I had a great heating pad for many, many years but it eventually needed to be replaced. I tried several but none of the new pads measured up. They seemed cheaper and never got hot enough for me. This one seems to be a higher quality and I really like that it's weighted. The heat seems a little variable in that most of the time, it gets just hot enough on high, but occasionally it gets too hot and I have to turn it down a level. Still, would rather have it too hot than never get hot enough.

Using this to mitigate pain from sciatica and a herniated disc and it is so soothing. The belt allows it to be shaped around your leg or your back - whatever you’re working on - and holds it in place like a warm gentle hug. there’s something different about the heat on this one from the old-fashioned heating pad that I had before this. It’s easier on the skin. Skin doesn’t feel overheated or irritated after use. It gets hot enough for me and I’m not bringing it up very much. I like the settings on the controller - very intuitive to use - and the auto shut off is great. No worries about falling asleep with it on because it will shut itself off. So far so good.