Our featured picks

Thermophore MaxHeat Heating Pad

Dr. Prudence Hall, a gynecologist and menopause specialist, recommends this moist heating pad that doesn’t require adding water. “Moist heat is generally considered superior to dry heat for treating menstrual cramps and muscle pain because it is more efficient at transferring heat through the skin,” she said. “The addition of moisture allows the heat to penetrate deeper into the underlying muscle tissue faster than dry heat can.”

These Thermophore heating pad draws in humidity from the air to produce moisture, and it has three heat settings (low, medium and high), allowing you to personalize every treatment to your preferred temperature. Simply lay the pad over your stomach and make any adjustments using the connected controller.

Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad

Hall also said this model is one of her favorites. In fact, it earned our best heating pad designation in testing, and CNN Underscored testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy has been using for years. “It heats up quickly and can get pretty hot at its hottest setting, but the soft velvety pad keeps it from burning my skin,” Uy said. “It still works perfectly despite its age.”

Uy loves how big the heating pad is because, in addition to abdomen cramps, the large surface area can treat a variety of body aches, including sore shoulders and back muscles. Place it wherever you need some TLC, choose from one of six heat settings ranging from 104 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 140 F and easily switch between temperatures using the pad’s LCD controller. While it has an automatic shutoff after two hours of use, the experts I spoke with recommend using warming pads for sessions of 20 minutes or less. Best of all, you can use it as-is or apply water to amplify the heat.

Chattanooga Theratherm Digital Moist Heating Pad

While Blumberg doesn’t have a specific model she recommends, the doctor said that anyone using an electric heating pad should choose one with an automatic shutoff feature, just in case they fall asleep while using the product. This way, they’ll be protected against potential burns. Hall gave this moist pad her stamp of approval, which has an automated power-down feature once you set the timer. The heat settings vary between 88 F and 166 F, and, similar to the Pure Enrichment model, this large pad can be used on a variety of sore body parts, from your neck to your knees.

ThermoRelief Moist Heating Pad

Hall said that during a period, prostaglandins cause the uterus to involuntarily contract, resulting in cramps. “Moist heat is highly effective at increasing local blood circulation, which helps flush out the prostaglandins and relaxes the uterine muscles,” she said. “This increased circulation also dilates blood vessels, improving oxygen flow to the cramped area and soothing the tension.”

To deliver that moist heat to your body, she recommends using this heating pad that comes in standard and king sizes, as well as a weighted option. Equipped with four timers ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, the gadget requires no water to moisten like many others on this list. Bonus: You can throw the flannel cover in the wash for a quick clean.

Bob and Brad Heated Knee Brace

I know this is a bit unconventional, but I don’t like buying extra therapeutic devices if I don’t need to, so I have been repurposing my heated knee brace as a cramp treatment. Yes, it’s built to fit around knees, but once you unstrap the brace, it lays flat, like a typical heating pad. It has five heat levels ranging from 104 F to 122 F and three auto-timed sessions: 20, 40 or 60-minutes. Plus, it’s cordless so you can wear it wherever, whenever. This heating pad has the lowest temperature range of all the models included, so it’s also ideal for folks who prefer less intense heat.

Saru Bala, an integrative women’s health naturopathic doctor, told me that flexible, wearable treatment options with strap-on or wrap styles are ideal because they won’t leave you confined to lying down, and I can attest to this. I use the straps to secure this heating pad around my lower abdomen and waist, and I can do chores or walk around the house while wearing it.

Warmies Plush Pink Penguin

Want something cuter than a typical heating pad? Try a Warmies weighted stuffed animal. The microwavable plushies are made with a specialty interior that, after heated for 60 to 90 seconds, holds on to that warmth for over an hour. Once warmed, you can place the cute toy on your abdomen, lower back or wherever else you need relief.

What’s more, each animal is infused with lavender for an aromatherapy-style experience. CNN Underscored editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna has had hers for a year now and said the aroma remains strong and relaxing. While not nearly as heavy as a weighted blanket (Warmies weigh up to 2 pounds), the stuffed animal’s mass is still “incredibly soothing and has helped alleviate pain from cramps,” Luna said. “It’s so comforting that I even gifted the whale version to a friend!”

Midol Heat Vibes Menstrual Pain Relief Heat Patches

I’ve used these Midol heat patches on the go and have been thoroughly impressed by how well they stay hot and in place on my skin. All you have to do is open the pouch, peel away the paper back and stick the adhesive wherever you need some relief. You can wear it for up to eight hours at a time, but I found the warmth usually dissipates after a few hours. The best thing about this patch is that it’s undetectable under clothes; you can wear it to work or to the gym, and nobody will notice.

Bearby Snuggler Microwavable Heat Pad

Bearaby’s Snuggler has a carrying handle and compact shape similar to many popular water bottles, yet offers the same thermotherapy as traditional heating pads. It’s made with a Terraclay hot water bottle built inside a Snugkit fabric case that projects heat without risk of burning the skin. To use it, simply heat the Snuggler in the microwave for a minute, then place it on sore spots.

CNN Underscored associate testing writer Gareen Puglia has tried many microwavable heating pads and said the Bearby Snuggler is a top-tier design. “It’s compact but distributes a soothing pressure and retains heat well, meaning fewer trips to the microwave to reheat,” she said. “My main gripe is that it’s expensive, but if you’re willing to shell out some extra dough, it’s a comforting thing to have for when you need that extra support.”

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Summer Cartwright is the health and fitness editor for CNN Underscored. She’s an RRCA-certified running coach, four-time marathoner and a certified cycling instructor.

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