A heating pad is a pad composed of electric or chemical heating elements insulated usually by a fabric. When we turn it on, it gets heated up and is used for warming parts of the body to manage or reduce pain. Heating pads, as the name implies, provide heat therapy to comfort, and relieve pains, cramps, aches, and muscle stiffness. Blood arteries in that area broaden because of the application of heat, increasing the perfusion to the affected tissue.
It is a kind of heat therapy that results in blood circulation throughout the body. Many types of pads are available for people to use. They are available in different sizes as per the consumer’s requirement whereas you can find electric, infrared, chemical, and liquid or gel pads. Despite all available on market, you can make your heating pad that will prove best for your relief.
Here are some ways of making heating pads at home, their advantages, their uses, and risks. Let’s explore how these homemade heating pads help us in different situations with the help of a few frequently asked questions.
Which materials have a good heat conductivity?
Heat Conductivity of materials is one of the basic factors that is considered while making the heat pads. The heating pads with cloth covers do not heat up immediately and do not feel as hot on first contact since they need time to warm up. Though the soft and cuddly fabric keeps you from getting burned and provides soothing warmth to your skin, it has a key disadvantage in that it takes longer for heat to transmit. You will not be burned if you touch 50°C heated air, but you will be red if you touch the same PVC material. In homemade heating pads, we will use clothes, towels, and other insulating materials that will bring amazing results.
What is the best filling for heat packs?
Keeping in view the above-discussed factor, we use heating materials for heat packs. Cotton fabric is considered best to be used as filler. Cotton fabric can be found easily at your nearby fabric or craft store or some e-store. You can also use white muslin to build the heat packs and then make a sleeve for them to slide into, making them easier to clean. We can use long-grain rice as a filler since it’s not instant rice. Other grains like beans, wheat, barley, corn, or millet can also be used as filler. Some also use dried cherry pits as filler.
How do you make a homemade heating pad without rice?
Rice is used in heat packs as a filler. The good thing is that this heat pad stays warm for approximately half-hour. Still, the size of the heat pack and the microwave used to heat it are the factors that determine the time for its warmth. If you want to use your heating pad for more time and you feel it’s getting normal and cooled down, then put it in the microwave for some time. You will find it perfectly warmed again.
You can think of making your heat pad without rice as filler too. You can use cotton, socks, pulses, and grains as filler for making it. You have to make a tight bag filled with some filler or wet cloth. Heat this bag in a microwave oven for some time. If you do not have a microwave, you can place it in the oven too. Put this warm bag in a towel and now your heating pad is perfect to use. You can place this heating pad on your joints and stretched muscles for at least fifteen minutes.
How do you make a heating pad out of a towel?
People can use this method to make a large-sized homemade heating pad. You have to place the damp wet towel in an oven at a temperature of almost 150°C. For 6-10 minutes, leave the towel in the oven. The thickness of the towel determines the right time for putting this towel inside the oven.
Once the towel gets warm, wrap it in a thinner dry cloth and place it on the affected area for 14-16 minutes.
Benefits of homemade heating pad:
Heat therapy has been used for centuries to relieve muscle aches and pains. Same is the case today, the majority prefer it for their daily comfort. It helps you keep relief from cramps and body aches, neck, and shoulders pain. It helps in muscle relaxation and acts as an instant remedy for severe pain.
Caution:
Hot packs should never be used on children or to treat major injuries. Always check with your doctor to see if heat therapy is appropriate for you. Never expose the heating pack directly to the skin. You must wrap it in a towel before applying it to the skin to avoid burns. You must not apply a heating pad on some wounds or damaged skin.
People with heat sensitivity issues must not use any form of thermotherapy. This covers those who have neuropathy as a result of diabetes or other illnesses. They are not able to feel heat or burn right away. Heating pad should not be applied to the abdominal area. If you are about to sleep, keep the heating pack away as it may cause skin burn or any serious damage.
Conclusion
Homemade Heating Pads are the best to provide heat therapy or thermotherapy. These are sold at many stores, but they are easy to make at home. Pain from arthritis, back discomfort, neck pain, and menstrual cramps can all be relieved with a handmade heating pad. After a muscular injury, using a heating pad can help speed up the healing process.
Making a heating pad on your own is not much difficult. You can make a heating pad out of common household items. You will not only save money by building one at home, but you’ll also improve your crafting and sewing skills in the process. The end effect is immediate alleviation, as well as the satisfaction of a job well done!