Properties | Details |
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Purpose of Use | • Heating pads are used to treat and manage pain at home. Applying heat to the affected area helps dilate blood vessels and increase perfusion in this area. Heat stimulates sensory receptors in the human body, relaxes irritated nerve endings, and increases blood flow to the injured area. Heat therapy enables a quick drop in muscle tension, increasing tissue elasticity and flushing out any undesirable elements. |
Types | Some common types of heating pads: 1. Electric: uses internal coils to produce various levels of heat based on the user’s setting. 2. Infrared: Heat is produced by converting electricity into infrared light. It is effective in eliminating or reducing chronic lower back pain. 3. Chemical pads: rely on a chemical reaction to create temporary heat. Some chemical heating pads warm up automatically and others may involve squeezing the pad to release heat. 4. Gel or liquid pads: need to be heated in a microwave before they release heat. It can be worn inside clothing or applied directly on the skin. |
Proper Use | For electric or infrared heating pad: • Always start on the lowest setting: if the heating pad is used on a high setting, remove it after 15-30 minutes to avoid burns. • Use caution in case of pregnancy: avoid prolonged exposure since overheating can be dangerous to a fetus. |
Safety Precautions | • Do not apply a heating pad or gel (liquid pads) directly to your skin. Wrap it in a towel before applying it to the skin to avoid burns. • Avoid sleeping with a heating pad. • When using a heating pad, start on the lowest level and slowly increase the heat intensity. • Do not use a heating pad with a cracked or broken electrical cord. • Do not apply a heating pad to damaged skin. |
Common Problems | • The electrical wire inside the heating pad may be broken or damaged, causing the pad to heat up intermittently or not at all. • Malfunction in the thermostat |
Saudi Food and Drug Authority license | Class IIa |
Manufacturers | • Okamoto Industries,INC. • Pure Enrichment® • Sunbeam • Tynor |
Factories | • Saudi Food and Drug Authority • Seniority • MedicalNewsToday • Healthline • Fix-It-Club • Wirecutter |