I have severe chronic pain from multiple conditions and despite the strong medications I take daily, there is one item in my house that does some serious heavy lifting for my pain control, especially during cold weather: my electric heating pad.
I have one in the living room, another in my study and a third plugged in next to my bed. I use it on my abdomen for my severe endometriosis, and to ease pain from the dislocations I live with daily because of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, a connective tissue disorder.
There are lots of electric heat pads on offer for Amazon Prime Day, now on its final day, so here's what I've learned about picking the best heat-pads after buying at least 30 in the past 15 years, and my favorite one, which is on sale during Amazon's Big Deal Days event.
What to look for in a great electrical heating pad
As I keep heating pads in multiple places in the home (as well as the office before I started working from home) I've bought at least 30 in the past 15 years. All of my electric heating pads have been from Amazon and I've learned a lot about what makes a good pad.
First, versatility. You want to pick one that has at least six heat levels. Everyone's threshold for pain and heat is different and can change over time or with the weather, so don't go for a three-level one. You'll just be limiting yourself.
Then, make sure it has an auto-shut off feature for safety, and timer options that allow for at least 120 minute runs to keep you comfortable for as long as possible. I find if I have a heating pad with a shorter maximum run time, it turns off quickly, I'm busy working or relaxing and my pain starts going up in the background without me realizing why - that the heat has gone off.
The good news is they do typically warm up pretty quickly, in around five minutes.
My favorite ever electric heat-pad design is on sale right now for Amazon Prime day and if I ever need a new one, this style is the first one I'm scouring the listings for.
This comes in three sizes and I recommend this large one, 33 x 17 inches over the smaller sizes if you suffer widespread pain or feel the cold a lot. This size will comfortably cover your lap and down the sides of your thighs. If you place it over one shoulder, it will reach down beyond your waist as is a great alternative to a very large blanket-style heating pad which can feel a bit suffocating.
Electric heating pads are a great addition to your winter tool kit and means you can worry less about keeping your house warm all day and simply keep yourself warm in the area you're sitting in.
Other things worth knowing about heating pads from my many years of using them is though there are some on offer for less than $15 dollars, those pads tend to either not get as hot as I like, the connector breaks or otherwise stops functioning within six months. You get what you pay for and I usually go for heating pads between $25-35 and they last.
With the design I've picked above, these ones usually work perfectly for at least 18 months to two years in my experience, and that's with my using them for around 6-12 hours a day between September-May, and intermittently from June-August. That's a lot more use than the average person so yours will likely run for at least a few years without issue.
They are also cheap to run and I've never felt a big shift in my energy bills. There are other ways to lower your heating costs so don't skimp on the comfort on offer with a good heating pad.
Just watch out for cleaning tips you find online for these. Whilst some detach from their wiring and be washed, I would never recommend this as I know people who've bought washable ones and still ended up killing theirs in the washing machine.
Instead, I use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of Dawn Dish Soap, available at Amazon in a handy multi-pack, on and wipe down any areas needed. Then I turn it on and it dries itself. Never use a dripping wet cloth to clean your heating pad.
Who else electric heating pads are good for
Though I have chronic pain, heating pads are also excellent for people who feel the cold a lot, those looking to cut energy bills this winter, anyone with muscular or menstrual cramps, or other body aches and pain points. They're also fabulous for helping stay cozy at home without heating the whole house.
The only time I find my heating pad doesn't work is if I have a very active injury from my Ehlers-Danlos such as a brand new dislocation, or partial dislocation, in which I use ice for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation.
Honestly, with the level of pain I am in, I would absolutely not be able to cope in winter, or really, most of the year without my heating pads all over the house.
Other items to keep at home for aches and pains
Whether you need it at home, or to port around with you when out and about, these are the other heat or ice therapy products I swear by.
I use the small round ones for targeted pain in my hips and lower back, and the wider ones for inflammation and aches on legs and back. You will need covers for these, but in a pinch, slip them in a clean sock and secure them in your clothing for max relief.
These fast-heating electric heating pads are portable, discreet and effective. Check the waist band will fit you (largest length on this is 37 inches). They make a little bit of noise but nothing above a whisper and will be easily muffled in conversation.
This weighted pad is great for pain relief in your upper back, shoulders and neck. It weighs 2.6 lb and has 9 heat settings though in my experience, tolerating this level of heat on the neck can be a little harder. If you are always feeling drafts, this is a winner.
Next, learn about the maintenance tasks that will lower your energy bills, and how to arrange a room to maximize heat.
