Microwavable Heating Pads for Lower Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain Relief - Moist Microwave Heating Pad for Muscles and Joints - Microwave Hot Pack Heat Pad for Cramps (Multi Blue, 1)

I have used rice heating pads in the past, and enjoyed them. Previously, I had used the style that is wider and shorter, and is only made to be worn over the shoulders like a yoke. I had priced this style out on Amazon a while back and only saw them for $30+. I'm not sure how I missed this one; perhaps it wasn't available yet, or perhaps I dismissed it out of hand because of the shape. Then my sister was over the other day with hers, and I was sold pretty much immediately. The width is more than sufficient for my purposes. The shape and length are great, and allow you to use it a couple different ways, unlike the style I was used to. It's especially nice to wear it draped over one shoulder so that it can reach down your back. It's large enough that it feels slightly weighted, which I think makes it feel even more comfortable/relaxing. I also love the little handles on both ends. The instructions say you can rub in essential oils to the fleece side for aromatherapy. I don't do straight up essential oils, but I AM a fan of indie perfumes (and haven't been able to use them on my skin for a while, since I was recently pregnant and am now breastfeeding). I love to be able to put my perfumes on it so I can enjoy them without putting them straight on my skin. Also: there is a spot that both me and my sister always get a knot on our shoulder/back. This thing really "hits the spot" (ha, ha). I never considered getting a heat pack that could reach it, so this thing is just really fantastic. Note I just got this item, but I'll update the review if I have longevity issues.

I’m very satisfied with this lavender scented microwaveable heating pad. It’s well sewn with no flaws. After 2 minutes in my 1000 watt microwave, it had the perfect warmth to help ease the tight muscles on my neck and shoulders. The heat lasted quite a while. The natural lavender scent is very pleasant, soothing and calming. This pad replaces another brand pad that was too thin and flimsy and had only one chamber to hold the rice, which would never distribute itself evenly. I really like that this pad is wider and feels more substantial. It has three separate chambers sewn down the whole length to evenly distribute the rice and hold it firmly in place. The pad has a comfortable weight to it and feels like a healthy warm hug! I will probably buy more of these as gifts for friends and family.

This heating/cooling pad is a good shape to wrap around your neck but I wish it was just a little longer. It is durable, and the seams are well sewn. Set it on a clean plate and heat it in the microwave. How long? Depends on your microwave, their power varies. After some experimenting I found the sweet spot for time. It feels greats on a sore neck. We've also used it to cool a swollen ankle. Put it in a sealed ziplock bag while it's in the freezer. Again, I wish it was a little longer to wrap on an ankle. In summary, it could be longer and it would be better if it had a removeable, washable cloth cover.

I have used Bed Buddies for years for chronic stiffness in my neck. When I couldn't find one after our move from another state, I went on Amazon to order another. I saw this Nature Creation product and thought it's added weight compared to a Bed Buddy and length sounded very helpful. It does cost a good bit more but when it arrived I could see why: not only does it feel much more substantial than a Bed Buddy, the extra width and length allow me to apply heat to both my neck and shoulders at the same time. I needed two Bed Buddies to do that and one would always fall off. The seams appear to be well constructed and the felt side is very comfortable. I predict it will last much longer than a Bed Buddie. So, while I still would recommend a Bed Buddy--it works and is low cost--if you want to step up to the next level of heat therapy for me this is well worth the money. The seller provided a quality product which was just as described plus followed up to see if ther were questions or concerns.

This thing has become my security blanket- I have nerve damage from Spina Bifida and in the morning the nerve issues in my neck makes my hands and wrists painfully numb and cold. I simply put this in the microwave for about three minutes, drape it over my shoulders, and the pain is eased. I reheat it several times each morning and it really helps out a tremendous amount. I live in Southwest Florida so I wasn't necessarily looking for something enormous and major-heating- I just wanted something warm to drape over my neck and shoulders to try and ease the pain a bit. I think it's not only the heat but also the weight- this thing is FILLED (this is not like a loose sack with a full grains of rice in it, this think is packed to the top) so it's quite heavy. Some people find the weight comforting (I love it) but I know it kind of freaks other people out. My only issues with this thing are that is gets weirdly damp after it's been in the microwave- very humid- and I'm worried at some point the rice will start to cook inside the wrap if enough of that weird humidity builds up (we have the AC on all the time so it's super dry in our house... it just happens after warming up the wrap). Also, it smells a bit like cooked rice as you use it. That;s not a big deal. What IS a big deal is that one of my cats is determined to make friends with this thing and if he ever does, that's the end of the heat wrap. You can't wash it (the rice isn't sealed in a pocket inside the wrap so it would get cooked in the washing machine) and I'm not interested in placing some fabric my cat has gnawed in the microwave every morning and then draping that nasty smelling thing around my neck for a few hours! So it would be nice if there was a washable cover for it. Overall I love it- it's brought me so much comfort and pain relief.

The heating pad itself seems to be made of good quality. It is soft, and feels good to touch. It is woven tight, and has a solid grip on both ends. This helps to maneuver it around with ease. However, it's dimensions are not suitable for all body parts. Hence, I can't agree with it being listed as "Multi Purpose". For example, I purchased it to use around the shoulder and neck area. But when wrapped, the narrow width of the pad doesn't cover both the neck & shoulder area at the same time. So you have to work one side at a time. That would be ok too. But when you try to do that, as displayed by the girl in their stock picture, the part of the pad that actually rests on the shoulder - goes limp! That is because half of the rice shifts forward, and the other half falls behind the shoulder - gravity! So the part actually sitting on your shoulder has no rice, hence gets no heat/cold effect. I would think that this kind of pad design may work fine for the lower back area, or to place on the knee etc. But if you have to bend the pad drastically over any body part, then the rice shifts to one side or the other. You can still make it work, but you have to keep reshuffling the rice back and forth, which is not very convenient. And to comment on some other reviewer observations - Yes, the pad does have a bit of an unappealing smell to it. But it is very faint. I believe it is because the rice pad has been stored in an airtight bag until opened by customer. I think the smell should dissipate with some use. I will update the listing with changes as/if noticed.

I love this thing! Pros: -Heats pretty evenly -Hold the heat well. I can heat it up and take it on my 30 minute ride to work and have it last. -The lavender is not overpowering! I tend to be sensitive to it. -It has three rolls along the length so it rolls perfectly into my neck curve getting heat where it needs to be. -The weight is perfect -The color perfectly matched my screen. Cons -I was sent a lavender scented one by mistake. The listing doesn't mention lavender on the one I selected. I actually don't mind the lavender and I am happy it isn't artificial or overpowering! -A little short. It will wrap my neck and have a bit leftover but I wish it was longer. The size is right there so I can't complain too much. It works! -The directions for heating have all the different products on it which makes it confusing if you don't know exactly which one you got. It would be better if the instructions where only for the product purchased.

Works great!