Heating pads for cramps, if you choose one with the essential characteristics to ensure your comfort, offer nearly immediate relief from menstruation pains, especially during that time of the month when they feel out of control. Fortunately, a number of heating pads available today have lengthy cords for convenience, multiple heat level settings, auto-shut off timers for safety, and mobility. This brings us the top heating pads for cramps.
Why does severe period pain occur? “The uterus contracts because of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin during menstruation,” says pelvic health physical therapist Aimee Anagnostos, D.P.T. According to her explanation, prostaglandins are linked to inflammation in the body, which is connected to painful menstruation.
1. Thermophore Classic Heat Pack
This Thermophore heating pad has a convenient 10-foot chord that allows you to move about easily, even though corded heating pads can occasionally feel constricting.
In addition to its weighted design and wider surface area, users appreciate that the accompanying switch allows for temperature control between 150 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reviews state: “I used one of these before having back surgery because I like that you can adjust the heat.” My stepmom has one of these. I’m suggesting it since I was recommended to do so.
| Power source | 10’ cord |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14” x 27” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, after 25 minutes |
2. Sunbeam Heating Pads for cramps for Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
This heating pad for cramps has previously received our recommendation, and we are doing so once more. It includes three heat settings, a lengthy 9-foot chord, and even a washable cover—all the essential components of a superb heating pad.
This heating pad is really straightforward to use, and it even includes a controller with big, intuitive buttons.
According to reviews, “it has a long enough cord that reaches over the bed without any issues and gets really hot.” It keeps me warm in the cold and eases my menstrual cramps.
| Power source | 9’ cord |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.2” x 11.42” |
| Auto shut off? | No |
3. Midol Heat Vibes Menstrual Pain Relief Heat Patches
Anagnostos says that heat patches are a fantastic on-the-go substitute for corded heating pads for cramps when we’re out and about. She claims that Midol Heat Vibes patches are what her clients most frequently choose.
With their adhesive backing, these patches are simple to apply, have an eight-hour wear time, and feel smooth and light beneath your clothes. A pack of six is included in each carton.
The patch works well over underwear, but it should not be applied directly to the skin, advises Anagnostos.
| Power source | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 5.1” |
| Auto shut off? | N/A |
4. SUZZIPAD Heating Pad Microwavable
Board-certified interventional pain management specialist Leia Rispoli, M.D., says she prefers microwaveable heating pads for cramps to electric plug-in heaters since the former have a lower fire risk. This pad has a 90-second heating time and a 20-minute warm-up period. It even gives cold therapy on its linen side. We appreciate that this pad is reasonably priced as well.
Microwavable heating pads are easy to carry, conform very well to people’s backs, and eventually cool off, according to Dr. Rispoli.
| Power source | Microwave radiation |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.65” x 5.94” |
| Auto shut off? | N/A |
5. Sunbeam Cordless Heating Pad
The ideal place to apply a heating pads for cramps for period discomfort, according to board-certified gynecologist Sarah Yamagucchi, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is over the uterus area, which is over the lower abdomen. But some women also have back discomfort because their cramps cause their back muscles to spasm, she says.
With its flexible design, this cordless pick from Sunbeam may be worn on the back, shoulder, or abdomen. The pad stays in position no matter where you travel thanks to the strap’s adjustable design.
Reviews state: “I can now go about my day instead of spending hours lying around because wearing this heat pad all day has been keeping the pain away efficiently and in a very convenient way.”
| Power source | 55” cord |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12” x 9.5” |
| Auto shut off? | No |
6. Hyperice Venom 2 Back Wrap
Anagnostos claims that cordless heating pads for cramps work well for applying heat steadily. Despite being expensive, users praise the Venom 2 for its enormous surface area, three heat settings, and quick heat-up time. Even a vibration setting that resembles a gentle massage is available.
Take note that every fifteen minutes, the device shuts off. That’s fortunate, though, as Dr. Gnecco and Anagnostos both advise against using heating pads for longer than 20 minutes.
According to Anagnostos, “A cordless option delivers a steady power of warmth because it’s a chargeable device.”
| Power source | Rechargeable battery |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 48” x 11” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, every 15 minutes |
7. Comfytemp Full Weighted Heating Pad
With its 2.2-pound glass bead weight, this Comfytemp option provides comfort akin to that of a weighted blanket. In addition, it has three heat settings that can be adjusted, and you can use the moist heat therapy feature by misting water on the pad’s surface.
Users enjoy the aromatherapy properties (it smells like eucalyptus and lavender) and the large coverage surface area. Weighted pads qualify for HSA/FSA benefits.
Just be aware that the fabric quality may suffer as a result of the lower price.
According to reviews, it’s a good size and covers a large area. I think the settings are adequate given my degree of back pain.
| Power source | Rechargeable battery |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24” x 12” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, after 2 hours |
8. Yeamon Portable Cordless Heating Pad
This heating pad for cramps is not like other corded ones; instead, it charges over USB. According to reviews, a full charge should last you two hours on average.
The heating pad has an adjustable waist strap and is fairly compact and slender. Additionally, it has three heating and three massage settings. A few reviews mention how loud the vibration setting is.
Reviews state that although it is extremely light and thin, it feels high-quality. It warms up quickly. I can wear it under my work attire and it’s comfortable.
| Power source | 1 Lithium polymer battery, included |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.66” x 4.69” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, after 30 minutes |
9. Sunbeam Heating Pad for Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain Relief
There’s a reason why this Amazon favorite, with almost 21,000 five-star ratings, is so well-liked. It offers king-sized coverage (12″ x 14″) with a comfortable, soft cover. Customers also like that, contrary to marketing claims, it truly heats up in 30 seconds.
Reviews state: “It’s very easy to form the pad to your body because of its pliability.” Furthermore, the exterior material feels incredibly soft to the touch. This pad also has the added benefit of delivering heat quickly.
| Power source | 9’ cord |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12” x 24” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, after 2 hours |
10. ThermaCare Portable Heating Pad, Menstrual Pain Relief Patches
These Thermacare patches are comparable to the Midol patches in that they provide a simpler, more portable option for on-the-go heating pad use.
The Heating Pads for Cramps are easy to adhere to underwear and promise to provide eight hours of pain relief during the menstrual cycle. Customers enjoy that you may use these on your back and pelvic region.
Reviews state: “Although I would prefer more consistent heat, I was able to use this for approximately five hours by making sporadic adjustments.” That worked wonders for my cramps.
| Power source | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.04” x 8.15” |
| Auto shut off? | N/A |
11. Comfytemp Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief
This heating pad is big enough to cover a whole back with its 17″ x 33″ surface covering area. It can also be placed on your lap or encircled around your shoulders.
Please take note that a few customers complained that the heating pad didn’t heat up sufficiently.
Reviews state: “It’s very easy to form the pad to your body because of its pliability.” Furthermore, the exterior material feels incredibly soft to the touch. This pad also has the added benefit of delivering heat quickly.
| Power source | Power cord (dimensions N/A) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17” x 33” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, after 2 hours |
12. Deepsoon Hot Heated Pad
With six temperature settings and four auto shut-off timer options, this Deepsoon heating pad for cramps is now the best-selling model on Amazon.
Users appreciate how comfortable it is to place across the tummy, over the waist, over the shoulders, or across the back, and how soft and velvety the pad itself is. To achieve moist heat therapy for greater heat penetration, you can mist one side of the heating pad with water.
What reviewers have to say: “I can adjust the warmth to my preference, whether I’m warming up my neck, shoulders, knees, or belly.” The auto shut-off feature offers comfort.
| Power source | 7.2’ cord |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12” x 24” |
| Auto shut off? | Yes, from 30 minutes to 2 hours |
When choosing the best heating pad, there is no one size fits all solution. According to Anagnostos, “the best heating pad is ultimately the one that works most effectively and consistently for the user.” There are several varieties that meet varied needs of the individual:
✔️ Heat patches: Anagnostos compares these to acne lesions, but for cramping during menstruation. Although it may be tempting to apply the patch directly to your skin, she suggests applying it over your underwear.
✔️ Microwaveable heating pads: According to Anagnostos, “users like the weight of these across their abdomen and back for gentle soothing pressure.” Typically, these are filled with clay beads. This is Dr. Rispoli’s preferred alternative because they adapt to your body, cool down over time, and pose a significantly reduced fire risk.
✔️ Cordless heating pads: Anagnostos suggests a cordless heating pad if you’re looking for a consistent source of warmth. They work really well for applying heat consistently, according to her.
✔️ Corded heating pads: These are less portable but usually have a bigger surface area. Nonetheless, because corded pads provide the greatest danger of patient damage, Dr. Rispoli is least in favor of them. “Many patients tell me they love using corded heating pads, but when they use them incorrectly or while they’re sleeping, they can cause skin injuries,” the doctor explains.
