Sunbeam Health at Home Heating Pad, King Size 14" x 18"

So what can one say about a heating pad? They seem like pretty simple devices, and they've been around for ages. So what makes this heating pad any different from those bargain basement models? Well, the Sunbeam Health at Home Heating Pad utilizes something called "Heatsense." This new technology is supposed to regulate itself to eliminate hot spots. This is according to the claims made by Sunbeam. Well after owning and using this heating pad for a few weeks now, I can attest that this technology does seem to make a difference.

My wife has always bought the cheap-o heating pads, with the simple four position heat controller (off, low, medium, and hot). These are those rubbery plastic bags, with a cloth cover that snaps over it. They take forever to heat up and usually get really hot, then cool down, then get really hot again. I have always had to turn them on and shut them off again and again in order to prevent my back from getting too hot. When I read the claims about this Sunbeam Heatsense model (model #809), I was intrigued and wanted to give it a try. My wife argued that the Heatsense technology claims were just hype, and that she could buy at least two heating pads for the price of this one. Well I went ahead and ordered it anyway, and I am very glad I did so.

This Sunbeam heating pad comes with a wonderful electronic controller, with a backlit LCD display. It allows for 6 different temperature settings, and has a 2-hour auto-off feature for safety and to save electricity. Of course the control allows you to bypass the auto-off timer if you wish to; with a continuous ON setting. There is no snap on cloth cover with this model. The heating elements are integrated into a machine-washable, "extra soft" pad. The overall dimensions are 14" x 18", but the heating elements don't extend all of the way to the edge of the pad, so the "plus" size this pad claims to be doesn't really prove too useful. The pad heats up fairly quickly, and it maintains a consistent temperature throughout the entire heated surface. It is very soft and comfortable, and it conforms well to your body. You can also dampen the pad, by spraying or blotting it with water, but you don't want to saturate the pad. Just a little bit of moisture helps the heat penetrate deep into your muscle tissue better.

The features of the Sunbeam 809 Heatsense Plus Size Heating Pad are as follows:

* HeatSense(tm) technology self-regulates to eliminate hot spots
* High tech, ergonomically designed controller
* 6 heat settings
* Selectable auto-off (choose between 2 hour auto-off or continuous ON)
* Extra soft, plus size integrated pad (14" x 18") conforms to body and is machine-washable
* Integrated elastic loops offer convenient cord/pad storage
* Moist heat option for deep penetrating pain relief
* Vinyl storage bag
* 12 foot extra long cord
* Lifetime Warranty

Overall my wife and I are quite happy with our purchase of this heating pad. The extra long power cord is convenient, and my wife loves the fact that she can machine wash it when needed. The electronic controller is very handy and easy to use, but it is a bit bulky and pulls at the pad when it hangs over the edge of the surface you are sitting or laying on. The LCD display on the controller only remains backlit for a few seconds, after activation, so it can cause some groping in the dark when trying to find the controller. The integrated elastic loops are convenient, but I still would have liked to have received the vinyl storage bag Amazon and Sunbeam claims to be included with the package. I received no storage bag, but instead received a "Free bonus" of a cold pack (one of those squeeze and shake cold packs that come in first aid kits). This heating pad is a great performer, but it is not perfect. For being a "Plus" size, this model offers an actual heated surface area that is not any bigger than the cheapy models that my wife has bought in the past. But now that I have tried this plush heating pad, I would never go back to those old fashioned, cloth covered pads that you can buy for less than twenty bucks. The evenly distributed heat, and consistent temperatures are worth the small premium price of this model. I highly recommend it, as long as the consumer is aware of the minor shortcomings of this product.

I've probably tried at least 5-6 other pads before getting this one. My search is finally over. This one gets VERY hot, and eases my back cramps. It's soft and big, and conforms to your body. I bought a second one, in case mine breaks or they stop making it.Love it.

The control on this heating pad is difficult to use but the pad itself works well. I think I will stick with just on and off and temp settings after this one!

Very good product that performs as advertised and is quite comfortable. The main area needed for improvement is the control which is unnecessarily clumsy to use.

This heating pad has great features. I love the auto shut-off. It fabric is nice and soft. It isn't really big but a good size for me.