Name: Hammacher Schlemmer Neck and Shoulder Heat Wrap
What it is: a slightly U-shaped heating pad that truly wraps around your neck and shoulders. It was made by Sunbeam for Hammacher Schlemmer. The neck section is about 5 inches wide, and the two pieces that wrap over your shoulders have lightly weighted edges and magnets so they can be clasped around your neck. The heating element is integrated throughout the wrap, and the switch on the 9-foot electrical cord allows you to set it on warm, low, medium or high heat to stimulate blood circulation and thus loosen stiff muscles and soothe aching joints. The washable heating pad has a soft blue microplush cover.
The good: This is the best heating pad I’ve ever used. It has become a must-pack travel companion. The Heat Wrap melts the kinks out of my neck, back and shoulders after a long flight, and it was very soothing after traveling more than 12 hours by air. It soothes my lower lumbar area after I’ve toted an overweight backpack or schlepped a lot of luggage. I usually unpack this Heat Wrap first, and often sit at a desk with it wrapped around my neck and shoulders. Its extra long electrical cord makes it easy to use at a desk or in bed. The wrap rolls up for easy packing.
The bad: What isn’t available — a cordless option with a rechargeable battery that could last three or four hours on a flight.
Cost: $69.95
Available from: hammacher.com