 45 minutes while easing your cramps, aches, and pains. Yes it’s an investment but trust us, it’s value it, and has advantages way beyond cramp relief.

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

$699

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

$699

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

$699

Sunbeam XpressHeat Heating Pad

Best Cordless Heating Pad

Variety of hot pad: Wearable device, cordless, rechargeable
Size: 9.5″ x 12″
Pros: Rechargeable battery, pain relief for as much as 4 hours, three heat settings
Cons: Not that discreet and might’t be worn beneath clothes

“One in every of the highest selections amongst my patients is the Sunbeam XpressHeat Heating Pad, renowned for its lightning-fast heat-up feature, delivering the specified warmth inside a mere 30 seconds,” says Parnacott. “This quick heating capability allows patients to experience almost fast relief for sore muscles and pain.” With multiple heat settings, users may also easily tailor the temperature to their comfort level and specific needs. The soft and versatile fabric cover ensures that heat is evenly distributed across the treatment area, promoting higher pain relief and soothing comfort. We also love the larger size for treating big muscle groups or covering a broader area of discomfort.

Sunbeam XpressHeat Heating Pad

$86

PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad

Best Period Pain Relief Device

Variety of hot pad: Electric
Size: 12” x 24”
Pros: Extra-large size, six heat settings, soft cover
Cons: Is probably not powerful enough for very severe cramps

“My patients also love the PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad, which offers prolonged coverage and therapeutic warmth,” says Parnacott. “This generously sized pad provides full-body relief, making it ideal for addressing back pain, cramps, and other muscle discomforts”. It has six heat settings which permit you to customize the intensity and duration of the warmth via the digital LCD controller, while an auto-off function keeps you protected when you nod off while using it. We’re also big fans of the ultra-soft microplush fabric cover that adds all of the coziness of your favorite hot water bottle.

PureRelief XL King Size Heating Pad

$34.99

Ostrichpillow Heatbag

Best Microwavable Heating Pad

Variety of hot pad: Heats up in microwave or boil in water
Size: 32 x 16.5 x 6 cm; 1.02 kilograms
Pros: Doesn’t use water, heats up quickly within the microwave, will also be used cold
Cons: Need a microwave or hob to make use of it so not ideal for travel

While the Ostrichpillow Heatbag looks very much like a hot water bottle, and it cleverly retains heat for a lot longer due to a natural inner clay core and layer of smart foam. This enables the bag to release heat slowly to the world of the body you’re treating without burning or heating the skin up an excessive amount of. To make use of, heat it up within the microwave for 35 seconds or boil the insert in water for five minutes and slip it contained in the washable cover.

Ostrichpillow Heatbag

$60

Geniani Extra Large Electric Heating Pad

Best Heating Pad for Menstrual Cramps

Variety of hot pad: Electric
Size: 12″x 24″ XL
Pros: King size, designed to ease very severe cramps, low, medium, or extreme temperature settings, auto shutoff.
Cons: Might be hard to position the plug lead when using it in certain positions on the body.

In the event you find it more comforting and helpful to treat the entire of your abdomen quite than one specific spot, this extra-large heating pad may also help. Once plugged in, the electrical pad heats up in seconds and will be adjusted to your perfect heat with low, medium, or extreme temperature settings. The super-soft plush cover gives it all of the coziness of a blanket while the two-hour auto shutoff makes it protected to make use of if you’re taking a nap. The quilt can also be machine cleanable.

Geniani Extra Large Electric Heating Pad

$21.97

Comfytemp Electric Heating Pad

Best Moist and Dry Heating Pad

Variety of hot pad: Electric
Size: 12” x 24”
Pros: 3 heat settings, auto shutoff, will be moved across the body, machine cleanable flannel cover
Cons: You’ve got to remain seated next to an influence socket while in use

This soft heated pad is roofed in soft flannel, and designed to be moved across the body so you possibly can interchange between your abdomen or back for optimum relief. You may make a choice from three heat levels that calm down the muscles and improve the circulation of blood, easing cramps at the identical time. It has a security auto shutoff function, and a stay-on function if you ought to use it for an extended stint — just be sure it’s not at a time if you’re liable to falling asleep.

Comfytemp Electric Heating Pad

$19.99

Slimpal Portable Heating Pads

Best Portable Heating Pad for Cramps

Variety of hot pad: Portable and battery powered
Size: 7.48” x 3.35” x 0.98”
Pros: Portable, wireless with three different heat and massage settings
Cons: Some reviewers note battery life doesn’t hold for the total 8 hours

If you ought to benefit from the comfort of an electrical heating pad without being stuck sitting in a single position, this cordless device delivers as much as 8 hours of stable heat to the body. Once attached across the abdomen, pick from three vibration massage and warmth modes with the handy buttons, and begin having fun with relief in only five seconds. We love that this device will be moved around and used on the stomach or back, and has the choice of 60, 120, or 180-minute shutoff options.

Slimpal Portable Heating Pads

$19.99

Gamago Avocado Heating Pad

Best Cute Heating Pad for Cramps

Variety of hot pad: Microwaveable
Size: 10.75” x 1.25” x 9.5”; 1.87 Kilos
Pros: Easy to make use of, reasonably priced, great gift idea
Cons: Heat doesn’t last so long as an electrical heated pad, requires a microwave

In the event you’re searching for a cute gift for a friend who’s combating menstrual pain, this Gamago Avocado Heating Pad is certain to cheer them up and ease their cramps. It’s stuffed with eco-friendly buckwheat and lavender and heats up in only over a minute within the microwave omitting a beautiful, relaxing scent. We love its soft and comfy cover that’s comforting on the skin and great for hugging or placing over the affected area.

GAMAGO Avocado Heating Pad

$32.89

How Long to Use a Heating Pad for Cramps

In the event you’re wondering, “how long can I take advantage of a heating pad for cramps?,” we now have your answer. To make use of heated pads safely, it’s essential to follow some best practices. “Firstly, be sure that the heated pad has a temperature control feature to avoid excessive heat exposure,” explains Parnacott. “At all times place a cloth or towel between the heated pad and your skin to forestall burns or discomfort. Then, limit the duration of use to twenty to half-hour at a time, and avoid falling asleep with the pad on”.

Adrienne Ton, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and Director of Clinical Operations at TBD Health says that the perfect place to place the pad is often on the lower abdomen, over where the uterus causing the cramping is. “Mainly, below the belly button but above the mons pubis.” She suggests ensuring there’s a towel between your body and the heated source to avoid burns or sensitive skin.

Dr. Hannah Schroeder adds, “One major thing to take note is the potential risk for burns. If a heat source is left on the skin for too long, this might end in a burn.” She also warns that you should be very careful not to go to sleep with a heating pad on for that reason. “Outside of this, leaving heating pads on for too long could also potentially increase risk for fire or electrocution.”

How one can Reduce Period Pain at Home

While heating pads may also help to ease very painful menstrual cramps, there are various other options you possibly can try as well. From over-the-counter medications, to natural remedies and acupressure, listed below are just a few other ways to tackle periods cramps at home.

Over-the-counter medication: “OTC pain medications are all the time an option and definitely not a foul alternative,” says Dr. Schroeder. “They work quickly, they work well, and so they’re protected when used appropriately.” At all times check together with your doctor and follow the directions for OTC pain medications as listed on the bottle — taking an excessive amount of pain medication could cause stomach ulcers or a kind of stomach irritation and inflammation called gastritis.
Yoga and mild exercise: Dr Schroeder believes that gentle movement and yoga will be an awesome natural strategy to alleviate the pain of menstruation. “Several studies indicate that yoga will be used to scale back menstrual cramping and period pain. What’s great about this selection is that it’s free and is something you possibly can do at home, any time,” says Dr. Schroeder. She advises trying gentle side-lying twists: “Start by lying on the ground, face up. Bring your knees into your chest. Lay your arms out on either side right into a “T,” then gently rotate your knees over to 1 side, taking your time. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then bring your knees back to center. Repeat on the opposite side”.
Natural remedies: Natural remedies resembling Cramp Bark (aka Viburnum opulus) are believed to assist relieve menstrual cramping. “Cramp bark is a botanical treatment with anti-spasmodic actions,” explains Dr Schroeder. “Traditionally, it has been given for menstrual pain and cramping due to its relaxing effect on the sleek muscle of the uterus. It’s vital to notice that this shouldn’t be consumed by children or adolescents and ought to be avoided while pregnant and breast feeding.
Acupressure: Acupressure is one other relatively protected option which you can do without cost at home any time. Dr. Schroeder shares two acupressure points which can be typically used for menstrual cramps in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory: “The LIV2 (Liver 2) point is situated on top of the foot, in between the massive toe and the second toe, right at the online where the 2 toes meet. Press and hold on this spot for 1 minute,” she says. You can even try the SP8 (Spleen 8) point. “To locate this point, start in a seated position together with your knee bent. Find your knee cap, then locate the dip just under the knee cap,” Dr. Schroeder explains. From there, she says you need to bring your finger to the contained in the knee — “your finger will naturally fall right into a dip right under that inner knee bone (that bone is the tibia).” Now that you simply’ve situated that depression, place your hand against your lower leg together with your index finger against the dip under the tibia, and fingers together. “SP8 might be right below your pinkie finger when your hand is on this position. In the event you’re finding that the pain is severe and/or not relieved with some of these measures, you need to speak with a healthcare provider about other options resembling hormonal contraception and/or other studies that will should be done to guage the reason behind painful cramps,” advises Ton.

How We Selected the Best Heating Pads for Cramps

Since 1910, WWD — also known as “the style bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the worldwide women’s and men’s fashion, retail and wonder communities, while also informing the patron media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for each fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors proceed to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To pick the perfect heating pads for menstrual cramps and muscle aches, one reporter interviewed three medical professionals for his or her input on how heating pads work and what to look out for in the perfect options. Using our expert’s advice, we combed through offerings from multiple retailers to seek out top-rated heating pads. We included a combination of portable heating pads, microwavable heating pads, and cordless heating pads. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Hannah Schroeder ND is a member of Sonoran University’s full-time clinical faculty. She accomplished two years of general medicine residency at a rigorous, multidisciplinary teaching clinic. She has also accomplished additional training in herbalism – a 96-hour of Introductory Herbalist Apprenticeship, and a 36-hour Herbalism course in ovarian, uterine, breast, menstrual, and menopausal health.

Adrienne Ton, APRN-CNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Clinical Operations at TBD Health. She hopes to create more positive experiences for many who’ve traditionally had bad (even traumatizing) experiences with their sexual health within the medical settings.

Stewart Parnacott is an Instructor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. With a passion for healthcare innovation, Parnacott also proudly holds the esteemed title of Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA) at a number one medical school. As a driving force within the medical field, he combines precision, compassion, and cutting-edge knowledge to revolutionize patient care.

Meet the Writer

Cat Hufton is a London-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle journalist who has written for a few of the world’s best luxury e-commerce firms and publications including InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, and Footwear News. She is an avid online shopper and has tested a whole lot of products during her profession giving her a keen eye for what’s value your hard dollars.

Featured Posts