So you have seen the Calming Heat “Weighted Heated Pad” on the TV and want to know if it really works. This is the most authentic REVIEW of the Calming Heat Pad. To summarize the review – “Calming Heat is overrated, does not work as promised, makes false claims and there are better alternatives available.”
Calming Heat REVIEW
A user mentions in his Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad review that “weighted heating pad” is the most stupid idea. You can as well use a regular heating pad and just wrap it with a towel to create the pressure. As Seen On TV industry often comes up with products that claim to have great value theoretically but have very little practical value. “Calming Heat” is one such product.
It doesn’t take a lot of neural power to understand that wrapping a regular heating pad would give the same results. One Calming Heat user points out in his review that if this concept of “weighted heating pads” had really worked and was really that efficient then healthcare companies would have come up with these pads much earlier. The reason why they did not make something like Sharper Image “Calming Heat Pad” is because it does not help much. While the Calming Heat would still come in handy, the weighted feature is useless.
The makers [SharperImage] of Calming Heat want to ride on the success of “weighted blankets”. Weighted blankets are selling like crazy and Americans now buy anything that has the word “weighted” in it. This situation is being exploited by these infomercial companies and Sharper Image Calming Heat is just one example of it.
Okay for Basic Therapeutic Heating
Customers who have used Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad have posted mixed opinions of this product. Quite a few users have appreciated different aspects of this heating pad in their reviews. Some more users have written in that it can be relied upon for competent performance. They say that it’s a value for money product with which they are quite happy. They have earnestly recommended its use for anyone seeking warmth and comfort from a heating pad as it’s designed to deliver just that.
Well-Designed and Reliable
A person who has been using the Calming Heat Pad since some weeks has said in his review that she likes its texture as well as the size, which she feels are yielding desired results. Some have also noted the quality of its cover, which they find very smooth, comforting and fabulous. They have said keenly that they are happy with it and have been using it for close to a year, which is quite decent considering the quality of most products today.
Soft and Pampering
A number of customer reviews appreciate the softness of Calming Heat Pad. They say it feels like fleece and is very gentle. It feels really soothing when it becomes warm. They say they love using it and look forward to the time they settle in bed with it after a hard day’s work.
Reviews Indicating Areas that Need Improvement
Uncomfortable texture and Make: On the other hand, there are numerous reviews of the Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad that reveal its shortcomings. Some customers find it extremely bulky and packed with nothing but flawed performance. Quite a few have said that heating pads normally come with clear instructions about the method of using them. They specify methods of use like not lying down on them, but in the case of Calming Heat Pad, one has to put in on back while sitting. It’s not a comfortable way to use it as it has problems like the wire coils that actually protrude out of it. It’s very uncomfortable to use it if you don’t just lie on it without moving, which is difficult.
Short-lived Quality
A customer who sent in her review of the Calming Heat Pad has said that she was initially happy with it as it seemed durable and reliable. She thought she can expect it to last long, but it started giving trouble within nine months of use. She says that the Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad heats up completely erratically. it doesn’t work every single time it is switched on. It speaks volumes about its unexceptional quality and works so inconsistently that one simply can’t rely on it on a long-term basis. She feels she should have bought another brand, which would have worked better. Some more users have also said that they could use it regularly for less than a year even though the advertisers claimed it works much longer.
No Remote Control, Cumbersome to Navigate Manually
One of the glaring drawbacks of the Calming Heat Pad is that it does not come with a remote control. It has to be operated manually, which is something that creates hassles. One has to change the settings manually. which makes it very inconvenient and time-consuming. Worse, it comes with three different heat settings meant to cater to different needs. Dissatisfied customers have stated that the level of heat that it gives out seems completely inconsistent sometimes. As a result, quite a few customers have said they have to keep changing its levels to get same results. Another problem that users have pointed out is erratic heating behavior of the heating pad. A user says while Hot seems alright one day, it turns scorching hot the next time Low becomes High on some days and High seems mild on others. Further, some customers have complained that its controller becomes hot, which makes holding it difficult. There appears to be no way to have control over the operation of the heating pad as it has no proper dial or other features to manage it. Another problem with the Calming Heat Pad is that its plug is too big, which makes it appear bizarre.
Complaints about Discomfort and Mediocre Design
Calming Heat Pad, according to reviews of other users, does not settle around the neck comfortably when wrapped. It doesn’t offer stability and feels too light to provide comfort when wrapped around. Another customer has written in her review that its size is much smaller. She’s complained that it doesn’t cover her shoulder, forget her elbows, which some brands do. Another aspect of the heating pad that’s generating complaints is its dimensions. It is too elongated in some places but very narrow where it shouldn’t be. There’s no way to fasten it properly on the body as it has no straps or ties to keep it stable. It also doesn’t provide deep heating as it can’t go deep into the muscular parts of the body. It therefore, cannot treat chronic pain, which quite a few customers have said they suffer.
Difficult to Clean and Manage
Other complaints about the Calming Heat Pad concern difficulty in washing it. Many customers are exasperated and still don’t know exactly how to clean it properly. The instructions are not very clear. It doesn’t seem suitable to dismantle it and put the fabric parts in the washing machine, lest it gets damaged. Some users spray water on it and try to clean, but it doesn’t seem to work. Some customers have even complained that the heating pad was actually reeking of foul smell when it arrived. They are wondering how a new product can be smelly, even though it’s some chemical. Some of them decided to return it, but it was a difficult procedure which dragged on. Some customers have even complained that its delivery service is pathetic. Either it may never be shipped or there will be unreasonable delay in it.
Calming Heat Questions and Answers
How does Calming Heat Compare to a Hot Water Bottle
The good old hot water bottle has many advantages on the Calming Heat Pad with the biggest advantage being the price. Hot Water Bottle is one sixth the price of a Calming Heat Pad but gets the job done. Read the complete comparison here.
Is Calming Heat the only heating pad out there?
Nope. There are several other electric heating pads like the Sunbeam, Conair and Pure Enrichment. The Sharper Image Calming Heat is the most expensive of them all. Read the complete comparison here.
Does the Calming Heat work for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Nope. The Calming Heat Pad is too big to be used effectively and conveniently on the shoulder and neck. More information here.
What sets Calming Heat apart from other Electric Heating Pads?
The vibration feature, the so-called weighted design and the high price of the pad sets it apart from the other electric pads.
Does Calming Heat work for Fibromyalgia?
The dry heat produced by the Sharper Image Calming Heat does not penetrate deep enough to treat pain caused by Fibromyalgia.
How to wash the Calming Heat?
The Sharper Image Calming Heat is not machine washable. You have to spot clean the pad with a damp cloth. So be careful, don’t spill anything on the pad as is it could be stained easily.
How long does the heat last after you shut off the Calming Heat Pad
Unfortunately the moment you shut off the Calming Pad, the unit begins to cool off immediately and within 5 minutes the pad is completely cooled.
How high does the pad get?
There are three temperature settings with the highest setting producing heat of 150-160 degree Fahrenheit.
Is it FDA approved?
Nope the Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad is NOT FDA approved.
How long is the Cord?
It is 9 foot long. Quite long so that you don’t have to be always near the socket.
Does it have an Auto-Shut off?
Yes the Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad has a 2 hours auto-shut off to ensure the risk of fire hazard is minimized. This is not a pad that you can use all night. The auto-shut off is a standard feature of all therapeutic electric pads.
What is the Warranty
1 Year Limited Warranty (Less P&H). There is no lifetime warranty like the Mighty Bliss.
Where is the Calming Heat Pad made?
Where everything else is made. CHINA.
What are the 6 settings?
There are three heat settings and three vibrations settings. Totaling 6.
What are the dimensions of the weighted pad?
The pad is 24 inches long x 12 inches wide.
Why does it NOT have a Moist Heat option?
Because you cannot spray water on the Sharper Image Calming Heat pad to make it damp to produce moist heat.
Can you lay on the pad?
No you cannot.
Is there anything to the “weighted” feature?
Not really. It is just a regular size pad with clay beads inside. How much weight do you think these beads will have? Not much. Don’t try to exert pressure on the pad though to make it “weighted”, this may damage the interior electrical parts and can the probability of fire accident.
Does it have any odor?
Mild chemical odor that goes away eventually.
What is the Wattage?
85 watt. And 120 volts. 7 amps
Can I plug the Calming Heat in my car?
Nope. The Sharper Image Calming Heat cannot be plugged into the 12 volt socket of the car.
Will this work in a 220 volt socket?
Nope. This is meant only for 120 volt sockets.
Advantages of Calming Heat
Works well as heating pad. There isn’t anything much to say about the Calming Heat.
Disadvantages of Sharper Image Calming Heat Pad
- Vibrations – Reviews sent to us by our testers reveal that the “Vibration” feature is provided by just a few (actually two) objects. The review warns not to expect the whole pad to vibrate. So if you want to get the vibration treatment for a specific part of your body, then you have to put the vibrating “puck” on that part of the body.
- Expensive – Many buyers mention in their reviews that the Sharper Image Calming Heat pad is way too expensive. Priced at $40 and $10 for shipping, it is not at all worth the price.
- Not Washable – Our product reviewer Paula Lee mentions in her review that the Calming Heat pad is not washable. She further explains in her review that because Calming Heat has the polypropylene (plastic) pellets in it to give “weight” to the pad, the Calming Heat pad is not washable.
- Uneven Heat – Many users complain that heating pads like “Calming Heat” do not distribute heat evenly. After some use the heat distribution becomes uneven and certain patches of the pad become “too” hot, this makes using such pads inconvenient and irrelevant. Though this complaint is not specifically related to Calming Heat, given the history of quality of as seen on tv products, one can expect this.
- Exorbitant Shipping Charges – The Calming Heat is available only at the official website CalmingHeat.com and they charge $10 to ship the heating pad. So even if you decide to return it, you still have to pay $10 shipping.
- Not a Branded Product – When we asked one Mr. Kevin Taylor if he would buy the Calming Heat weighted heating pad? he said straight NO. Given the connection of the Calming Heat product with “HEAT” and the quality of these infomercial products he would not go for it he said. Kevin said he would prefer a more branded heating pad from company that makes reliable healthcare products and has experience and history of making them. Calming Heat “potentially” poses serious fire risk he said in his review.
- No Moist Heat Option – Calming Heat produces “dry heat” only. The dry heat absorbs all the moisture from the skin causing discomfort and itching. Many other heating pads come with a “Moist Heat” option which Calming Heat does not have.
- Not Many Options in Sizes – Calming Heat comes in just one size, KING SIZE. This could be a big disadvantage given the fact that you may not require a big heating pad to relieve pain of specific areas.
Deceptive Marketing by Calming Heat Pad
The marketing practices of Calming Heat weighted heating pad are spurious. They make many hefty claims about their product which has no rationale basis. Lets analyze them:
- Weight of Heating Pad – The Calming Heat claims to be weighted but the official website does not disclose the weight of the pad. Maybe there isn’t much weight difference between the regular heating pad and Calming Heat.
- Deep Pressure Stimulation – A fancy name given to the heat therapy. Calming Heat weighted pad does not give “DEEP” massages. You need a trained and certified therapist to give you a deep tissue massage.
- Relaxes Entire Body – Another unsubstantiated claim from Calming Heat. The pad can be used for individual body parts only. It is not big enough to give relief to entire body.
Our Verdict on “Weighted” Calming Heat Pad
Much has been said in the review part. We do not recommend the Calming Heat “weighted” heating pad. Just stick to the regular heating pad and wrap a towel on it to create the pressure, you will get the same results. Here are some of the tried and tested alternatives to the weighted Calming Heat.
- Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief
- Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad
- MIGHTY BLISS™ Large Electric Heating Pad for Back Pain and Cramps Relief
We recommend the Mighty Bliss Heating Pad over the Calming Heat.
- Tried and Tested Electric Heating Pad with over 16000+ REVIEWS
- Price – $36.17. 60% cheaper than the Calming Heat
- 4.5 Star Rating
- Heats Fast and Machine Washable
- 87% 5-Star Reviews
- Unlike Calming Heat – Moist and Dry Heat
- Lifetime Replacement WARRANTY
I have fibromyalgia and am in constant pain. I ordered and received the Calming Heat pad yesterday and I absolutely love it. With the weight, it molds to my shape and prevents heat loss so I get more and deeper heat to areas where I am in pain. I see it is suggested to use a towel to create pressure, but sorry, a towel just doesn’t provide the necessary weight for me. I use this off and on all day, and keep this beside my recliner. Who wants to mess with keeping a towel on hand all of the time and wrapping it when I can use this product much more conveniently.
I had been using microwaveable flax seed heating pads which work great, as well, to mold to the shape of the affected body parts, but they cool off in about 20 minutes. I had been looking for something like this and had been telling my husband that I wished I could create a heating pad that combined the two. I’m so glad I found this!
i am very happy with this product i have knee issues and this really helps me a lot I like the fact that it is big enough I can cover both knees at the same time. by it being weighted helps even more. so glad I purchased this. thank you for a great product
Your tv ad is very deceptive. You first show the blower directed under the first heat pad, but when you go to your pad, amazingly the blower is directed on center of it and not under like first one was done. If you are deceptive on thos ad. You can also be just as deceptive on its performance.
Where is the company located? Something is telling me it is china. I noticed it says on my email confirmation where I purchased 2 of these weighted heating pads and a neck heating pad/wrap also back at the end if March. It says my card will be charged at the time of purchase…but the items will not ship until the first week of June. That is not normal business practice when ordering anything online or by phone. I’m trying to find out if this is from china… if it is, I am calling and canceling…I won’t wait over a month for it to ship and then another 6 weeks to 2 months to receive the shipment. If anyone knows where this company is located please let me know.
Did you get an answer to your question? I’ve ordered also and go the same response.
China
We are having the same problem. I ordered it online 2 weeks ago and nowhere does it say it will take 3-4 weeks to get here. Our tracking has said it is in Los Angeles FedEx warehouse and has been for a week now. I don’t understand how I can order something from L.A. the same day, it shipped from L.A. just like this item but I got mine in 3 days, actually 2 days early.
Good luck. I ordered it from t.v. it took like 8 weeks together here. It is not a wieghted, messaging large heating pad like they advertise. It’s about 16 inches long, very light not wieghted at all. No MESSAGING either. Very disappointed. So much I threw it out. Was worth about 5$ , that’s it. Came from company called tiddlytots. Said something like shiny objects on my bank statement SCAM!
Had it less than a week before it stopped working completly,ordered a second one and the vibration stopped working within a day,they want me to pay to ship them back for a refund but they are so heavy and will cost alot to ship,do not reccomend this for anyone,worst product ever!!!!!!!!!!
I placed an order to 2 on June 28, 2020. Received them today, July 20, 2020. I’m returning them immediately. The product they sent me was not what I ordered, not even close. I’m also filing a report with my States AG and the BBB. This is a scam site that copied the real sites info. The real site is Sharper Image. Compare them, you’ll see the exact same website on both pages but Sharper Image is a known company.
Thank you Kim for your comment, I just bought two. 1 for me, one for my husband.
Did you receive your heating pads yet? I’m still waiting and can’t get a response from CalmingHeat.com
I’ve been waiting months. I’ve given up
If it comes, Mark return to sender!
I have been emailing them cause I want to know where my package is at and they never respond back I want to cancel my order every time i call them its like recording that they are really busy and gives me busy signal
I ordered the Calming Heat Pad, was charged immediately by the website (CalmingHeat.com) and have not received them yet. Numerous emails sent with no reply and they don’t answer the phone when I called the #800. I have contacted my credit card company to reverse the charge. This company is a scam. Says product is ready to ship, you get a FedEx shipping number and the date the label was created, but never receive the package. When checking the tracking number it states “waiting for package” and never ships out.
same thing happened to me.
Yes, their a scam.i went through the same stuff.never again.i hope people read these before buying and getting roped in!
I was intrigued by this product the first time I saw the commercial on TV. What caught my eye was the weighted feature. I love weighted blankets. Now after reading the above reviews I think I will wait until the pad has more reviews and circulation in the market.
I just recently purchased from a company called Pure Enrichment their weighted heating pads are amazing. I have the 6# one and with many health issues I worried it would be too heavy it actually is perfect. I found I sleep better with the pressure where I need it. The heat shuts off after an hour but it retains the heat so I don’t wake up at night when it shuts off. (I have owned several heating pads from pure enrichment and they are the best I have found in my 19 years with fibromyalgia and nerve related back pain just sharing my experience. I hope you find relief
I called last night to order this and they told me they are out of them to reorder it on the computer and it will be shipped in June.
Ordered this Calming heating pad. Credit card charged immediately from Versa. Took over 2 weeks, came from China. Is about a third of the size of advertised product. Is not weighted & does not vibrate. Can’t see that it is UL certified. Does not heat well. Information in package says no refunds. This is a scam. Looked good on TV commercial but what I got is junk!
I ordered directly from the Calming Heat [CalmingHeat.com] website. I checked the box that was for the weighted, heated & vibrating pad. I paid almost $90 for what I thought would be what I ordered, but only received a weighted heat pad, no vibration. I was completely scammed out of $90 & when I called to tell them they sent me the incorrect product, the man on the phone who claimed to be “Bob” interrupted me the second I said I received the wrong item to tell me that I had 2 options: I could pay to ship it back then once they receive the item, I would get a refund, or i could keep the heat pad & he’d refund me $20. I chose the $20 refund because after being scammed by this company, I didn’t trust i would get my full refund if I paid to ship it back, not to mention id be put however much it cost to ship it too. I’ve emailed them, called them & they blamed me & said I clicked the box that was for the weighted heat pad. I argued that I checked the box that said 3 heat settings & 6 vibrating settings. How can I click a box with 6 vibrating settings & pay nearly $90 if I was only ordering the weighted heat pad that cost $60?!! They scammed me & by the other reviews, apparently more people as well. I wouldn’t ever recommend this company to anyone! Buyer beware. BTW, the weighted heat pad is NOT worth $60! I went to physical therapy which is why I ordered this & the medical weighted heat pads that actually work properly are about $100, some less & some more, depending on what you’re looking for. I learned my lesson. I’ll order from a medical supply site from now on. I hope this company gets exactly what they deserve after doing so many people wrong!
I need to cancel my order but not answer just a recording.
Don’t buy this product because you will never receive it and they will take no responsibility for it or reimburse you for it. Walk away
I was going to order the product, but I don’t have any confident to buy one now. I’d rather suffer with the pain than purchase something from “our friend” China.
I bought the calming heat pad and was very disappointed. It is too hot. On the lowest heat setting I could only bear if for a minute and had to shut it off. The massage units inside the pad are bulky and stick into my back. It says not to lean on or sleep on it. Well I need to put it behind my back in my recliner. So it does me no good. I am really sorry because I had hope for this pad.
I ordered two of these. When I received them I opened one and there is a large like the size of a D battery towards both ends that makes a hard bulge on both ends and it very uncomfortable. This is not in any way something you can use and be comfortable. When I returned them it cost be the original shipping plus $31.83 to return them. I had a tracking number and after I knew they had received them 9 days prior I called and they said they would process the credit back to my Visa. They absolutely refused to give me any money back for shipping in either direction. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE PRODUCT AND SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My husband had lots of back pain and I have shoulder pain he has been using his for about a week and a half I tried to use his but it wouldn’t heat up so I got mine out I’ve been waiting on it to heat up now for about an hour still no luck I will be sending this back ASAP AND getting something that WORKS
I ordered Calming Heat from Sharper Image. It came quickly unlike some of the other reviews. I like that it is large in size since I am a relatively large guy. I found the heat settings nice especially hot which is not too hot like other heating pads I have had. It is relatively expensive but the quality seems to make up for the price. My last heating pad was about half the cost but it covered half the area and broke after a month of use. I don’t mind the dry heat because I usually do not put any heating pad directly on my skin. The vibration feature is nice but I don’t use it that frequently. All in all I feel good about my purchase of the Calming Heat Pad and would recommend to a friend.
This company needs to be reported to the “BBB” and also make a report on “Ripoff Report”, this company is a scam!
I purchased one of these pieces of crap. Plugged it in the first day I got it. It worked for all of three minutes before I noticed a smell. The vibrating part NEVER worked and it didn’t get hot. I got on the phone to call them and when they answered, before I could tell them what the problem was with the item they were willing to ship me a new one without me having to return the first one. That kind of tells you that this is a crappy product and a BS company. That was three weeks ago and I still haven’t received the replacement item, which I don’t even want. I had to open a dispute with my CC company to get my money back. No customer Service. I got thru the first time after calling six times. Their online help desk doesn’t work either. TOTAL RIP OFF.
How do I return one
I was so excited about this when I saw it advertised on TV! I immediately came and ordered it! I love the weight to it but as a heating pad it is a huge disappointment!! Even on high it barely seems warm to me. Now I use many heating pads and I like mine hot so it could be me but it does not get hot in my opinion.