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For those of us with ~uterine woes~, the best heating pads for cramps must be top-notch for pain relief during menstruation. After all, period pain is no joke. Studies show that over 80% of people have experienced cramps and sore muscles around the abdomen during their menstrual cycle.
“Heat can help relax the muscles contributing to cramping,” says Iris Kerin Orbuch, M.D., director of the Advanced Gynecologic Laparoscopy Center at Providence Saint John’s Hospital in Los Angeles. “Heat also naturally increases blood flow to the site of your pain. That's why a period heating pad is a total game-changer.
However, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. Should you get a microwaveable heating pad or a classic corded one? Is it best to place an electric heating pad directly on the skin or on top of your period underwear? What sleeping positions for cramps are best to ensure they don't slide out of place? We asked Dr. Orbuch for expert advice and tips on how to find and use the best heating pads to relieve cramps.
Okay, are heating pads safe?
“Period cramps occur when the muscles of your uterus contract, typically just before or during your period. Prostaglandins are released, which cause painful contractions,” Dr. Orbuch explains. “[Heat helps] by relaxing the myometrium, or smooth muscle of the uterus.
So when you apply heat directly to the cramping area (the lower belly or back), “the blood vessels will begin to dilate, which allows more blood flow to your uterus.” If you're using microwaveable or electric heating pads, avoid placing them directly on your skin to prevent them from causing burns.
What should you consider when buying them?
The main differences between the various types of heating pads lie in their portability and the way they create heat. Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase.
- Will you use it at home, while traveling, or at work?
- Will you be moving around frequently or staying in one place?
There are many options to fit your needs, including “electric heating pads, the old-fashioned hot water bottle, and microwaveable pads,” Dr. Orbuch says. Cordless, rechargeable, and adhesive pads that can be stuck directly to the body are great for on-the-go relief. If comfort is your main priority, electric heating pads (heated via electrical coils, often allowing for temperature customization) or aromatic microwaveable options might be a better route.
“If you're looking for a corded heating pad, make sure that it has an auto-shutoff function,” advises Dr. Orbuch. “Those with a timer are great, so it doesn’t stay on for long. A bonus is when it comes with a machine-washable cover, making it easy it clean,” she adds.
So which are the best heating pads for cramps? The short answer: It all depends on what you're looking for. That said, here are our top picks, many of which are available on Amazon.
The Best Heating Pads for Cramps:
- Best Weighted Heating Pad: Sharper Image Calming Heat Weighted Heating Pad, $90
- Best Rechargeable Heating Pad: Sunbeam GoHeat Cordless Heating Pad, $85
- Best Budget Heating Pad: Attmu Classic Rubber Transparent Hot Water Bottle, $12
- Best Washable Heating Pad: Geniani Extra Large Electric Heating Pad, $30
- Best Adhesive Heating Pad: Rael Heating Patch for Menstrual Cramps, $12
Best Rechargeable Heating Pad
The rechargeable Sunbeam GoHeat pad is a super convenient option for when your uterus is starting an absolute riot, but your day is too jam-packed for you to be able to faceplant on your bed. This pad can be worn as a belt, providing relief while you’re on the go. It heats up in just 30 seconds, features three heat settings, runs four hours on a single charge, and has a two-hour automatic shut-off feature. What could be better than that?
Type: Cordless
- Pros:✓ Machine-washable and dryer-safe ✓ The stretchy elastic band allows for room and movement
- Con: X Some reviewers say it takes a long time to charge
- Size: 9.5 inches by 12 inches
- Colors: Slate gray
- Materials: Micromink
Customer Review: “I love this heating pad. I think everyone should have one.”
Expert Pick
With six heat settings and a soft microplush fabric, it's no wonder the machine-washable Pure Enrichment PureRelief is so highly lauded. This extra large heating pad comes expert-recommended, so you really can’t go wrong. “For a corded one, my favorite is the PureRelief,” says Dr. Orbuch. “It also comes with a two-hour automatic shut-off feature that helps to conserve energy.”
It even has a backlit LCD display so that you can set your perfect temperature even in the dark—a huge plus for migraine sufferers and for those who tend to get period cramps at night.
Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Has a unique InstaHeat technology ✓ Can be sprayed with water for moist heat therapy
- Con: X Some reviewers don’t like its blinking light
- Size: 12 inches by 24 inches
- Colors: Blue, white, beige, gray, and green
- Materials: Microplush (top) and polyester bottom)
Customer Review: "I started using PureRelief heating pads years ago, and I will never use another brand again."
Best Budget Heating Pad
This wouldn't be a proper roundup of heating pads if we didn't include the retro one your mom likely still has hanging around in her medicine cabinet. A fail-safe standby, this hot water bottle is crafted from a thermoplastic material that holds heat longer than traditional water bottles and molds comfortably to your body to help ease the intensity of menstrual cramps. Plus, how cute is the little sweater that comes with it? This throwback heating pad is available in a bunch of fun colors for ~stylish~ pain relief.
Type: Rubber Hot Water Bottle
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- Pros: ✓ The washable cover is easy to clean ✓ Budget-friendly
- Con: X Some reviewers say it has a chemical odor
- Size: 5 inches by 5 inches
- Colors: Blue, light blue, gray, green, pink, purple, red, and white
- Materials: Polar fleece, thermoplastic, and rubber
Customer Review: “Very happy with this product...Whoever designed this is a brilliant product engineer.”
Best Adhesive Heating Pad
If you’re in the market for a portable heating pad, consider this discreet, wearable, stick-on heating patch, which is designed with abdominal cramps in mind. Rael heating patch heats up instantly and helps promote blood flow to soothe muscle pain for up to eight hours, according to the brand. Plus, its therapeutic ingredients include lemon balm, dandelion root, rosehip, jasmine, and juniper berry. That said, to avoid burns and heat rashes, take care not to place it directly onto your skin.
Type: Adhesive heat patch
- Pros: ✓ Budget-friendly ✓ Reviewers note the heat lasts longer than eight hours
- Con: X They’re not reusable
- Sizes: Small (2.7 inches by 3.7 inches) and large (2.9 inches by 6.7 inches)
- Colors: White
- Materials: Iron, activated charcoal, vermiculite, sodium chloride, polyacrylic acid, sodium salt, water, rose flower oil, lemon peel oil, jasminum officinale flower oil
Customer Review: I don't know what sort of witchcraft went into making these amazing patches, but they are worth every penny and then some."
If you want a heating pad that offers a little more, this extra large heating pad is your best bet. Practically a blanket, you can wrap it around your torso and get heat on your lower abdomen and your back to soothe menstrual pain. Plus, the six heat settings and plush material level up the coziness and comfort. There are even versions that sport a sort of backpack style, which may be exactly what you need for lower back pain during your period.
Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Covers a lot of surface area ✓ It's machine-washable
- Con: X Some reviewers say it can get too hot
- Size: 33.5 inches by 17.1 inches
- Colors: Traditional heating style version comes in navy and gray; backpack-style versions come in dark teal, gray, blue, light teal, teal, and red
- Materials: Flannel
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Customer Review: "Covers all the areas I need heated all at once. Easy to use; so very plush and comfortable."
Best Washable Heating Pad
Period cramps can extend all the way to the lower back and thighs. If that's your case, you'll benefit from this huge period heating pad that’s sure to cover all your sore spots. This extra large heating pad features three adjustable heat settings: high, medium, and low. The cotton fabric feels soft against the skin, and it's machine-washable. Plus, the power cord is extra long, so you don’t have to worry as much about sitting next to an outlet when you’re creating your pain relief ~relaxation station~.
Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Reviewers say it’s pliable, allowing you to use it wherever you need ✓ It has an extra-long cord (10 ft)
- Con: X Some reviewers say it has a chemical odor
- Size: 12 inches by 24 inches
- Colors: blue, gray, and green
- Materials: Microplush (top) and polyester (bottom)
Customer Review: “I have owned several pads over the years, and nothing compares to the quality and size of this one!”
This flaxseed-filled microwavable back wrap has a waist strap that helps keep it in place (super convenient!). It heats up quickly and is designed to keep in place while walking, standing, and sitting. You can even secure it on your shoulders or stomach—or really, wherever you're feeling aches and pains. While not advertised as such, reviewers say you can also place it in the freezer and use it as an ice pack. Plus, it's ergonomically shaped to conform to your body, so you don't have to shift around to figure out the perfect fit.
Type: Microwavable
- Pros: ✓ Reviewers say the flaxseeds give it a “pleasant” scent ✓ It’s super soft
- Con: X It has to be microwaved every 30 minutes or so
- Size: 10 inches by 54 inches
- Colors: Blue
- Materials: Plush minky fabric filled with flaxseed
Customer Review: "After a couple applications of the pad, I feel like I've had a massage!"
Available on Amazon, the Sunbeam XL heating pad warms up in just 30 seconds, thanks to its special XpressHeat tech. It's made from a microplush material that gives it a soft and comfy feel, and it has a LED controller you can use to switch between six various heat settings. The fabric pad is machine washable—it can even go in the dryer! Plus, it has an auto shut-off feature, so you don't need to worry about leaving it on for too long.
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Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Has a nine-foot power cord ✓ Comes with a five-year limited warranty
- Con: X Some customers note they have issues with the plug disconnecting from the pad
- Size: 24 inches by 12 inches
- Colors: Green and burgundy
- Materials: Microplush fabric
Customer Review: "I find it absolutely wonderful to be able to get it against my skin in ways that no other heating pad allows."
Want to make sure you can take your favorite pain relief tool from your bed to your office chair to your sofa? This is the microwavable heating pad for you. This handy heating pad comes with a washable cover made from a soft fleece fabric, and you can microwave it for moist heat therapy. Filled with millets, flaxseeds, and clay beads, this adorable pad works well to retain heat, and you can use it all over the body for other aches and pains.
Type: Microwavable
- Pros: ✓ Reviewers love its soft cover ✓ It can be used in the microwave or freezer
- Con: X Some reviewers find it to be too heavy
- Size: 15.9 inches by 9 inches
- Colors: Gray, dark gray, and a floral print
- Materials: Fleece cover; filled with millets, flaxseeds, and clay beads
Customer Review: “Super soft cover fabric! Good moist heat that is very soothing. Very spa-like.”
Want a next-level soothing sesh? Go for this unique jade stone heating pad that wraps around your waist. Made with jade and tourmaline stones, it’s said to be more durable than other heating pads, and the stones provide hot stone therapy—how cool is that? The stones inside the pad also release far-infrared rays, which can penetrate deeper into the skin tissue, according to the brand. Plus, its power cord is almost 10 feet long, so you have a bit of moving room while wearing it.
Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Can be secured all over the body, not just the abdomen ✓ Controller allows you to set specific temperatures (up to 159 degrees)
- Con: X Some reviewers say it’s too big for them to use
- Size: 55.1 inches by 8.7 inches
- Colors: Black
- Materials: Carbon fiber, jade, tourmaline stones
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Customer Review: “The heat from this is DEEP and soothing. Shoot, I turn it on even when I don't have any pain just because it is so freakishly comforting!”
Best Weighted Heating Pad
This electric heating pad doubles as a body massager—what a treat! With three adjustable heat levels and nine vibration levels, this weighted option will hopefully soothe your cramps in no time. It's made with a flannel material that feels soft and smooth against the skin. If you get super comfortable with the pad and forget it's on, you don't have to worry, because it has a built-in two-hour automatic shut-off feature. (That’s important, because this heating pad’s relaxing vibrations will probably put you to sleep!)
Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Features six temperature settings ✓ Feels soft to the touch
- Con: X The massage feature is pretty loud
- Size: 24 inches by 20 inches
- Colors: Gray
- Materials: Plush velveteen
Customer Review: "Y'all, it's like healing childhood trauma while drifting off to sleep."
Those of us with cats know that when they cuddle up on your lap during period cramps, they serve as a pretty great heating pad. However, those of us with cats also know that cats are not the most reliable heating pads, as they do whatever the hell they want. If you still want that cuddly cat feeling, enter this adorable portable heating pad from Crimmy. This menstrual heating pad isn’t just lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use—it’s a cat! This USB-rechargeable kitty is sure to relieve your cramps in the cutest way possible.
Type: Electric
- Pros: ✓ Reviewers say it gets very hot ✓ Soft and squishy
- Con: X Some reviewers say it gives off an unpleasant smell at its hottest setting
- Size: 14.7 inches by 6.1 inches
- Colors: Brown and gray
- Materials: Flameproof cotton
Customer Review: "It's so soft and warms up so fast. Love this little warm kitty!"
These expert-recommended gel packs (yes, each order comes with two!) are a favorite of Orbuch’s and can be warmed for heat therapy or frozen for cold therapy. When you need to soothe menstrual cramps, simply stick one in the microwave for the recommended amount of time (only 30 seconds!) and adjust the elastic straps around your body for maximum comfort. These handy gel packs are flexible and conform to your body, and you can also use them for sprains, muscle spasms, headaches, muscle aches, sports injuries, and much more.
Type: Microwavable
- Pros: ✓ Feels secure with the straps ✓ It stays colder/warmer for longer
- Con: X One reviewer noted its "distinct odor" when microwaved
- Size: 14 inches by 11 inches
- Colors: Blue and light blue
- Materials: Nylon
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Customer Review: "This is the perfect ice pack set. Having the second pack allows you to alternate heat and ice."
