![[2018 New Version] UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad 23](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41XSUmYPGTL.jpg)
GOOD:
- Very relaxing
- Relieves pain
- Accelerates healing
- Eliminates menstrual cramps
- Optional cover is nice
- Customer service is phenomenal
BAD:
- Only 1 size available
- No light switch
TIPS:
- Reinforce cable jacket
- Beware of wet dreams
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INTRODUCTION
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I have lower back problems and throw out my back every few months. It renders me useless for several days. I'd been using a "moist heat" heating pad as part of my recovery routine, but I felt like it was more likely to burn my skin than heal my back pain, so I started looking into these so-called "far infrared" heating pads.
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GOOD: VERY RELAXING
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I was surprised by how relaxing this heating pad is. It is far superior to my old Thermophore, because I can precisely control the temperature and I can actually lie down on it without worrying about getting burned. The stones heat up evenly, and there's no hot spots. So it's not just physically relaxing, it's also psychologically relaxing. I don't worry about falling asleep on this heating pad; I just set it and forget it.
The physical relaxation is also vastly superior. The instructions suggest taking things slow to allow your body to adjust to the magical healing powers of FIR heat. I completely ignored said instructions and spent about 8 hours lying on this thing the first day I had it. It just feels so good, it's hard to pull myself away.
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GOOD: RELIEVES PAIN
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This heating pad provides fast and effective pain relief for my back. Sometimes my lower back injury produces shooting pains that I can feel down my legs. When I lie down on this heating pad, that pain essentially disappears, as long as I don't move. This effect lingers for maybe an hour after I stop using it.
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GOOD: ACCELERATES HEALING
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In terms of healing ability, that's difficult to assess objectively, because my recovery time varies from one "threw out my back again" episode to the next. That being said, it does seem like this recent recovery (my first using this pad) was about 50% faster. In other words, after 2 days of this heat pad, I felt like I usually do after 3 days of the old heat pad. Then again, I spent way more time lying on this one. One subjective anecdote is hardly enough data to go by, but at this point, my gut is telling me yes, this heating pad accelerated my healing process.
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GOOD: ELIMINATES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
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My female friend was suffering from menstrual cramps, so I let her try my new heating pad. I was curious if it would work as well for that as it does for my back pain. She used it for about an hour and said not only did it completely stop the cramps, but that they didn't return for the rest of the day.
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GOOD: OPTIONAL COVER IS NICE
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When I purchased this heating pad, Amazon prompted me to buy the UTK Replacement Cover Bag, which is simply a zip-up cover made for this heating pad. I was initially hesitant to spend even more money, but ultimately I'm happy with my decision to buy it. It fits well and really adds a touch of class to the heating pad. Plus, my dog has a habit of sleeping on the heating pad when I'm done with it (the stones retain heat for awhile, even after it's turned off), so the cover keeps the dog hairs out and is easily washable.
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GOOD: CUSTOMER SERVICE IS PHENOMENAL
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I had an issue with the first heating pad I received. After I threw my back out, I was sleeping on my heating pad every night. Well, the cord got caught between the mattress and the bed frame, so when I lay on it, it pulled very hard on the cord, but the cord had no give, so it put too much stress on the part where the cord meets the heating pad, and the cable jacket ripped loose. The wires inside the jacket were still connected (and have their own individual insulating jackets), so it was still perfectly functional and safe to use, but it looked kinda sketchy and was stressing me out.
So I emailed UTK's customer service, attached pictures, and asked for a replacement under warranty (naturally, I omitted any details that suggested the damage was my fault). And, despite the process outlined on their website, I specifically requested that they mail me a replacement first (before I mail them the damaged one), so that my daily use of this heating pad would not be interrupted. To my surprise, they emailed me back the same day and agreed to make an exception for me. Within 24 hours I had a tracking number, and within 48 hours I had my replacement. Pretty impressive, actually.
In short, UTK was very responsive, they honored my warranty (without an interrogation), and their customer service was impeccable.
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BAD: ONLY 1 SIZE AVAILABLE
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At the time of writing, UTK only offers their new DC-powered heating pad in this one size (23" x 16.5"). While this size is sufficient to cover most of my back, it is not long enough to reach from my neck to my tail bone. As I'm lying on it for my lower back pain, I can't help but wish it could reach my neck too (which is usually sore, but unrelated to my back injury). I'm strongly considering a second heating pad, but the price of a dual heating pad setup is a tough pill to swallow. It would have been nice if UTK offered the DC power option in the same variety of sizes as their other heating pads.
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BAD: NO LIGHT SWITCH
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The buttons and display on the heating pad controller are large and bright, which is great for adjusting the heat/timer settings, but not so great when you're trying to sleep. I keep my bedroom completely blacked out, and in that setting, looking at the display is like staring at the Sun. It would be nice if there was a way to turn off the controller lights. The less-elegant solution I came up with was to wrap a black handkerchief around the cord and tape it so that I can slide it over the controller. It looks a bit tacky, but it works.
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TIP: REINFORCE CABLE JACKET
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When I received my new heating pad, I added some tape to the spot where the cable jacket came out of my previous heating pad, just as a precautionary measure. That way, if someone trips on the cord or whatever, this joint won't be the weakest link. If you use your heating pad in a manner that stresses this joint (e.g., tossing and turning when you sleep on it), consider taping the cable jacket to the plastic grommet where the cable meets the heating pad. This will give it a bit of extra strength. I'll upload some pics for clarity.
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TIP: BEWARE OF WET DREAMS
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Yeah...so...this is awkward, but worth mentioning. For context, I'm currently a single man in my mid 30's. I'm not exactly what you'd consider the primary demographic for experiencing "nocturnal emissions". What I mean is it's a relatively rare occurrence for me. However, during the first 5 days that I slept on this heating pad, 2 of those nights resulted in wet dreams. I alternate between sleeping on my back and stomach, and when I position the heating pad to target my lower back injury, it inadvertently "targets" my groin area when I flip over on my stomach. Both times it happened, I woke up on my stomach. So basically I was dry-humping my heating pad in my sleep.
Now, maybe I'm just a freak. Maybe this was just a huge coincidence and has nothing to do with this heating pad. And surely, this is all way too much information. But personally, I'm convinced this heating pad gave me wet dreams. I'm not suggesting most people will experience this. I'm only mentioning it here as a heads-up to any male stomach-sleepers out there. Proceed with caution and consider buying the washable cover. Just sayin'.
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CONCLUSION
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I'm enjoying this heating pad much more than I expected. And no, it's not (just) because of the dreams. I find myself working it into my daily activities even when my back feels fine. I'll use it on the couch when I watch TV, on my computer chair when I work, and even outside when I meditate in cold weather. It's so easy to use, and it adds an extra layer of comfort and relaxation to a variety of activities and settings. I was initially hesitant to spend so much money on a heating pad, but at this point, I'm seriously thinking about getting another one just so I don't have to keep moving it from room to room. And a second one would reach from my neck to the back of my thighs, for more of a "full body relaxation" feeling. Plus...you know...I've always wondered what it would be like to have a threesome.
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UPDATE
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I did it. I got a second heating pad! I keep one set up on my computer chair, and one on the couch. When I throw my back out, I'll use both with my zero gravity chair. It's awesome. On special occasions, I'll lie on one and put the other on top of me, letting that far infrared heat penetrate me from both sides. I find double penetration to be deeply satisfying and I highly recommend it.
I use heat therapy regularly. Before purchasing the UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad, I only used moist heating pads. The moist heat draws moisture from the air and as it heats, the moisture is released onto the skin. Though the moist heat is a quicker heat transfer, I much prefer the therapeutic heat from the UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad. I have used the UTK pad on my feet, ankles, knees, back and neck and have decreased pain and improved range of motion. The pad’s flexiblity provides a variety of applications and it’s balanced weight is helpful holding it in place. The stones hold heat well and I appreciate the healing properties they add to the UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad. I did purchase the cover from UTK to protect the pad and it fits perfectly. The pad is constructed with quality materials and should provide years of therapeutic pain relief.
I’ve been looking for something to help back pain and was so glad to find an infrared pad that’s no EMF. It heats up fairly quickly and works well. The small size makes it easy to move around and I appreciate the small carrying bag which would be great for travel. I just wish the timer would go longer than 240 minutes and the stones were a little more comfortable, but those are just minor things. Overall great buy for what I needed!
Infrared heat using DC control to eliminate EMF. Use it daily on my back, shoulder and knee to promote healing by allowing blood circulation deep into the muscles better than an ordinary heating pad. Had 1 issue and UTK customer service was awesome. Fast response and took care of problem.
Feature Product
- Larger heat producing area, 19" x 12" Net Heat Area, fit for your whole back or other part of your body. Slim thickness guarantee its sufficient flexibility to wrap on other of your body, such as neck and shoulders, leg, arm, lumbar, knee.
- DC (direct current) Power Supply Mode, eliminate the emitting of EMF at source. Absolute 0 EMF.
- Natural Jade and Tourmaline Stone Heating Therapy: When the pad is plugged and turn heat, stone would emit negative ions and far infrared heat, and penetrate throughout skin, muscle, tissue of human body, healing sore muscles and joints by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. Beside, jade and tourmaline keep heat last longer.
- Detachable Intelligent Temperature Controller, digital LCD controller adjusts temperature easily from 103-159°F, also come with Timing Setting Function, Auto shut off, Memory Function, all for accommodating your desired level.
- US FDA Audit Passed. Our pads are FDA registered as Medical Device Class II, and UTK TECHNOLOGY passed FDA Audit for GMP quality system. Moreover，we provide 1-year limited warranty and 24x7 customer service.
Description
Love it
It heats up more even than a heating pad. The difference is unreal. I have back problems and it works great for my back. It works great for muscle spasms too.
I like this heating pad very much,when I have trouble sleeping I could fall asleep easily on it. I use it almost everyday in winter, it made me feel relax. I love it so much so I got one for my mom and one for my mother in law .
Excellent quality and effective. Perfect size. Best on the market.
Bought this for my dad and he loves it. His back muscles would tighten up when the weather is cold and heating pad helps his muscles loosen up.
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