Pain Relief

A heating pad may work wonders for your pain, or it might just burn your skin.

What are the best and most reliable heating pads then?

In this post, you’ll find out exactly what they are.

Keep reading on!

Does Heating Work for Pain Relief?

Heat treatment has actually been in practice for quite a long time. If we look back at history, we can see ancient cultures like Greeks use sunbeam to ease the pain.

Many other varieties of heat treatment still in use today are hot springs, hot stone massage, thermal bath, onsen bath, volcanic hot air, etc.

From a more scientific standpoint, heat actually works to increase blood flow and nutrients to a certain part of the body.

It can help soothe stiffness, aches, pains caused by neck pain, back pain, or arthritis.

According to WebMD, an electric heating pad is one of the recommended methods for the short-term relief of these conditions:

• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Swollen joints
• Neck stiffness
• Finger pain
• Tension headache

So, with support from ancient times and modern scientific findings, we can safely conclude now that heating does work to reduce your pain.

What to Look for When Using Heat Therapy?

The thing we ought to keep in mind, however, is the temperature. It should be somewhere around 140F or it may burn your skin.

You can also wrap the pad in a towel to better protect your skin. Some people, however, develop more endurance the more they use heat therapy.

Top 5 Best Heating Pads

1. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Extra-Long Back & Neck Heating Pad

Quick specs:

• Machine washable
• 4 therapeutic heat settings
• 5 years of warranty

Probably the most unique thing about this heating pad is that it shapes like a cape.

You can actually wear this pad right on your back. They also have elastic and magnetic closure system that fits well with many body types.

The material they use on the pad is Micromink. This is a super soft fabric. It’s also machine washable.

You can choose from 4 heat settings:

• Warm: 110F
• Low: 120F
• Medium: 130F
• High: 140F

This pad is not chargeable. However, they do include a very long power cord. You can plug it right in and use it straight away.

This thing works wonders for neck and back pain. It covers the entire back area fully. If you don’t want to wear it, you can place it on your knees, legs, or thighs.

It’s super comfortable to use. We like the softness of the product. You’ll also have a light indicator on the remote control.

Those help to see the heat level easier while you’re in the dark. The pad heats up fast but not too abruptly.

Bigger folks may need a bit more coverage on their back. However, this is by far the most enjoyable and relaxing experience ever.

We think your back or joints will thank you for this purchase. It’s also a great gift for your pop or mom on Christmas!

2. Heating Pad, 12″ X 24″ Large Size Ultra Soft Dry/ Moist Heating Pad

Quick specs:

• 2 hours auto shut off
• Max temperature: 149 F (65 C)
• Machine washable

Next up, we have this heating pad by Proaller. What’s unique about this thing is that it has both dry and moist heating.

Dry heating is basically, as you know it, just dry. Moist heating, on the other hand, is the mode where you apply a thin layer of water onto the pad and let it work its magic.

To a certain extent, moist heating is kind of like hot hydrotherapy message.

The cool thing about this heating pad is that it’s very affordable. They also have a lifetime warranty and lifetime service with every purchase.

They make the pad using soft flannel. It feels nice on the hands.

There are 3 heat settings you can choose from, the highest of which goes up to 149F.

The pad is 12 x 24 inches. It will cover your lower back area nicely. The pad also works well on your neck, shoulders, and abdomen.

You’ll get a very long 10ft cord. This means you can easily plug it in and comfortably lie on your bed or couch and have your very own heat therapy.

Using moist heat function cannot be easier. You just need to dab one side of the pad with a wet towel or sponge. You can also spray some fine mist if you like.

Then, place that side on the area where you feel pain. Power the device on and enjoy!

After 2 hours of running, the pad will automatically shut off. This helps prevent excessive heating or even burning for those who have sensitive skin.

Cleaning the pad is no big deal at all. You can machine wash it or hand wash it. Don’t forget to use mild detergent only. Make sure the pad is completely dry before your next use.

The only downside, we think, about this device is that it can be quite small for bigger folks.

You may think of the idea of getting 2 of these if your budget allows. Or you can get one of a bigger size.

Other than that, this is an excellent pad that gets the job done! We’re satisfied!

3. Heating Pad, Ultra-Large Heating Pads by Anbber

Quick specs:

• Temperature range: 110 – 160 F
• 6 heating settings
• Super soft fabric

The third one on our list is this Anbber heating pad. Compared to the second one, this pad is bigger. Its size is 34 x 17 inches.

It’s made from super plush polyester fiber. This will give you ultra comfort, especially if you have sensitive skin or sensitive areas.

What’s special about this pad is their warming wire. Ordinary warming wiring is spaced quite further apart and not very uniform.

Anbber wiring, however, has the shape of a comb. You can imagine the teeth being uniformly aligned next to each other. This helps the heat distribute evenly across the entire surface of the pad.

This makes sure the user gets a good amount of heat no matter how they place the pad on their body.

There are 6 heat levels you can select:

• Level 1: 110 – 125F
• Level 2: 130 – 145F
• Level 3: 145 – 160F

This pad is made to work with 120V, 60Hz so it won’t fit 220V well.

When you see an “F” on the control, that means your pad isn’t plugged in tightly. You should connect the cord into your pad first and then plug it into your wall outlet.

It’s super nice of them to include a carrying bag as well. When you’re not using it, you can roll the whole thing into a nice roll and put it inside the bag. Very compact!

You can get the heat treatment on your entire back with this one. It literally took about 1 minute for the pad to warm up.

Your therapy session may be around 15-20 minutes or more. You’ll feel the difference from the first time you use it.

We’re very certain that this product can deliver what it says. But be sure to not let your pets scratch or destroy the pad. It’s so comfortable even your dogs or cats want to stay on it for a little while!

4. DONECO King Size XpressHeat Heating Pad

Quick specs:

• 6 heat levels
• Low power consumption
• Rapid heating

Let’s see what we have on the number fourth position on our list. We’re back to the 12- x 24-inch pad.

What does this one have that stands out most? Well, compared to the same size in our category, this pad has more heating settings.

This gives users some more control over their favorite heat range. It does get up to 100F pretty quickly.

What you’ll also love about this pad is that is super soft. It feels amazing when you touch it.

You can’t remove the cover. However, that can be an upside because it will prevent the cover from falling off when you wash it.

The only thing we wish the device had is a preferred mode lock-in option. That would make the user’s experience somewhat more straightforward every single time.

Your pets may even take turn having a nice, warm rest on the pad as well. Just make sure their claws don’t scratch the pad. Because it may damage the warming wiring inside.

Again, this pad is made for the US market. It only works for 120V, 60Hz power output.

Some users experience the flashing F on their LCD screen. If this were an Anbber pad, it would mean that your pad is not tightly plugged in.

However, we’re still finding the answer behind this. Hopefully, Doneco will give customers a good explanation then.

Overall, for now, this pad offers a good deal of value for its price point.

5. Tech Love XXL Electric Heating Pad

Quick specs:

• Max temperature: 140 F
• Heats up quickly
• Has a moist heating feature

Finally, we want to give you a closer look at this big, nice heating pad.

First of all, it does look like a very comfy blanket. This is the extra-large size. It will fit most, if not all, normal uses.

You can wrap it around your knees, joints, back, shoulders, or neck. It works amazingly well.

This pad also has a moist heating feature. To use it, you just need to spray some water droplets onto it.

The pad will fit folks under 5’7” to folks over 6’ tall. You will all get nice heat dissipation no matter what size you are.

There are 6 settings on the pad. You can choose the number 2 setting. That one feels quite warm.

Or you can bump it up to number 6, which is the equivalent of 140F. That one works well for stiff, sore muscles. You can use it if you need deep heat penetration.

If you’ve developed quite an endurance, you can choose the higher setting.

This device will shut itself off automatically after 6 hours. For some, that’s quite a long time. They could consider shorten it down to 2 hours.

Also, when the device turns off, you won’t hear any beeping sound. It may be nice to add some sound indicator to let the user know. Some folks are just fine with it being quiet.

Well, at this point, all we can say it the thing does what it supposed to do. It works nicely and helps people ease their pain.

The price may be a bit pricey, though. However, this is a great one for bigger folks. Certainly, have a look if you’re into it!

Last Buying Considerations

Price

Good heating will cost you around $20 to $50. There’s no reason to pay more unless the pad is extremely special.

Temperature

You’ll often find the range 110 – 140F on most pads.

Shut-off Time

This goes from 2 – 6 hours. If you want to save power a bit, go with the lower one.

Dry/Moist Heating

If can get either one or both. Moist heating would work well to soften up stiff muscles.

Conclusion

As you can see, getting a good heating pad is not hard at all. Don’t forget to check the temperature of the product. Also, check if they have dry or moist heating. Many users also like easy-to-clean products.

If you’re not very big, the 12 x 24 pad would be fine. If you’re quite tall or big, you can check the 34 x 17 or 20 x 28 pad. Also, see how long the cord is to make sure it will fit nicely in your home or office.

The power outage is the last thing you should look into. And that’s all there is to it! We hope you’re now equipped with the latest and most accurate info to get yourself or your loved ones a nice heating pad. Enjoy!

Sitting for long hours every day is, no doubt, going to put you at risk for developing potential injuries.

And nobody wants that. Because it would greatly affect your health and productivity.

There are a number of ways you can go about this. One of them is getting yourself a comfortable, ergonomic office chair.

Specifically, we’re going to show you some of the best office chairs there are right now that are very comfy even for folks with lower back pain.

Sounds interesting? Let’s now get started!

Top 5 Office Chairs for Lower Back Pain

1. Smugdesk Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair

Quick features:

• Material: Mesh
• Lumbar support
• Assembly: Easy

This is a beautiful office chair with built-in lumbar support for your lower back.

The backrest is made of mesh with hundreds of tiny air holes that are super breathable. It also compliments the natural curve of your spine quite well.

You’ll also get a mesh headrest, which is very convenient and helpful for your neck when working long hours in front of the screen.

What we like about this chair is its minimalistic design. It will look stunning in any office environments.

You can easily adjust the height of the chair and the angle of the backrest.

Thanks to its cotton pad and ergonomic lumbar pad support, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of any work-related injuries or stress in your lower back.

We also love that this one is very lightweight. It’s only 25 lbs! Also, assembling the chair took like 12 minutes. It also doesn’t scratch your hardwood floors.

You can’t, however, adjust the armrest. This is a tiny drawback that we think the manufacturer should improve.

Other than that, this is quite a well-made chair for the price.

2. VANBOW Leather Memory Foam Office Chair

Quick features:

• Material: Memory foam, leather
• Lumbar support
• Assembly: 15 minutes

Vanbow chair is made from plush memory foam and high-quality leather. At first glance, it looks super professional. Adding the chair to your office will certainly improve your social image in front of colleagues and employees.

Does this chair do its job, though? We’d say yes.

It has an adjustable built-in lumbar support. You can easily adjust that by turning the knob right below the right armrest.

Also, there’s a paddle for you to adjust the angle of your backrest. It goes from 90 – 110 degrees. You can have relaxing rocking motion while sitting on the chair if you like.

The double-padded thick cushion is very comfortable to sit on. You’ll feel it immediately when you first sit on the chair.

You will get a thickly padded headrest as well. Compared to the Smugdesk mesh headrest, we think this one is a little bit more comfortable.

It also has smooth-rolling casters, which makes it a real breeze rolling the chair around (say, to get some files or such).

This chair is heavy. It’s almost twice the weight of the Smugdesk chair. However, this one rocks if you’re interested in getting one.

3. BestOffice Office Desk Gaming Chair

Quick features:

• Material: PU, Metal base
• Max weight: 250 lbs
• Assembly: 15 minutes

Here is another gorgeous, functional chair at your choosing. This chair is a beautiful combination of the traditional office chair and a gaming chair.

So, if you’re into some outside-the-box style, this is the one to look for.

The chair has amazing support for heavy folks. In fact, it can hold up to 250 lbs. The metal base alone can withstand a force up to 2,500 lbs!

They have this special SGS Sigma Gas Lift System to raise or lower the chair. What this system is especially good at is getting you up and down the chair fast and easily.

You will get into good seating posture thanks to the ergonomic design with a nice padded lumbar pad.

There’s also a headrest pillow included. You can remove it if you want. However, it does feel a bit empty when using the chair without the pillow.

The armrest of this one is another good point. You can flip them up easily if you don’t want them to get in your way. Just like those airplane seats or seats in the movie theaters, right?

You can also adjust the chair’s height or the backrest’s position to best suit your long screen sessions.

When you first receive the package, you may not like the smell of the chair. Some find it quite unpleasant. However, the smell will eventually dissipate over a couple of days.

4. AmazonBasics High-Back Office Computer Desk Chair

Quick features:

• Material: leather, PVC
• Max weight: 275 lbs
• AmazonBasics 1-year limited warranty

This chair is produced by no brands other than our familiar AmazonBasics. Yup, this is an in-house chair.

This model is actually the #1 bestseller in the category. The first reason, we think, is because of its price.

Despite this, the chair has a lot of good bits packed into it. First of all, it’s quite lightweight for a chair of this size. It’s only 30 lbs!

The cushion is also comfy. However, we do have some issue with the thickness of the cushion. After some period of time sitting on it, the padding does flatten out quite a bit.

Some users also express their concerns regarding bonded leather material. They do wear out if you use it heavily. If you’re careful, however, the leather cover can withstand the test of time much longer.

You can adjust the height of the chair from 41 to 45 inches. There’s also a tilt-tension knob right underneath your seat.

With it, you can make it easier or harder to rock back in your chair.

The chair does swivel 360 degrees fast with nylon casters. This model, overall, is quite a nice deal for your work office or your home office.

It’s ergonomically designed to fit the natural curve of your back properly.

5. Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair

Quick features:

• Material: mesh
• Max weight: 250 lbs
• Assembly: Easy

The final one in our list is this super unique Duramont office chair. It’s made mostly of mesh.

The entire backrest, to be exact, is made from breathable mesh. Have you ever had that feeling of your back heating up when sitting in a chair for too long?

With a mesh backrest, you’ll keep cool in the heat. That’s right. This is the special feature of this chair that we really like.

The seat is padded with foam and covered with a layer of mesh. They also have that on the armrest. It’s a very comfy seat, to be honest.

What about back support, then? They have this very unique lumbar pad support. It is like someone is supporting your waist and back from the back.

Hope that doesn’t sound too creepy. But that’s how we could best describe it.

You’ll also get a headrest, which is adjustable as well.

The chair goes from 18 – 22 inches. This should give enough leg room for average to tall folks.

You can adjust the armrest position if you like. You can turn them up and down, slide them in and out, and so forth.

Actually, some users even like this chair better than their $500 Herman Miller chair.

Some really tall folks, however, may not fit very comfortably in the chair.

Other than that, we think this is a solid chair at a great price point. You can give it a try if you like. It’s totally worth it!

How to Set Up Your Ergonomic Chair?

After showing you the best office chairs, we want to talk about how you can set your chair up for maximum comfort.

This is very important in helping you recognize some risk factors and making your workspace safe and comfortable.

Plus, these are simple and easy solutions that anyone can apply immediately at their office or home.

Step 1: Put your chair on a non-slippery surface

The first thing you’d want to do is place your chair on some non-slippery surface, for example, floor mats or carpet.

You wouldn’t want to put it on a concrete floor or vinyl floor because those are quite slippery.

Doing so will help you adjust the chair easily without it sliding away from you.

Step 2: Sit on your chair & get ready to adjust

The second step you should do is sit on the chair so you can make adjustments later.

Now, lower the chair down using the paddle. You’d want to go all the way down until your feet are nice and flat on the floor.

This gives you the ability to control the chair easily.

Step 3: Adjust the seat depth

If your chair has the feature of adjusting the seat depth. This is a great place to start.

Ideally, you’d want to have 2-finger width between the back of your knees and the edge of your chair.

This is to make sure your blood circulation is not cut off on the back of the knees.

Step 4: Adjust the backrest

This is very important in our case. You pull the back paddle up. When it is in the up position, you can make the adjustment.

You can lean into the backrest to where you feel comfortable. Then, drop the paddle down. This will lock things into place.

If your backrest doesn’t have any knobs or buttons, try lifting it up to where the lumbar would fit your lower back most comfortably.

Step 5: Adjust the armrest

You can adjust the armrest in and out or up and down. Some chairs have nuts underneath, so you may have to use a wrench to loosen or tighten them up.

Step 6: Let’s get to work!

Now you can roll your chair over to your desk. If the desk is higher or lower than the chair, you can adjust the height accordingly.

Ideally, you’d want your armrest to be level with your desktop surface. You may also want to add a nice footrest on the floor to help you with blood flow. Now, you’re all set!

2 Last Buying Considerations

Cylinder Height

The height of a chair, or how much it can go up or down, depends on the height of its cylinder.

Tall folks may not fit well in a chair that can only go up to 20 inches high, for example.

Short folks may not have their feet touching the ground if the chair is too high.

So, for medium tall users, we’d recommend sticking to the 18 – 25 inches range.

For taller folks, you’d be better off choosing 30 – 40 inches height.

Weight Capacity

Also, be sure to check the weight limit of the chair. Some chairs can only hold users up to 250 lbs.

Others can support users up to 275 or 300 lbs. Getting a chair that’s not supportive for your weight may get you into more pain than where you are right now.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this post has helped you make an educated decision about the best office chairs right now. Which ones were your favorites? Share with us some other chairs that you really like.

With that said, we hope you’ll have a safe, comfortable, and productive time working on your new chair. We’ll talk to you next time, bye for now!

You may not realize it, but one of the top reasons why you’re in constant back pain is because of your mattress or its age.

If you’ve had your mattress for 9 to 10 years, it’s a very good idea to get a new one.

We’ll show you here what are the best mattresses that can help you (in part hopefully) with the pain you’re experiencing.

Please keep in mind though, these reviews are intended to be informative and helpful. They do not replace any doctor’s or chiropractor’s advice.

We’d strongly recommend you consult your physician first if the pain is unbearable. With that said, let’s now get to the fun part of the post next!

3 Important Factors to Consider

Because you’re buying a mattress specifically to reduce your back pain, there are some important factors you need to keep in mind.

#1. The mattress should keep your spine aligned

Good sleep posture is very important in helping your muscles and ligaments relax and recover while you’re having sweet dreams.

A good mattress needs to keep your spin naturally and properly aligned to achieve this goal.

A mattress that is too soft will make your spine sink into the foam too deeply; thus, creating an unnatural alignment.

An overly firm mattress, on the other hand, will not give your neck or back enough support. The evident thing you’ll see is the empty space between your neck and the mattress.

If you have wider hips, it would be better to choose a softer mattress. This will make sure you’ll get enough support for your back and hip area.

If you have narrower hips, choose the slightly firmer one. This helps in keeping your spine in a natural position.

#2. Can’t decide? Choose medium firm

We understand that it could be so hard to choose the right firmness given a wide array of choices.

But don’t worry! Just remember this rule of thumb:

Shoot for the medium firm!

In fact, a group of over 300 people was given 2 choices of the medium-firm and the firm mattress to test for 90 days.

And the results?

Well, as you guessed it, the ones that were given medium-firm beds reported much less discomfort than those sleeping on firm beds.

Surely, this is the quickest and safest choice for you and your money.

#3. Take advantage of the sleep trial period

Even when you think you’ve got the best option, you may end up disliking it at the end of the day.

This is where sleep trial period comes into the rescue.

Many companies nowadays offer trials from 30 up to 365 nights. You can try the mattress out for 1 or 3 months to see if you’re comfortable on it.

If you don’t like it, they’ll come and pick up the mattress and give you your money back.

If you do like it, congrats and sleep the night away!

5 Best Mattresses for Back Pain

#1. The Purple Mattress

Quick glance:

• 100-night trial
• 10-year warranty
• Free shipping

This #1 selection on our list is the unique Purple mattress.

What’s so special about these guys is that they make their bed out of hyper-elastic polymer in a patented Smart Comfort Grid.

First of all, it looks nothing like the conventional mattresses we usually see.

Second of all, it’s super comfortable!

What we like about the mattress is that it has superb support even for very heavy folks.

The polymer contours to your body well. It gives strong support for your back and keeps the spine in a natural alignment.

Also, the amount of pressure relief you get on this one is awesome. It’s a true bliss for your back, shoulders, and neck.

Even better, you now can customize the thickness of the grid to your liking. They have even added responsive-support pocketed coils at the base of the mattress.

If you’re willing to invest to put an end to your pain, this thing right here may be the best choice you’ve ever made.

It’s totally worth it. And your back deserves the best treatment.

#2. Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea Mattress

Quick glance:

• 100-night trial
• 10-year warranty
• Free shipping

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this mattress would be it!

It’s from Zinus, an amazingly popular brand. This Green Tea model is actually their best-selling models right now.

What’s the reason many folks love this mattress?

Well, simply because it works wonders for their or their partner’s back pain.

The material they use to make this mattress is memory foam.

As you probably know, memory foam is a great material that contours nicely to your body and it’s super comfortable.

The mattress helps support your weight evenly, so your bones or joints won’t feel like they’re resting against a stiff surface.

Sleeping on the mattress feels super comfortable. You’ll wake up pain-free and refreshed.

This one is just right on the medium firm sweet spot!

The edge support is also very good. You can sit on the edge and get dressed easily. The mattress can hold couples of 250 lbs each with ease.

Zinus has infused some green tea aroma into the mattress. To some customers, this is a pleasant smell. To others, this smell is unbearable.

Overall, this mattress is a well-rounded product that over-delivers for its price.

We recommend it!

#3. Linenspa 10 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress

Quick glance:

• Medium feel
• 10-year warranty
• Quiet coils

Okay, maybe you didn’t really like that purple polymer or the memory foam, then try this hybrid memory foam plus coil spring right here.

Some sleepers miss the bouncy feel of innerspring when they’re sleeping on memory foam.

That’s why this combination can give them the comfort and the springy feel all in one.

For back support, this hybrid mattress is awesome. We can’t tell you how comfortable it is to be on the bed.

It holds up quite well for even heavier folks. Even though the coil springs are responsive, they are not even noisy.

They won’t bother you when you twist and turn during the night.

The mattress is not too firm nor too plush. It’s just right in the medium spot.

You’ll get very strong support thanks to the metal coils and super comfy contouring thanks to the memory foam.

Another thing to love about this model is its price. It’s super affordable. We believe many families can get this bed for their master bedrooms or for the kids’ rooms.

Oh, and the mattress works with any types of frame. Whether you have a platform frame, a box spring, or a metal grid, it will fit nicely.

If you’re worried about the safety of the chemicals, we can assure you that this mattress is safe and non-toxic. It has been fully CertiPUR-US certified.

That means, there are no heavy metals, phthalates, or toxic chemicals that could harm you or your kids. You’re in safe hands. In fact, their reputation depends on this, so they can’t afford to play silly games.

At the end of the day, you can bring home this nice mattress and wake up magically pain-free and energized. Get one for yourself!

#4. Olee Sleep 10 Inch Gel Infused Layer Top Memory Foam Mattress

Quick glance:

• Gel infused memory foam
• 10-year warranty
• Fits all frames

Whether you’re a college student who’s suffering from back pain or a savvy buyer looking for an inexpensive option, this mattress may be the one!

First of all, it’s very affordable. Many college students can certainly afford the mattress at this price point.

Second of all, it fits all bed frames. Do you have a box spring, platform, or wood frame?

You don’t have to worry about fitness anymore. Just get the right size and everything’s all good.

What’s special about this model that we’re recommending?

Well, it has this unique gel infused memory foam. Okay, what does that mean?

Basically, they use the memory foam for 2 layers. You’ll get 1 layer of IDL soft memory foam and another layer of IDL high-density foam to protect the memory foam from defection.

Inside the foam, they’ve infused a special type of gel called I-Gel.

This greatly helps disperse your body temperature evenly to maintain an ideal mattress temperature during your night sleep.

That’s the feature that we love about this model! If you don’t like sleeping hot, this mattress will be your great partner for years.

Also, the foam and the gel have been CertiPUR-US certified. You can be sure about their safety.

As far as back support goes, this mattress delivers an outstanding result. People with back pain or migraines will have sweet dreams sleeping on the mattress.

Overall, this is a very good option for your back and your wallet. Definitely, have a closer look at it!

#5. Modway AMZ-5768-WHI Jenna 10” Twin Innerspring Mattress

Quick glance:

• Egg crate foam with innerspring
• Medium firm
• Isolated motion

This is the last item on our list. But don’t be fooled by its low price. It’s actually darn good.

We chose this innerspring mattress for those who crave and love that full springy feel on their bed. We know your active kids will love bouncing on such a bed.

The special thing about Modway mattress is it is made up of 4 layers:

• Layer 1: Responsive foam
• Layer 2: Egg crate foam
• Layer 3: Felt liner
• Layer 4: Individually wrapped coils

You actually get another quilted polyester tight-top cover with the purchase as well.

Unboxing the mattress has never been easier. We think your little kids can even help you do it!

The amazing thing about metal coils, as you probably know, is that they are unbelievably durable. Yes, and they are highly supportive as well.

That’s why you can be worry-free about your mattress degrading in quality over some years.

As a personal note, the innerspring mattress we have lasts over 20 years and still holds up pretty well!

This is one of our personal favorites! In terms of back support, you’ll get more than you think you need.

The metal coils are strong and are able to hold really heavy sleepers as well. We like that they added the egg crate foam. This makes the mattress even more breathable.

It doesn’t feel hot sleeping on it at all. The mattress is also excellent for easing hip pain.

If you’ve just had surgery, this aspect is absolutely important. This innerspring mattress is up to the task.

Heads up, the package is very heavy. If you have back pain, it’s not a good idea to pull the back all by yourself. Get one or two helpers.

Please don’t pull it upstairs, especially, on your own. That would be too much for your back to take.

Other than that, we have nothing much to complain about this model. Give it a try and see if you like it!

Conclusion

And that concludes what we have in store for you today! Hopefully, you were able to pick out some of your favorites while reading the list.

Keep in mind 3 things and you’re good to go! First, make sure the mattress helps align your spine properly. Second, choose medium firm if you’re unsure. Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the sleep trial.

We’re signing off for now. Wish you a good night sleep & peace!

TENS unit is a widely used therapy device in treating acute and chronic pain. Although it may sound a bit complicated, using a TENS device is not difficult at all.

In this guide, you’ll learn: what a TENS unit is, how it works, some similarities and differences between TENS and EMS. You’ll also find answer to quite a burning question many folks have: Do TENS units kill cells?

Near the end, we’ll guide you through 5 simple steps in choosing the right TENS unit and how to correctly use this device. You’ll leave with a new sense of confidence in using a TENS unit either for you or your loved ones. So now, read on to find out more!

What is a TENS Unit?

TENS unit is a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device. In plain language, this little device sends out vibrations at different frequencies through the electrodes (the square sticky pads in the picture above) attached to your skin or the area that’s causing you pain.

It helps reduce various types of acute and chronic pain like: neck pain, labor pain, back pain, etc. In fact, a biomedical engineer with the FDA, Michael Hoffmann, said that 95% of users of Cefaly (the first TENS model) reported no complaint using the device. Additionally, he said that TENS might well open the gates to more options for patients with migraines, an often under-treated and under-diagnosed pain.

As of now, there are more and more wireless TENS units available, freeing you from the hassle of the wires getting all tangled up.

In the U.S., all TENS units are FDA approved. In most states, you can buy a TENS unit over-the-counter (OTC cleared). In several states, however, to own a TENS unit, you must have a doctor’s prescription. So, be sure to check with your doctor or physical therapist for the current laws and regulations.

How Does a TENS Unit Work?

We wouldn’t want to give you a headache going into all the specifics of how a TENS unit works. It’s really helpful that you understand some basic science behind this technology so you can safely use the device on your own or help your loved ones use it.

See, in its most basic, TENS is an electrical device. What it does is sends out electrical impulses at different frequencies through the pads placed directly on your skin.

What’s great about it is that you are in control of the frequency. If you need a refresher, those frequencies are measured in Hz (hertz). The higher you set the Hz, the more vigorous the electrical vibrations will be.

Two principles that makes TENS work are: Gate Control Theory and Endorphin Release.

With Gate Control, TENS mimics the electrical nervous pathway the pain is going to your brain (see, that’s why it’s called Electrical Nerve Simulation). This helps cancel out the pain signal and blocks pain receptors at the same time.

With Endorphin Release, TENS stimulates the release of endorphin. This is a feel-good hormone that’s good for your overall physical and mental health. As you can see, this is an addition approach as opposed to the subtraction approach above. Taken together, these two give you a well-balanced therapy reducing pain while helping your body heal.

We hope that it makes sense to you up until now. For those who are visual learners, check out this video which explains exactly how TENS works:

What are the Similarities and Differences Between TENS and EMS?

Like any good pair (Adidas vs Nike or Apple vs Samsung), when you hear people talk about TENS you will often hear they mention EMS.

In short, EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. It sounds sort of like TENS, doesn’t it? But what are the similarities and differences then?

Check out below:

Similarities

On the basic level, both TENS and EMS devices send out very gentle and low frequency electrical pulses to ease pain.

You can control the frequency of the signal on both devices. Most TENS and EMS models nowadays have wires and electrode pads so you can conveniently place on your skin.

They both run on battery and there are now some more portable and smaller wireless models which you can conveniently use in public.

Differences

The basic difference between TENS and EMS lies in the two words: Nerve and Muscle.

Specifically:

TENS, as you’ve seen earlier, mimics pain nervous signal to help with two things: close the gate and release endorphin.

EMS, on the other hand, stimulates muscle by mimicking the action potential (sort of like the stretch and compress action) in the muscle to help it recover, grow, and become more toned.

So, this is why:

TENS is used to relieve acute or chronic pain like carpel tunnel, arthritis or pain caused by prior injury.

EMS, in contrast, is more widely used to help muscle growth and recovery. Athletes use it in training to relieve muscle spasms. And in physical therapy sessions, doctors use EMS to help patients with paralytic areas like the arms or the legs.

Do TENS Units Kill Cells?

When some folks hear about electrical pulses or shock stuff, they tend to get very worried about the side effects. In fact, folks who are not very familiar with TENS usually ask this question or something similar to it: Do TENS units kill my cells?

From our perspective, the reason for their concern may be coming from not being fully informed of how TENS unit works. When we understand a bit of how TENS work, we think the answer to the above question is clear: No.

According to WebMD, TENS units send out very low frequency and gentle impulses. It’s that sort of electrical pulse that you may feel when touching a wool sweater or a balloon rubbed against your hair. It’s very gentle and can never be fatal.

In fact, the FDA has carried out hundreds of tests before approving this device to ensure its ultimate safety and effectiveness.

Many athletes and patients suffering from chronic pain have used this device and are using it. So, you can be more assured that this clinically proven device is a natural, drug-free therapy that can help reduce pain with no side effects.

If you’d like a little more evidence, TENS therapy in fact has been used since the 18th and 19th century. A more thorough research on your favorite search engine will reveal the same fact.

5 Simple Steps to Choose the Right TENS Unit for You

Now that you’ve understood what a TENS unit is and its benefits, you’ll learn here 5 simple steps to help you choose the right TENS unit that best fits your needs and budget. So, let’s see the steps below:

Step 1: List out your specific needs

Are you struggling with back pain, neck pain, knee pain or some other kind of pain? The first useful step in determining which TENS unit is right for you is first to list out your needs.

This is common sense, you see. You should understand what you need first so you can choose the most suitable fit.

Let’s take some examples so you can easier understand:

Some folks need their TENS device to be rechargeable, so they don’t have to order battery packs every now and then. Which would mean they can’t use the device for the time it’s out of juice.

Like you’ve seen, TENS units come with sticky pads. And the number of pads will be different depending on the models: 2, 4, 6, or more.

Some folks just need 2 pads so they can concentrate the therapy on certain regions. Others want more pads so they can simultaneously use TENS on their arms, legs, or back.

So, you should certainly put these factors into consideration.

Step 2: Set your budget

The price range for TENS units on the market today is from $20 to over $100. Obviously, with higher price comes more features and functionalities. But for you, the user, it’s smart to set up your budget first. Because you wouldn’t want a or another debt on your credit card.

Let’s say we set our budget to $30 max, for example. Then you do a quick search on Amazon, Walmart, or Target for TENS units that are up to $30. You can narrow your list down to 5 products at this point.

Step 3: Pick your top 2 or 3

From the shortlist above, pick your top 2 or 3. We understand it can be really difficult to choose since the brands and products are quite similar and always strive for your satisfaction.

However, here are several tips you can keep in mind when narrowing down the list:

What are other customers saying?

Do the features meet your needs listed in Step 1?

Is it a good value for your money?

When you’re ready, we’ll move on to Step 4.

Step 4: Research your top picks

Okay, so now you have your top favorites. What you can do now is to analyze these products and companies further. Several factors to look for are:

Are other customers generally pleased or displeased?

How do the companies respond and solve 1-star reviews?

Have you talked to their customer service to see how responsive or helpful they are?

Is there money-back guarantee option?

Did you check YouTube for any customer reviews videos?

What are others saying about this TENS unit on forums?

When you feel like you’ve got a good amount of information, you can move on to the final step.

Step 5: It’s time to choose

After going through each step above, which one TENS unit best fits your needs and budget? Which one stands out most from the list for you? You can now make the decision and try a TENS unit out for yourself.

How to Use a TENS Unit?

After you’ve got yourself a TENS unit, it’s very important that you use it in the safest and most effective way. In this last section, we’ll show you exactly how to use a TENS unit safely and effectively.

Keep in mind though, these are instructional steps and not meant to be representative of your physical therapist or doctor’s instructions. You may want to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any severe pain before using. So, with that in mind, let’s begin.

Before the application

You should feel relaxed before applying the TENS unit. Take a couple of deep breaths to relax all your muscles and especially the area where you’re feeling pain.

You should also check the battery level on your device. Make sure any electrical knobs or buttons are reset in their starting positions. This is to prevent any unwanted electrical discharge.

The application

You can rub your skin with some rubbing alcohol to wipe off any dead skin cells.

See below for where you should place your electrodes:

There are several options to place the electrodes on the skin surface: you can apply some gel on the bottom of the pad then place them on your skin.

There are also re-usable self-adhesive pads which you can place on the painful area directly without needing to apply any gel. Another option many folks use is placing a thin layer of medical tape over the electrodes, so they stay in place during the application.

Also, make sure to place the electrodes correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some 4-pad electrodes should be placed cross over each other, like an X.

Now, you can slowly turn on the setting. Depending on the level of your pain, you can adjust the frequency that would best treat it. You may get a tingling feeling at this point. Remember to time the therapy, so you don’t go overboard.

When you’re done, slowly turn off the device and remove the pads.

After the application

At this point, you can wash your skin to remove any gel residue. You can also clean the electrodes with some soap and water for next use. It’s also a good idea to recharge your battery so your device is ready for your next treatment.

Watch video: How to Use a TENS Unit

Conclusion

So, after reading the post, you see, choosing and using a TENS device is not that complicated at all. Remember: this small device works by closing the gates pain signal is travelling to the brain and helping release that feel-good chemical endorphin. And yes, you can be sure that TENS units do not kill your cells. They have been FDA approved and many customers are in fact using them daily.

To choose the right TENS unit, you can try 5 simple steps: list out your needs, set a budget, choose 5 products, pick out top 2 or 3, and finally choose the winner. When using a TENS unit, always check its battery level first and the control settings. Place the electrodes on areas where you feel the pain. After the treatment, you can wash your skin and recharge the battery for the next treatments.

Hopefully, this guide has been of help. If you’re unsure of any technical aspects, consult your doctor or physical therapist for further information and the best advice for your pain.