Thermophore MaxHEAT Plus Automatic Moist Heating Pad Size Medium 14" x 14" Model 356

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.

Works very good. Has 3 heat levels Low, Med, High. Turns off automatically. Comes with a facecloth size cloth for moist heat.

Best heating pad!!

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.

I’ve now owned three of these quality heating pads. I had two at one time and it was great to have one near the bed and one by my favorite chair. But I (almost reluctantly) gave one to my daughter who was in pain because I still had one, right? Then the dog chewed through the power cord of my one remaining precious Thermophore heating pad! Aargh! Now I have just one but it is carefully unplugged and the cord wrapped around it after each use. After all, this mean heating pad will burn my pain down to an acceptable level in a relatively short time. Yes it gets very very HOT! It really won’t burn you. Seriously. But you might think it will in those early moments as the heat continues to rise. This pad is not for sissies. It is for people with pain that will not be eased by those average mild-mannered drug-store heating pads. If you have pain like this, you know you need this pad.

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.

Out of 3 settings, 1-2 are highest even I could go. Its nice and heavy. Cons: - Switch is not as described, not a button but a clunky slider requiring right angle to operate as it is a bit stiff. - Wish there was a way to disable auto shut off after 20min, and wish it was a button instead of a slider control as was promised.I like how hot it gets so Im likely keeping it. - Material of pad - wish pad itself was not fabric based, as it is not washable, and im afraid damaging the pad with water/oil mix, with only nylon divider between canvas cover and canvas pad. Hope it lasts a long time. So far love it. Update: stopped working after 11days, never even tried wet application, tried to return but it says "item not eligible for return". Contacted seller about replacement and about button control instead of a slider switch, yet to get a response. Loved it while it worked.