Lookin' for upper back heat

June 19, 2007 5:09 PM

Does anyone know of a back cushion that heats the entire back rather than just the lower back?

When they specify, these back cushions with heat seem to only provide heat to the lower back because I assume that's where people usually need it. This is the case for the entire Homedics line according to their FAQ. Whats the deal? At first I was just looking for a heat pad but the manual said they are not to be sat on or leaned against so I returned it.

posted by dino terror to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

I have need for a heat pad on the thoracic spine, and I simply put a standard electric heating pad on the chair back, and lean back into it. I think the warnings are for people who may be less mobile, and may not be able to move when it becomes too hot for them. (I am not an electrician, but I think the minimal pressure of resting on the pad should do no damage to the pad.)
posted by Gungho at 7:26 PM on June 19, 2007

We got one at Bed Bath & Beyond.
posted by IndigoRain at 7:43 PM on June 19, 2007

I leaned on, laid on, and occasionally even fell asleep on (bad monkey, bad, bad...) a standard electric heating pad every day for a year until it quietly died. Its replacement got similarly abused. My back no longer hurts, and nothing ever got scorched. Sandwiching it between back and a cushion/pillow worked best for comfort and maximum contact.

So, uh, be prudent, but yeah you can do it. Just get one with a timer so you can't accidentally leave it working there too long. Preferrably one that lets you do wet heat. You wouldn't think a thin damp sponge could make much difference but oh does it feel good when the pain gets especially bad.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 11:21 PM on June 19, 2007