UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad for Back, Natural Jade & Tourmaline, 23.5x16"

UPDATE: After contacting the company, they sent me a new pad and controller, free of charge, and let me know that the heating pad has a 3 year replacement warranty. As a result, I updated my review to 5 stars. Let's hope this one lasts a good, long time of good use.-------------------------------This heating pad worked extremely well, providing very good, deep heat that was excellent for relieving the pain and stiffness from my various physical problems (I am a disabled combat veteran who has suffered a number of injuries from my combat and military service). When I bought this heating pad, I was extremely happy at how effective the far-infrared heat worked—it was much better than any other heating pad I have owned. So, despite the cost (I paid $125.01, which is the most I have spent for an electric heating pad by far), this seemed like a very well-worthwhile personal health expenditure.However, ordinary, much less expensive heating pads I have had last for at least 3 to 5 years before they stopped working regularly, and usually at least a year or so after that before failing completely. That's expected, given how electronic heating pads function with electrical resistance creating heat.But we received this and started using it at the very beginning of September 2021, and it failed on January 13, 2023—not even 16.5 months of usage. We use this 4–5 times per week on average, for sessions of about 30–45 minutes at a time. We treat it very carefully, don't lay weight on it, and it is outwardly in the same condition that it was when we received it.However, now, for no reason whatsoever that can be fathomed, yesterday it began losing temperature and would not get above 100 degrees F. Today, it got to the 130 degree range for about 3 minutes and then the temperature dropped to the low 100s again and stayed there. I tested the cord with a multimeter and it is getting full current through it, over 120 volts easily. Everything there checks out.So, apparently, the heating wires inside have failed, after only around 16.5 months of easy, careful use of the pad. Unfortunately, since the pad is sewn closed, it isn't feasible to try open it up and fix it. Electronic heating pads are not supposed to be "repaired" anyway, given the potential hazards for fire and such when you go into it and start fiddling with burned out or broken wires.This is very unfortunate that this really great heating pad has failed so quickly, given that it is about twice as expensive as other heating pads that last more than 2 to 3 or even 4 times as long.And the warranty on the pack is only 1 year, so it's just outside of the repair or replace window that the company has set for this device.Maybe the company will read this review and do something about that.

I’ve been using this UTK pad for about a month now, and it’s the best one I’ve ever owned. Honestly, I was hesitant at first because it is a little pricey, but after burning through three brand heating pads over the years that either barely got warm or just stopped working entirely after a week, I decided to just go for it.You truly get what you pay for with this. The quality is awesome right out of the box. It has this nice, heavy weight to it that keeps it flat against my back so the heat actually sinks in. I love that I can actually dial in the exact temperature I want instead of just having "low, medium, high" options. It’s been doing wonders for my back pain.It also comes with a really solid warranty, which makes the price tag a lot easier to swallow.

I didn’t know whether this was going to be a scam or not, but we have a family member with deep joint pain who was using a very hot pad every day.I chose this because the heat was supposed to be less damaging, effective at lower-than-scalding temperatures, and possibly even therapeutic.My advice: get a larger size!! It works, and I don’t even care why! Lower temp, deeper heat, gradually reducing overall pain with daily use. I started using it too! I only wish that it was long enough to heat my whole back at the same time. Pulled muscles, strained muscles, ooh it feels so nice! This is very well-made.Cons: Yes, I did start with short sessions and the nausea subsided after a couple of uses. Yes, it takes a few minutes to warm up, so factor that in. I cover it with a pillow case, but the plug on the side makes it a little awkward. I may end up sewing my own lightweight washable covers.

I bought this about 3.5 years ago. It works really well for soothing my sore back. It allows me to fall asleep without pain meds or sleep aids. I have a horrible back, severe stenosis with 4 fusions, so it was well worth the price. It is not always comfortable to lay on. I place a towel or thin blanket on top to cushion the stones. Not sure if that impacts the far red emission of the stones. Also, the vinyl cover is disintegrating . Not sure how much longer it can be used.

This heating pad works wonders on sore back muscles. It's very relaxing after working on the computer all day. I have bought two of these, as my dog chewed up the first one. After that I tried using a "regular"heating pad we already had, but it couldn't compete with this infrared heating pad. So now I keep the latest one out of the dogs reach.It feels so good I use it daily.

I’ve had this heating pad for about a year. Recently it started having a problem, so I contacted UTK support. Jojo replied quickly and asked for a short video and my order number. Once I sent those, they shipped a free replacement right away with no hassle.The replacement works perfectly. It heats up quickly and stays warm. Support also confirmed that the pad is covered by a 3-year warranty, which gives me a lot of confidence in the product. It’s rare to find a company this responsive. I’d recommend this pad, and I’d buy from UTK again.

Overall, the product is solidly constructed and performs well, though it comes with a few noteworthy peculiarities. The pad is significantly heavier than the average heating pad, thanks to its generous loading of mineral stones. While these stones certainly do their part in storing and distributing heat, any suggestion that they confer additional healing powers seems more appropriate for a wellness retreat brochure than for a technical product description. Unless one believes that lying on rocks channels cosmic energy, their main contribution appears to be thermal inertia and added weight.The device heats up to a commendable temperature and maintains it effectively, though the process is slow, as the heat must work its way through the dense layers. The cost was slightly above what I would typically consider appropriate for such an item, but given the materials and performance, it is not unreasonable. The remote works as intended, though its all-black design with barely legible markings is less than ideal if one plans to operate it in a dark room. It functions adequately, but a little contrast would go a long way. I would also not advise placing the pad directly on bare skin, as the surface material over the stones is quite rough and not at all forgiving. All things considered, despite the mystique surrounding its geological components, it is a worthwhile purchase.

This is the 2nd UTK Far Infrared Heating Pad I have purchased. The first one still works but the entire vinyl backing has completely peeled off. The 2nd one is one month past the warranty and the temperature setting at this point stops at 80 degrees. Then the controller indicated that the power was off however when I sat on it, it was extremely hot and was burning my skin. Tried using it the next day & it would not work at all. Also, on the 2nd unit, the connector would never completely insert. Very disappointed with this unit especially with the higher price point.

I've been having a lot of trouble with my back and I was on the brink of bulk purchasing adhesive heat patches when I decided to look into whether infrared heat would be the better solution - I am glad I chose infrared and glad I chose UTK. I think this is a wonderful and much simpler solution since with a single purchase I can have as much heat as I want, wherever I want (not just my back) and I use this heat pad every day. I can very easily use it while sitting in my computer chair, running my own online business, or I can use it sitting up in my bed or lying down, relaxing on the couch, and apparently some people use them in their car as well. I find the heat really great, especially increasing or decreasing the heat at the touch of a button. So far this has been very comforting and has helped relieve muscle tension that spreads like wildfire whenever I have a section of my back twinging and playing up. I haven't had this long enough to say whether it prevents pain or tension, but I can say it relieves it, and that I'm satisfied with my purchase.

Update 2026: Still working and helping me. I use it on various parts of my body, but my cats just like to stay on it, so it is still a share arrangement now.Absolutely best heating pad! Bought Oct 2018 and has been working flawlessly. Used for pain, blood circulation, neuropathy as an additional approach. (Lyme, ME, cancer, arthritis etc.).Very different to ‘normal’ pads we used before.Put towel over pad and if used under blanket at night we unplug it and it continues to give off a warm energy. Great feeling.Only problem now is cats are trying to stay on the blanket and my legs have little room.Got the large pad as well and both have really been so helpful in dealing with health issues.

I purchased the Utk heating pad as I have lower back issues, knee problems and sciatica. I have found when I am in a lot of pain. The pad is relaxing and soothes the pain. Very glad I purchased it. It is not as flexible as one I borrowed from a friend as it has the jade and tourmaline stones. But they are also included in the healing process.

ProsThe temp levels are really specific. As in to the degree.Timer great that it's adjustable.The heat is steady and constant.Doesn't take very long to heat up.ConsIt's a little bulky, the space between the edge of the pad and where the heat stones start is a bit large.Overall very happy, I've been using it on my shoulder which is recoving from surgery.

Fast shipping, great product, happy for my purchase.