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.
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This Item  Thermophore MaxHEAT Plus Automatic Moist Heating Pad Size Medium 14" x 14" Model 356 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $64.99 | $60.99 | $37.95 | $63.99 | $81.99 | $74.99 |
| Price Per Unit | $1.35 / Ounce | $60.99 / Count | $37.95 / Count | $63.99 / Count | $81.99 / Count | $74.99 / Count |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Pain relief | ||||||
| Temperature Control | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Sold By | Heart Rate Monitors USA | DoctorStore. | Pain Relief Specialty | DoctorStore. | Heart Rate Monitors USA | Heart Rate Monitors USA |
| size | Medium 14" x 14" | 26x14 Inch (Pack of 1) | 14" x 24" | Weighted King | 255 Large 14” x 27” | Large (Pack of 1) |
| material | — | — | Fabric | Flannel | Cotton | Cotton |
| number of settings | 3 | — | 3 | — | — | 3 |
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Thermophore Classic Moist Heating Pad Size Medium
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Finally heating pad that can get REALLY HOT if I choose to. BEWARE switch is NOT a button showed in photo/description but slider
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.
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