Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heating Pad (Model 155) review

The Thermophore MaxHEAT 155 is the pick for people who find ordinary heating pads too mild. Thermophore lists a maximum of up to 165°F, against 140°F for the PureRelief XL, and the pad delivers moist heat without water: the fleece cover pulls humidity from the air and the heat turns it to steam. At 14" x 27" it covers the whole back or both shoulders, and its weight of about 4 lbs helps it mold to the body. Controls are a one-touch hand switch with Low, Medium and High, plus a 25-minute auto shutoff and a 10-foot cord. Thermophore sells it for $72.99 on sale, down from $118.99, with a 2-year warranty and HSA/FSA eligibility. The trade-offs are the short session length, which suits therapy-style use rather than all-evening warmth, and the fact that this price may not last past the holiday sale. For arthritis, sciatica and stiff backs, it is the strongest heat per dollar we found.

Who it is for

back and arthritis pain that needs hotter, moist heat

Price

$72.99 one-time on sale (regular price $118.99).

Price $ 72.99 $ 118.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• 14" x 27" pad that weighs about 4 lbs so it stays in contact with the body
• Up to 165°F on 3 settings (Low, Medium, High)
• Automatic moist heat: the fleece cover absorbs humidity from the air, no water needed
• 25-minute auto shutoff
• 10-foot cord and a removable, machine-washable fleece flannel cover

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Reaches up to 165°F, hotter than the 140°F to 150°F pads on this list
• Strength: HSA/FSA eligible, and Thermophore says it is Medicare approved when prescribed for arthritis
• Strength: 2-year warranty
• Weakness: 25-minute shutoff means restarting it for longer sessions
• Weakness: $72.99 is a sale price against a $118.99 regular price
• Weakness: Assembled in China; the Liberty 155 version is assembled in the USA

Key facts

• Size: 14" x 27"
• Max temperature: Up to 165°F
• Heat settings: 3
• Auto shutoff: 25 minutes
• Weight: About 4 lbs
• Warranty: 2 years

Where it ranks

Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heating Pad (Model 155) is No. 3 in our Best Heating Pads verdict.