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The 7 Best Neck and Shoulder Heating Pads & Wraps

A good neck and shoulder heating pad is one of the best inexpensive and drug-free ways to quickly relieve your neck and shoulder pain at home while speeding up healing and recovery from neck injuries and chronic pain.

And:

When you relieve your neck stiffness and pain, you also prevent those neck-related headaches.

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👉 In a hurry?

See our top 6 picks in the table below. After it, you’ll find our full neck & shoulder heated wraps reviews.

Neck & Shoulder Heating Pad	Review	Type	Price
Pure Relief Neck Heat Wrap	Best Weighted	Electric 110° F- 140° F	✅ $49 at Pure Enrichment
Carex Bed Buddy	Best Microwaveable	Microwave Heat+Cold	✅ $10 on Amazon
Sunbeam Neck & Shoulder Heat Pad	Best Electric Neck Warmer	Electric Moist+Dry 110 F-160 F	✅ $40 on Amazon
UTK Infrared Neck Wrap	Best Infrared (for severe pain)	Electric Infrared Heat via Jade stones Weighted 103 ℉-159℉	✅ $139 on Amazon
Snailax Heated Neck Wrap with Massage	Best Massaging Heated Neck Wrap	Electric 2 heat settings 5 massage programs	✅ $54 at Snailax 30-day trial Free shipping

Comparing the 6 best neck and shoulder heating pads and wraps, according to treatment area size, heat delivery, and price.

Is a Heating Pad Good for Neck and Shoulder Pain?

A neck heating wrap dilates blood vessels in the area and promotes blood circulation, which allows for more nutrients and pain-relieving blood components to arrive and speed up healing – naturally. Using thermal therapy via heating pads for neck and shoulder pain is relatively inexpensive, comfortable, easy to use, and effective.

How to Pick a Heated Neck & Shoulder Wrap

When you want to pick the best neck and shoulder heated wrap, you’ll have to check its size to see if it fits your neck, make sure it has various heat settings (to find the one you can tolerate), and make sure it is flexible and comfortable. The cover needs to be soft and breathable, and the heating elements should be evenly distributed throughout the wrap.

Make sure the closure is high quality because you don’t want a neck wrap that slips constantly and needs readjusting.

Also, we recommend choosing an electric neck wrap if you need a longer treatment time and adjustable temperature, and the infrared heating pads are better for deep penetrating heat.

Related: Are Infrared Heating Pads Better?

The 7 Best Neck and Shoulder Heating Pads

What’s the best electric heating cushion/wrap for your neck?

Most of the neck wraps you’ll find below are:

• Designed especially for the neck and shoulder area, high-quality materials.
• Long enough to wrap around your shoulders
• Heat up fast
• Easy to use

We’ve included special features for each neck warmer pad, pros and cons, and our fluff-free reviews to help you decide which one is the best for you.

Let’s start with electric cervical heating pads, and below you’ll find the 2 best microwaveable neck wraps in 2023.

1. Pure Relief – Best Weighted Neck & Shoulder Wrap 

• Size – 29″L x 24″W x 1″H
• Weight – 2.6 pounds
• Temperature settings – 110° F –  140° F

Though it’s called a neck & shoulder wrap, the Pure Relief neck & shoulder pad covers not only the neck and shoulders but almost the entire back, with weighted edges and magnetic closure, that keeps it in place.

To get the full treatment potential, you can use the built-in loops and an optional elastic belt – that come inside the package.

With the easy-to-use controller, you can choose from 4 temperature settings (warm/low/medium/high) and the treatment time. It shuts off automatically after 2 hours (which is more than enough).

This heat wrap is the ultimate pain and stress reliever after work, travel, or chronic neck pain. The cover is soft against the skin, and overall this is one of the best neck heating wraps on the market, with the best warranty (5 years!), and customer service.

Pure Relief Pros

• High-quality, durable
• Stays in place – slightly weighted edges and magnetic closure
• Covers almost the entire neck and back
• Soft and comfortable cover
• Machine washable
• Adjustable temperature settings
• 2-hour automatic shut off
• 5-year warranty!

cons

• People with pacemakers can’t use it
• It must be plugged in to work, but the cord is long

✅ Available at Pure Enrichment ($49), and on Amazon ($40)

If you want to focus mainly on your back, for a lower price you can get the regular-size model:

2. Sunbeam Renue – Best Electric Neck Warmer

• Size – 14″ x 22″
• Weight – 2.65 pounds
• Temperature Settings – 110 F – 160 F

The Sunbeam neck heating pad is designed as a full-coverage fit for your neck and shoulders because once you put it on, it stays put.

(It has slightly weighted edges and a magnetic clasp for a secure fit)

This contoured neck wrap warms up fast and is very comfortable to use, it has 4 heat settings (the lowest setting is gentle and not too hot), and you can choose from dry or moist heat. 

However, if you get a lot of tension between your shoulder blades, this isn’t going to touch most of it, only the very upper parts. Most of the heat is concentrated on the neck and a little below.

(Sunbeam heating pads are also featured in our list of the best extra large heating pads of 2023)

Sunbeam Pros

• It is machine washable
• The cover is made from soft micro-plush which feels nice around your neck
• 2-hour shut-off – plenty of time to relieve your neck pain
• You can choose either dry or moist heat
• Long electric cord

Cons

• It contains magnets, so people with a pacemaker, ICD, or an internal insulin pump can’t use it. However, you can remove the magnets from the side flaps and resolve this problem.
• Doesn’t cover more than the top shoulders

✅ Available on Amazon ($40) and Walmart ($47)

Alternatives from the same brand:

Sunbeam has a few more neck heating pads that you can consider:

The XL model is bigger and covers most of your back too (size 25 x 25 inches).

The XL Massaging model has 4 massage options to supercharge your neck pain relief.

The Sunbeam 885-911 neck heating pad is a non-expensive yet highly effective neck pain relieving tool. It warms up fast, it’s comfortable and stays put, and it has 4 heat settings.

3. Carex Bed Buddy – Best Microwaveable Neck Wrap

• Size – 4.25 x 23 x 1 inches
• Weight – 1 lb.
• Filling – grains, herbs, flowers

The Carex Bed Buddy is the most popular microwaveable neck wrap and costs less than $15.

It is filled with 100% organic grains, herbs, and flowers and can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. It’s small, lightweight, and flexible – easy to take with you anywhere.

To keep it in place, it has 2 handles you can use to keep it in place when you are walking around. It also safe to wet and use as a moist heating pad.

Overall, a good value-for-the-money little heating pad, that may actually become your best buddy when your neck hurts.

Carex Bed Buddy Pros

• Highly portable and easy to use
• It can be used as a moist heat pad
• Inexpensive
• Natural filling

Cons

• Too small to use for the shoulders
• Your hands are not free to do other things

👉 It can also be used for lower back pain, stomach pain and period cramps, joint pain, and arthritis.

✅ Available on Amazon ($10) and Carex ($13)

4. Theratherm – Best Moist Neck Heating Pad

• Size –  16 x 9.5 x 3 inches
• Weight – 2.6 pounds
• Temperature Settings – 88 F – 166 F

The Chattanooga Theratherm neck heating pad has a flannel covering that draws moisture from the air and delivers intense heat (88-166 degrees Fahrenheit) to your neck and shoulder area.

The Theratherm neck heating pad is a very effective neck pain relief tool. The deep moist heat seems to penetrate deep into the aches and pains of the muscles. However, it is not designed to stay put unless you lie down and place it on the neck and shoulders. You can’t move around and do other things.

Theratherm Pros

• Lightweight, easy to move around with
• Flannel covering feels nice on bare skin
• A digital controller allows you to control temperature and treatment time (up to one hour before it shuts off)
• UL and cUL classified.
• Doesn’t get very wet, you won’t need a towel under it
• The cover is removable and washable

Cons

• The timer can be set to 1 hour maximum, after that you’ll have to turn it on again. However, you can restart the timer immediately.
• Not designed to wrap around the neck, slips down when you move

✅ Available on Amazon and at The Rehab Store ($83)

Pro Tip

Consider combining heat therapy with massage therapy in one device. See the best neck massage pillows.

5. UTK Neck Wrap Best Infrared Neck Wrap

• Size – 27.6 x 24.6 x 0.5 inches. The heating area is 10 x 14 inches
• Weight – 2.2 lbs
• Temperature Settings – 103℉ – 159℉

Until a few years ago, the word “infrared” just made me think of heat-seeking missiles and spy movies. Not anymore.

Far Infrared rays (also known as radiant heat) penetrate much deeper into your skin than conventional heating pads, and won’t burn your skin. The FIR heat is generated through natural jade stones (healing stones), which emit infrared waves when heated.

A  shielding layer around the heating wires reduces EMF to zero, and the stones produce negative ions. Numerous studies show negative ions produce biochemical reactions that relieve stress, relieve depression, boost energy, and boost the immune system.

This heating pad has the most solid construction, a digital timer with temperature control, and a Velcro strap to keep it in place.

And that’s not all:

The timer can be set to 4 hours (!) of continuous use!

✅ Available on Amazon ($139)

👉 Related: The 5 Best Infrared Heating Pads for Back Pain

6. Brookstone Hot & Cold Neck Wrap – Best with Aromatherapy 

• Size – 12.2 x 7 x 3 inches
• Weight – 3.9 Pounds

This soft and comfortable microwaveable heat pad covers your upper back, neck, and shoulders perfectly, and has a taller-than-average collar for all neck sizes. It stays hot for at least 30 minutes.

This one can also be used for cold therapy (by putting it in the freezer), which we usually recommend for acute injury.

Filling – Lavender, White Willow, Valerian Root, Chamomile, Rosemary, Peppermint, Spearmint, Hops, Yellow Dock, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, and Yarrow. It’s like wearing a giant herb garden. 

You can’t machine wash it, only spot clean it with a rag with some soap and water.

👉 It Can also be used for abdominal pain, PMS cramps, joint pain, and lower and upper back pain because it opens up flat.

Pros

• 100% Portable
• Soothing, comfortable, and relaxing
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Can slip off because it doesn’t have magnetic closure or velcro straps.
• No temperature control

✅ Available on Amazon ($30) and Walmart ($22)

7. Snailax Neck Wrap – Best Massaging Heated Neck Wrap

• Size – 14″ x 4″ x 8″
• Weight – 3 lbs.

The Snailax massaging neck and shoulder heat wrap heats up in two minutes (2 heat settings to choose from) and is the only one on this list that offers a gentle vibration massage through 4 massage motors (5 pre-programs!) to promote more blood flow to your aching upper back and neck.

(Plus, you get to look like a superhero wearing a cape)

Vibration is gentle but can be felt stronger if it’s against a hard surface. It also has different vibration patterns.

You can easily and freely move around with this massaging wrap thanks to its magnetic clasps, it won’t slip or fall off. And, with this pad, you’re able to hit every problem spot at the same time.

The wrap is safe to use with its 30-minute auto shut-off, and the overheating protection system, and you can use the heat or massage separately as well.

If you work at home, we recommend using it sitting at your desk and leaning on it, because it will keep your cervical area heated and massaged to prevent neck pain from improper posture. You can also use it lying down on your recliner, sofa, or bed.

Consumers are very pleased with this one, and their only complaint is about it being too short for tall people or people with long torsos.

✅ Available at Snailax ($54) with free shipping and a 30-day trial.

DIY Neck Heating Pad

If you want to make your own microwave neck wrap, all you’ll need is cotton fabric, cotton thread, pins, scissors, and a sewing machine. Below is a video with simple instructions:

How Long Should You Keep a Heating Pad on Your Neck?

In most double-blind clinical studies (with positive results from thermal therapy) the subjects received 15-20 minutes of treatment, at least twice a week. Infrared heating pads require less treatment time due to the deeper penetration into muscle tissues, but treatment is not limited.

It is safe to use a neck heating pad for more than 20 minutes (up to 30 minutes) – every day – until the pain is significantly reduced.

(See the list of studies at the bottom of the post)

What is the Best Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder Pain?

Through our research, the best value neck and shoulder heating pads are Pure Relief (best electric), and UTK Neck Heat Wrap.

Choose the one that fits your needs and preferences most, and check for price, return policy, and warranty.

We recommend using your neck heating pad as soon as possible after developing painful flares or stiffness to speed up the healing process.

Can a Neck Heating Pad Relieve Headaches?

Tense neck and shoulder muscles can trigger tension headaches. When you apply heat to relieve the tense muscles (on a medium setting) it loosens up these muscles and can quickly relieve tension headaches. Thermal therapy is also a very effective stress reliever, which also contributes to headache and migraine relief.

You can prevent a tension headache altogether if you use a heated neck wrap right when you start to feel the tension in your neck or shoulder muscles. If you catch it on time, you can prevent a headache.

Conclusion

Thermotherapy is scientifically proven effective for mechanical neck pain, and using an electric neck wrap is one of the best ways to use this simple and proven pain relief method – at home.

To heal your neck pain for good, we highly recommend incorporating a neck traction pillow (to prevent and heal neck pain at night) and trying the best neck traction device – for home use.

We truly hope you found these neck heating pad reviews useful and time-saving. If you have any questions or comments, please share them with us in the comments below.

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team

Studies

Cramer, Holger & Baumgarten, Christian & Choi, Eun & Lauche, Romy & Saha, Felix & Musial, Frauke & Dobos, Gustav. (2012). Thermotherapy self-treatment for neck pain relief – A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine.

Dehghan M, Farahbod F. The efficacy of thermotherapy and cryotherapy on pain relief in patients with acute low back pain, a clinical trial study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(9):LC01-LC4. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7404.4818

Cramer, Holger & Baumgarten, Christian & Choi, Eun & Lauche, Romy & Saha, Felix & Musial, Frauke & Dobos, Gustav. (2012). Thermotherapy self-treatment for neck pain relief – A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 4. e371-e378. 10.1016/j.eujim.2012.04.001.