Whether it be a steaming hot bath filled with bubbles or a classic hot water bottle on those chilly winter evenings, nothing provides comfort and resets the body quite like some localised heat. But how exactly does heat work to relieve pain and improve our moods?
By boosting circulation and blood flow in a particular area – such as the neck and shoulders, lower back or tummy – heat therapy can help to soothe discomfort and improve muscle flexibility, which in turn helps damaged tissue to begin healing.
What are the benefits of using a heated cushion?
- Improved circulation and pain relief: localised heat encourages the blood vessels to expand, which improves circulation – bringing essential blood flow to damaged tissue to help promote healing. On the flipside, ice therapy forces the blood vessels to constrict – reducing blood flow and easing inflammation.
- Relaxation: like a warm hug, heat therapy can provide psychological as well as physical comfort. By encouraging tense muscles to relax, heat can help to reduce stress and anxiety. What’s more, localised heat can improve mood by increasing activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, which is linked to feelings of pleasantness aroused by certain stimuli.
- Menstrual pain relief: heat can help to dull the pain receptors causing menstrual cramps but should be used with caution. Applying heat directly to the lower tummy without protection can unknowingly cause serious burns.
Hot water bottles aren’t exactly a socially acceptable norm when it comes to the workplace, nor is taking a bath halfway through the day. Popping a clever heated cushion on your chair before embarking on a day’s worth of desk work might just help to provide some subtle, preventative relief, and precious warmth during the colder seasons.
As such, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best heated cushions to ease pain and boost circulation which are also highly portable. Keep scrolling for comforting warmth wherever you roam.
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Beurer HK48 Cosy Heated Cushion
Available in an array of stylish hues, this heated cushion by Beurer is equipped with three interchangeable heat settings and is capable of reaching the highest level within 30-45 minutes. For peace of mind, the device will automatically switch off after 90 minutes of use. The cushion cover is breathable, comforting and machine washable at 30 degrees.
Buy now £37.99, Amazon
Cuddle Cushion with Heatable Pad
On bedbound sick days or relaxing evenings in, nothing provides relief quite like a fuzzy and supportive cuddle cushion. This fabulous option from Dunelm comes with a removable heat pad which can be microwaved for a few seconds for enduring, comforting heat.
Buy now £35.00, Dunelm
Marco Paul Electric Heated Cushion with Fleece Pocket
Delightfully fleecy, soft and comforting, this Marco Paul electric heated cushion is a must-have for the winter months. The heating pad has an impressive eight different temperature settings ranging between 40°C to 65°C but has an integrated protective function which prevents overheating.
Buy now £25.98, Amazon
Dreamland Revive Me
Though less of a cushion and more akin to a heated pad, this uber-comforting device by Dreamland is set to provide oodles of pain relief and mood-boosting relaxation. It has five different heat settings, a detachable control for the utmost comfort, a five-minute heat-up and a machine-washable cover. Enjoy up to three hours of persistent, controlled heated relief before the pad switches off.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Kalore Wheat Bags Microwavable Neck and Shoulder Wrap
A classic, low-maintenance and energy-saving option, microwavable wheat bags deliver brilliant pain relief by moulding to the contours of your neck and shoulders – or anywhere else on the body that requires localised heat. The filling consists of 100 per cent UK-cleaned wheat and French lavender for both physical and aromatic relief.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Stoov Ploov Wooly White Cushion
Whether in bed, on the sofa or at your desk, Stoov’s Ploov design is destined to become your cold weather BFF. The company’s cordless heated cushion is made with a 12-watt built-in infrared heating element that heats you up to 42 degrees - how’s that for toasty? A rechargeable 2600 mAh Li-ion battery keeps your choice of three temperatures up for up to six continuous hours and the label on the side acts double duty as a controller too. Available in a square shape and a medley of hygge-inducing colours. Machine washable.
Buy now £109.99, Stoov
Dunelm Teddy Bear Charcoal Long Hot Water Bottle
When we say long hot water bottles are a game changer, we really mean it. The noodle-shaped heated essential can be wrapped around the stomach, neck or back to soothe aches and pains. Tie-up options are available via Amazon for those times when you need to potter around the house hands-free.
Buy now £14.00, Dunelm
Things2KeepUWarm Foot Warmer with Hot Water Bottle
Slip your feet in this plush product from the aptly named Things2KeepUWarm and enjoy long-lasting heat throughout the day. Perfect for working from home, the hot water bottle comes in an array of colours from teal to lilac and has a generous capacity of two litres. Available up to size 11.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
